Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Location: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR Job Category: Internship Salary: $11 -$12/hour; 40 hours per week; housing available Start Date: September 7, 2015 (some flexibility) Last Date to Apply: July 31, 2015 Description: Internship is available at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NRW, working in Boynton Beach, Florida This position will begin at the end of August 2015 (dates are somewhat flexible) and last for 6 to 9 months. Duties will include: The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is looking for an intern to work with our water quality and biology programs. Water quality in the Refuge is monitored, in part, through our Enhanced Water Quality Program (LOXA). Two people fly in a helicopter four days per month and collect water samples from the Refuge marsh interior. Samplers have to exit a running helicopter and walk through the marsh up to 30 or 40 meters away and collect water samples in conditions that range from hot and steamy, raining, or cold and wet. Collecting samples requires a lot of patience and meticulous attention to small details. Data is highly scrutinized as it is used in ongoing litigation. For the water quality program, the Refuge is looking for someone to complete the rigorous training required to a) fly in a helicopter and b) collect water quality samples two (2) or three (3) times per month. The rest of the month, the intern will be working with the biology program on a variety of projects relating to apple snail and snail kite monitoring, prescribed fire ecological effects, and other wildlife/habitat monitoring. The selected candidate will need to learn to independently operate an air boat and complete a week long airboat/outboard motor boat training course. The intern would also log 40 hours of airboat operating time with a certified operator on board, and then be certified to operate an airboat independently. There is also likely to be additional opportunities to work in other areas in South Florida with fire programs and monitoring programs. Qualifications: Applicants with similar experience or a wildlife biology background are encouraged to apply. Requirements: 1. Proof of U.S. citizenship. 2. Be able to successfully pass an FBI background investigation. 3. Commit to at least six (6) months of work. 4. Work 40 hours per week for 6 to 9 months. 5. Be in good physical shape (capable of flying in a small helicopter, walking through extremely difficult marsh conditions). 6. Willingness/ability to fly in a helicopter, work in hot, humid, buggy conditions in close proximity to alligators and other wildlife. 7. Willingness/ability to complete the required training (MOCC with airboat component, helicopter training (B3 and water ditching). 8. Willingness/ability to walk through the marsh in extreme conditions while wearing chest waders. Have a B.S. or M.S. in biological sciences, wildlife management, water quality, or a similar field of study. 9. Have a vehicle (remote housing site) for personal use (work vehicles are available for travel to and from work sites)
Apply by sending a brief letter of interest, a resume, and three (3) references. Contact Person: Rebekah Gibble Contact Email: [email protected]
