Come work in Colorado this summer! Self-motivated and detail-oriented individuals needed for important terrestrial and aquatic vegetation monitoring internships. These internships are in partnership with the Bureau of land management (BLM) and are part of AmeriCorps. Successful applicants who qualify will receive an AmeriCorps education award. The BLM AIM (Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring) program is vital for tracking the use and health of public lands. More details below and at www.rockymountainyouthcorps.org/internship-program. Please contact l...@rockymountainyouthcorps.com with any questions or to apply.
Partner Agency: Bureau of Land Management Position: Internship - Terrestrial and Aquatic Vegetation Monitoring Crew Members and Leader Positions Available: 11 Location: Kremmling, Craig, and Meeker, CO Tentative Session Dates: May, 2018- Early or Mid October. Full- time, temporary Stipend: Weekly stipend of $408 - $650 per week DOE AmeriCorps Benefits: Anticipated $2,215 AmeriCorps Education Award (675 hour term) Upon successful completion of the season Program Overview: Interns will serve on a 3-person crew (one crew lead mentor and two technicians) to monitor vegetation communities on BLM lands. Interns will visit randomized points across range and forested lands and follow specific monitoring protocols using the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methodology. More information on the BLM’s AIM Strategy can be found at: http://aim.landscapetoolbox.org/. Within each plot, all plants are identified to species level; Line-Point Intercept, GAP and Soil Stability measurements are taken along three 25m transects; and soil layers to a 70cm depth are described. Data are entered electronically at the plot using computer tablets. Data collected through the AIM Strategy will be used in land management decisions, evaluating land health, addressing concerns with T&E species and supporting BLM’s mission. Employment Details: Employment is expected to start in early May and serve for 5.5 months. It is necessary for each crew member to attend the AIM training in Grand Junction (May 14-18). Crew members are expected to serve 40 hours a week (4-10hr days). Interns may occasionally serve more than 40 hours per week which will be counted as time and a half. Flexibility and willingness to camp is essential as crews often travel over 2 hours to reach AIM plots. Crews generally car camp on BLM lands and hitches can last up to 4 days. Interns will be compensated with a camp rate when out on hitches and must supply their own camping equipment. Interns may also have the opportunity to assist with other projects involving wildlife, range, invasive plant management, and forestry. General Duties and Qualifications: ● Attend AIM Method Training (May 14-18, Grand Junction) ● Collect vegetation data using Line Point Intercept (LPI) methods ● Assist in plant identification at each plot by using dichotomous keys ● Press and document unknown plant species to be identified back at the office ● Assist digging holes to a depth of 70 cm and record soil layers, textures and hues ● Measure canopy gap and herbaceous heights at frequent intervals along a transect ● Record quality data and routinely do quality data checks ● Have a good driving record and drive a government 4x4 vehicle on less traveled 2-track roads ● Carry a heavy pack over uneven terrain and in inclement weather or extreme heat ● Endure long periods of standing, bending, crouching, or stooping ● Orienteering using maps, GPS units, iPhone Collector App (ARCGIS) ● Assist in weekly hitch planning, data entry and plant identification ● Basic knowledge in Rocky Mountain Flora and botanical terminology is preferred ● Applicant must be self-motivated and able to occasionally serve independently ● Since tasks can be tedious, having a good work ethic is essential ● Previous knowledge of AIM or Indicators of Rangeland Health is highly preferred
