Conservation Intern - 2024

Conservation Intern - 2024
Application Deadline: Posted until filled. 
Salary Rate: $12.25 - $14.75 per hour 
Reporting Location: Main Office, New Philadelphia, OH 
Classification: Internship
Safety Sensitive: Yes
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Summary of Responsibilities

Counts and interviews anglers at creel locations; collects data from anglers on their fishing location, length of trip, what they kept and released. Collects demographic and opinion survey data from anglers; measures harvested fish; uses electronic data collection device (tablet, provided) and retains records and samples in a neat and secure manner until delivered to supervisor. 

The creel responsibilities will be advised by the Water Quality Coordinator as well as a division 3 fisheries biologist with ODNR. 

Other responsibilities include:
Assists with water quality projects and with interdepartmental projects, including MWCD Recreation, Trails, and Forestry departments as needed. Is involved with programs that MWCD promotes and funds including non-profit organizations such as Rural Action.

Assists Conservation Coordinators with projects within the watershed.

Practices standard MWCD safety procedures in performing all job duties and assists other MWCD personnel as required, including boat operation. 

When appropriate, attends department and other organizational outreach events and meetings.

Intern is required to have an Ohio Boaters Education Certificate to operate the MWCD for creel surveys and other conservation projects.
 

Essential Functions include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Collects biological and human dimensions data via angler interview; enters data using computers; operates boats and motors.

Assists with field and lab work, particularly under the Water Quality Coordinator. This can include traveling to MWCD reservoirs and collecting water samples, as well as analyzing samples for bacteria concentrations and other water quality constituents including blue-green algae. 

General laboratory duties include preparation of media and reagents, quality control of equipment and supplies, etc. Organizes and reports data results. 

Field work and data collection. 

Collaboration with outside research and projects.
 

Skills and Abilities

Education:

Must have attained a four-year bachelor's degree or be currently enrolled in a four-year bachelor's degree program with emphasis on biology, environmental science, or related fields.

Experience:

Knowledge of, and experience in using established microbiology laboratory equipment and protocols, limnology field collecting gear and microscopes. Some public speaking experience. Work or class experience identifying fish species.

Computer Skills:

Basic computer skills, including experience with Word and Excel, are required.

Certifications & Licenses:

Driver's license valid in the State of Ohio. Division of Watercraft Boater Safety Certificate (can gain one after hired)

Abilities:

Ability to keep accurate records and good organizational skills. Ability to interact with the public.  Proficient in arithmetic. Preferred experience or education in fisheries, wildlife management and/or natural resources. Should be willing to work in inclement weather, should be proficient in identifying sportfish, and knowledge of boat operations is a must.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and taste or smell.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, walk through wooded or brushy areas The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The intern will be trained to use acids, bases and other laboratory chemicals used in standard water quality testing.

Other Requirements, Expectations, or Unusual Conditions

It is anticipated that individual fieldwork will dominate this position. The employee must possess a reasonable comfort level on boats and in lake water at wading depths. Must be insurable by the employer's fleet insurance company. Good public communication skills are required. A valid driver's license and willingness to travel is required. Boater's Education certification is preferred. This position will require occasional work on weekends, early mornings, or evenings to in order to assist with research projects. Variable shifts of approximately 8-10 hours per day from April to September.