One internship is available at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR in
Boynton Beach, Florida, monitoring water quality and conducting prescribed
fire ecological monitoring.
The position will begin at the beginning of September 2013 (dates are
somewhat flexible) and last for 6 to 9 months.
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is looking for
an intern to work with our water quality and prescribed fire 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 Refuge is looking for someone to assist
implementing a prescribed fire monitoring project. At a minimum, the Refuge
is looking for someone to set up photo plots and conduct pre and post
vegetation surveys in prescribed fire units. The intern would 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 plans.
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 nine (9) months of work.
4. Commit to a solid 25-30 hour per week for 6 to 9 months.
5. Be in good physical shape (capable of flying in a 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.
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Location: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR
Job Category: Internship
Salary: $75/week + housing
Start Date: September 3, 2013 (some flexibility)
Last Date to Apply: August 23rd
Apply by sending a brief letter of interest, a resume, and three (3)
references.
Contact Person: Rebekah Gibble ([email protected])
