*The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve is seeking a 12-month SCA Resource Management & Monitoring Intern*
*Location:* Disney Wilderness Preserve (Kissimmee, FL) *Position Dates:* From 6/2/2009 to 5/29/2010 for 52 weeks (flexible by 2-3 weeks) *Basic Description*: Gain experience with Florida natural areas, ecological restoration and monitoring, data management, and GIS/GPS in this year-long Student Conservation Association (SCA) internship. Located in the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, TNC's Disney Wilderness Preserve is a mosaic of longleaf pine flatwoods, scrub, dry and wet prairie, and herbaceous and forested wetlands. *Duties include:* Lead/conduct hydrologic, photo-point and fire extent monitoring, including training and coordinating field staff and managing equipment (30%); participate in vegetation sampling programs, including: locating/preparing monitoring stations and conducting herbaceous vegetation sampling (15%); assist with GPS/GIS and data management projects and create data products, including maps, tables and graphs (25%); participate in restoration activities, including: seed and plant material collecting and dispersal and/or monitoring and controlling invasive plants (10%); assist in management of the conservation program equipment/supplies, print library and photo collection databases and physical inventories (5%); and other assigned duties (15%). In addition, the intern will conduct a program-related special project that contributes to the advancement of the Preserve mission, and will work on this project throughout the internship, with a final report submitted in their last month. *Required:* Bachelor of Science degree in natural science; high degree of proficiency in basic computer functioning, including working within the Windows environment and navigating the internet; training and/or project experience with Microsoft (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint) and ESRI (ArcView (3.x) and ArcGIS (9.x)) suites of software; valid driver’s license; ability to operate off-road vehicles; ability to work well independently and as part of a team and be reliable, hard working, and safety conscious; experience and comfort navigating using compass, GPS, maps and aerial photos; excellent organizational and time management skills; willing and motivated to lead individuals and groups in field activities; strong written and oral communication skills; willingness to work some weekends and in harsh outdoor conditions such as inundated wetlands, heat, cold and rain; no debilitating reaction to insect bites or poison ivy. *Desired**:* Experience building and/or maintaining relational databases (i.e. Access), geodatabases and metadata; experience developing and/or implementing data management procedures; extensive experience working with both ArcView 3.x and ArcGIS 9.x, managing data and creating maps; interest in conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem restoration; familiarity with central Florida plants and natural communities. *Benefits*: Benefits are typical of SCA internships and include a stipend and health insurance. Housing is provided on-site in a shared living setting. *Application Deadline:* May 1, 2009 or until filled *How to Apply*: For a full description and application, please visit: http://www.thesca.org/node/18685 For further information, contact Carly Voight at [email protected]. Please do not send applications to this email – please use the above link to apply for the position. Carly Voight GIS and Conservation Data Coordinator The Nature Conservancy Disney Wilderness Preserve [email protected]
