NW Marine Mammal and Rockfish Recovery Intern

This position is in partnership with the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), an AmeriCorps program of ESD112. NWSA's mission is to preserve and restore the natural environment, and to develop community leaders through service and community partnerships. 

Project Sponsor: NOAA Fisheries Service, NOAA Marine Mammals, NOAA Puget Sound Marine Fishes  
Project Location: 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Position Overview:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries is seeking an intern to support the Northwest Marine Mammal Stranding Network and help with special projects related to recovery of endangered and threatened rockfish species in Puget Sound. The stranding network activities include education and outreach to the public, coordinating response to reports of stranded animals, and assisting with data management.

The internship also includes opportunities for hands-on participation in response to stranded marine mammals. The rockfish recovery activities will be up to one third of the intern's time and include reviewing information, analyzing data and conducting literature reviews to support recovery planning and designation of critical habitat for threatened and endangered rockfish in Puget Sound.

Responsibilities:

(to include, but not limited to):

1. Taking calls and checking messages from the public reporting marine mammal stranding cases on the Hotline (this will include weekend and evening hours which can be done from home).
2. Returning stranding calls from the hotline promptly to educate the public and forwarding information to the appropriate Stranding Network group based on geographic area.
3. Communicating with the Northwest Marine Mammal Stranding Network to coordinate response to marine mammal strandings in Washington and Oregon.
4. Entering stranding data into the National Database, including compiling historical stranding data for entry into the National Database.
5. Assist in the field with stranding response as needed.
6. Attend marine educational events and fairs; represent the Northwest Marine Mammal Stranding Network to distribute educational materials.
7. Visit marinas and boat launches throughout the Seattle area to distribute permanent signage and educational materials.
8. Assist Rockfish Recovery Coordinator with literature reviews to support recovery planning and critical habitat designation.
9. Assist with reviewing information and data analysis of information on rockfish life-history.
10. Complete a Community Action Project that is identified by the Intern, researched, and implemented during the term of service.
11. Attend and complete all NWSA/AmeriCorps training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings and national service days.Complete a Community Action Project that is identified by the Intern, researched, and implemented during the term of service.
12. Complete and submit all necessary NWSA/AmeriCorps paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
13. Wear an NWSA uniform and/or appropriate identifiers and required safety gear while performing service or attending official events.

Qualifications: 

Position Requirements:

1. Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and ability to provide documentation. Must comply with NWSA Personal and Organizational Vehicle Use Policy detailed at the end of this position description.
2. Must attend a mandatory orientation in Trout Lake, WA from 2/7 to 2/11, quarterly Intern trainings in Trout Lake, WA (food and lodging provided for orientation and trainings), and monthly Intern meetings. Intern is responsible for transportation to and from all mandatory trainings and meetings, which may be up to several hours away from their project site.
3. Personal vehicle is required for this position.
4. Will be required to work some evenings and weekends.
5. College coursework in biology, conservation biology, wildlife management or related fields.
6. Ability to communicate with members of the public.
7. Computer skills including basic word processing, spreadsheet creation and manipulation.
8. 21 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
9. U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
10. Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
11. Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
12. Selection, placement and retention are contingent upon passing the National Sex Offender Public Register and a national FBI fingerprint check.
13. Regular and reliable attendance.
14. Members are eligible to serve up to 4 terms of service and receive AmeriCorps Education awards for each term of service up to the value of 2 full time education awards only. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inform NWSA of any previous service in an AmeriCorps program, regardless of whether or not they completed the previous term(s) of service. NWSA is not liable for providing an Education Award to a member if they are not eligible under the Corporation for National and Community Service AmeriCorps guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Background in environmental sciences, including marine mammals or marine fish species.
2. Database experience for scientific applications.
3. Experience with public speaking.
4. Experience working on interdisciplinary teams.

Compensation:

1. A total taxable living allowance of $11,800.
2. Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an education award of $5,350. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans, for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
3. Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
4. Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
5. Child care allowance for those who qualify.
6. Intern will have many opportunities to interact with a diverse staff in the Protected Resources Division of NOAA Fisheries, as well as staff in other divisions in the office.

Transportation Information:

1. Personal vehicle is required for this position and offers are contingent on your driving record and personal vehicle insurance coverage meeting the minimum requirements detailed at the end of this position description.
2. Project site is accessible by public transportation.

Service Dates: February 7 - December 16, 2011

To Apply:

Step 1:

• Complete your application Online at the AmeriCorps website
• If you do not already have a username and password, you must Create A Profile  
• Once you have logged in, create an application by clicking "Applications" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu.
• To apply to this specific position, click "Search Listings" under the "My AmeriCorps" menu and search for program name Northwest Service Academy-MAC
• Select the position listing and click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.

Step 2:

Submit the additional materials listed at Mt. Adams Center.