https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/job/orchard-management-intern-2/
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), is recruiting an Orchard Management Intern to join our AmeriCorps program to assist the horticulturist and natural resource staff with orchard management and condition assessments for the orchards in the Fruita Historic District in Capitol Reef National Park. The orchards of Fruita consist of over 3,000 historically significant and heirloom fruit and nut trees that are managed as a cultural resource. Orchard management activities will consist of assisting staff with insect and pest monitoring, implementing integrated pest management strategies such as fruit culling, maintaining and improving young tree protection cages, cover crop management such as weed whipping, and assisting with irrigation. The intern will also assist with conducting the annual orchard condition assessments, which consist of applying horticultural and botanical knowledge to evaluate and record specific health characteristics of each individual tree. Orchard assessments involve field data collection and office work to manage and input the data. The intern may also assist the park’s resource management staff with high-priority monitoring of vegetation and wildlife projects that impact the Fruita Historic District. Orchard management activities require long periods of physical labor including walking, squatting, lifting, bending and carrying 30+ pounds. Orchard management requires the use of tools such as shovels, pick mattocks, pruners, wire cutters, fencing pliers, post pounders, ladders, wheel barrows and miscellaneous other hand tools. The intern will also be using power tools and machinery such as weed whips and wood chippers. Orchard condition assessments require long periods of standing and walking on uneven terrain to collect data. The task requires patience for repetitive tasks and attention to detail. The task also requires knowledge of botany and horticulture and the ability to apply knowledge to an analytical situation. The condition assessments will also require large amounts of office time for data entry, requiring attention to detail and the ability to use Microsoft Office and ArcGIS. Orchard management activities require an interest in physically demanding tasks and hands-on learning. Field work can be repetitive and physically challenging. Weather conditions will vary widely from cold with precipitation and rain in the spring to dry summer heat near 100 F. Capitol Reef is located in a semi-arid high-elevation Colorado plateau environment and is home to a number of venomous animals including spiders and snakes. Predators include coyote, bobcats and mountain lions. Challenging field conditions include gnats and biting flies during certain seasons. This position is at least 80% field based. The ideal intern will have an interest in working for the National Park Service or for other public lands agencies, be passionate about protecting historical resources and enjoy or be interested in applied horticulture. The intern may also assist with other vegetation or invasive vegetation activities including monitoring and control. The intern will be supervised by the park Horticulturist. Compensation o Living Allowance: $7,344 (allocated biweekly) o Education Award: $2,865 (May be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans). o Health and dental benefits o Housing: The park will provide housing in a 5-6-bedroom dormitory. The intern will have a private room with a shared bath, shared kitchen and common areas. The dormitory includes all appliances, coin-operated washer and dryer, some kitchen pots, pans and dishes. Internet service may be provided. Heat, electricity and water are included. A phone is available in each dorm and long distance calls can be made with a calling card. Housing is located approximately a 5 minute walk from the duty station. Timeline o 20 March – 17 September 2016 (26-week appointment) Location Capitol Reef National Park is located near Torrey, UT. The location is remote. The nearest gas station is 10 miles away and the nearest grocery store is approximately 35 miles away. A personal vehicle is required for travel/transport outside of work. There is currently no cell service in housing or near the duty station and it is spotty in other locations. Reliable cellular service is usually only found when nearing Torrey. The intern should find living in a remote location desirable. Located in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef NP is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges. In addition to unique geological resources, the park also has a rich cultural history. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree – or coursework and relevant experience – in Horticulture, Botany, Biology, Ecology, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Entomology or other related field; • Previous experience with invasive species management, nursery and/or orchard management, vegetation monitoring and botanical assessments; • Experience in following established protocols for field data collection and management; • Proficiency using a digital camera, GPS and ArcGIS; • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; • Experience with use of standard vegetation management and related hand and power tools; • Willingness to work to accomplish the goals and mission of the NPS and GBI; • Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, traverse uneven terrain and withstand strenuous exertion; • Clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate an off-highway vehicle, as well as a 4WD pickup on paved and unpaved roads; applicant must have or be able to obtain an ATV Safety Institute ATV Rider’s Certificate; and • Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of two in a lifetime, regardless of award amount), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. How to Apply Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to [email protected]. Please indicate “Orchard Management” in your email subject line. Please include where you found this position posted. No phone inquiries, please. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
