Wildlife Management Team Member Internship (Flat-tailed horned lizard)

American Conservation Experience Published: February 16, 2018
Location
El Centro, California
Skill Level
Internship / Volunteer
Job Type
Internship
Categories
Analyst / Research / Natural Resources/ Restoration

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

Description

~ As a federally recognized member of the 21st Century Conservation and Service Corps, American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic organization with a reputation for providing crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding restoration project for the National Park Service, US Forest Service, BLM, USFWS, and numerous state and local land management partners. ~ 

Position Overview

 American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management of California (Desert District) is seeking three Wildlife Management Interns to dedicate 13 weeks to implement the Flat-tailed Horned Lizard rangewide management strategy through research, monitoring and management. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in wildlife and natural resource management on our public lands.

Start Date: May 14th, 2018

End Date:  August 10th, 2018

* A 13 week commitment is required *

Responsibilities

  • Interns will work directly with BLM Resource Specialists to conduct Flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) demographic and occupancy monitoring in the East Mesa, Yuha Desert, and West Mesa Management Areas.  
  • The Wildlife Management Team Lead Fellow will provide day-to-day oversight of the monitoring effort and field projects, as well as be responsible for working closely with the BLM with project logistics and for data-entry and BLM database management. 
  • This position is physically demanding for the Team Lead Fellow and Wildlife Management Interns alike as it is primarily performed in the back country and in harsh desert environments. 
  • Fieldwork and data collection will require the ability of interns to work as a group and individually, often walking long distances during all types of weather conditions, and over steep and uneven terrain.
  • The Flat-tailed horned lizard is only found in southwestern Arizona, southeastern California and in some limited areas of Sonora and Baja Norte, Mexico.
  • Interns will be working directly with BLM with collecting valuable field data on the species and its habitat for the Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Rangewide Management Strategy.
  • This management plan will provide guidance for the conservation and management of habitat to sustain and maintain the remaining populations of the Flat-tailed horned lizard.
  • While the species is not listed as endangered, increased human activities, such as agriculture and urban development, have resulted in the declination of habitat and population of the Flat-tailed horned lizard.  

Qualifications

Applicants must have a degree (or be working towards a degree) in ecology, wildlife biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internship announcement. We are looking for determined, strong and developing natural resource managers who are looking for experience working with public lands and  resource management. 

Required: 

  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Between the age of 18 and 35.
  • A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation; Driving Record check will be completed during on-boarding process. (Interns must be 21+ to drive ACE/agency vehicles).
  • Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check.
  • Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences.
  • Able and willing to alone and in a group.
  • Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor.
  • Ability to work independently in remote areas.
  • Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check.
  • The interns must be willing to represent ACE and the BLM in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.
  • Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE and the BLM reserves the right to require drug testing.

Preferred:

  • Experience and/or knowledge of wildlife ecology and management.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in desert ecosystems.
  • Experience and/or knowledge of local fauna and flora.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in various field data collection methods using standard protocols.
  • Experience and/or knowledge with GPS equipment.
  • Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain.
  • Experience driving four wheel drive vehicles and/or ATV over rugged roads.
  • Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the BLM and other federal land management agencies.

CompensationThe ACE  Wildlife Management Interns will work 40 hours/week and will recieve a weekly living allowance of  food and incidentals. $150-$200/wk (TBD)

Typical work schedule will be four 10-hour days (7:00am-5:30pm) Monday through Thursday.  The work schedule must be flexible and may be changed based on the needs of the BLM due to weather, equipment, supplies, etc. Interns will generally begin work in the early morning and work through mid-morning, to avoid heat of the day. 

Additional Information

 For more information about the California Desert District and its diverse resources please visit the website. For the Flat-tailed horned lizard Rangewide Management Strategy, please visit here -or- here. To learn more about the ACE Internship Program (EPIC), please click here.

Housing: 

  • Housing will be provided to the intern team at no cost to the individuals.  
  • Housing will be int he form of private cabins.
  • More information will be provided during interviews. **housing subject to change**

Transportation:

  • Interns should be able to provide their one personal mode of transportation for personal travel.
  • Interns will have use of an ACE 4x4 vehicle for work-related projects and travel. 

Training: 

  • The BLM will provide the initial training for the interns on lizard identification, plot set up, and implementation of protocols. 
  • BLM will provide data sheets, Passive Integrate Transponder (PIT) tags and pit tag readers.  
  • BLM staff will show and provide each intern with training on handling and tagging lizards. Defensive Driving with an online test will be required in order to drive the ACE vehicle.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references.

Note: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment Specialist, Erin Mounce.

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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