The habitat restoration program at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is looking to hire multiple STEP (Student Temporary Employment Program) summer seasonal positions from May 2008 through September 2008 (if possible for the applicant). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently restoring 5300 remaining acres of disturbed lands to native prairie at RMA NWR. The Refuge is 16,000 acres in size and is located immediately to the west of Denver International Airport. It is currently an active EPA Superfund site in the final stages of environmental cleanup.
Pay will be determined on the basis of education and experience. PRIMARY DUTIES: 1. Assists in vegetation monitoring, helping to collect data to determine range trend and seeding success on habitat restoration sites. 2. Assists in collection of plant data to determine net primary production in our bison pasture as part of our bison monitoring project. (The Refuge currently has a small herd of 22 bison.) 3. Assists with the installation of prairie dog barrier to keep prairie dogs off of restoration sites. 4. Assists with weed control efforts in restoration sites. Some weed control efforts may involve the application and use of herbicides. 5. Assists with native forb re-introduction planting efforts, tree and shrub planting projects, other special projects, fencing, and fence maintenance. 6. Uses GPS/GIS to map locations of prairie dog barrier, as well as to navigate to transect locations within restoration sites. Assists in the GIS mapping of restoration sites as needed. 7. Assists with native seed collection activities, other restoration projects as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Basic knowledge of range plant identification and a basic ability to work with botanical plant keys. A basic knowledge of native shortgrass prairie grasses and forbs is desirable but not required. A background in range management science, range conservation, wildlife biology, botany, or some other natural resources field is desired. 2. Good physical condition, as work will be primarily outdoors in summer temps. Some jobs may require strenuous physical activity. 3. Must have the ability to work well with others as well as independently to complete tasks. 4. To qualify as a STEP student, you must be a U.S. citizen, enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of study leading to a degree at a college or university, graduate, or professional school, and must be taking at least a half-time course load as defined by the school. You must also be a student in good academic standing with the institution. Successful applicants will also be required to have a background check prior to the start of employment. STEP students are eligible for annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and holidays. 5. Government housing is not provided for this job. Local students are strongly encouraged to apply. HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should send a letter of interest and current resume preferably by email. Before being hired applicants must be able to provide transcripts and proof of enrollment for fall semester 2008. Aaron Rinker U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Commerce City, CO 80022 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
