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Form of workPOSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant
Park Unit: Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve
Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico
Number of positions available: 2
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 Weeks
Start Date: 05/12/2024
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $525.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
POSITION DESCRIPTION
This internship will be a key component of the Natural Resource program at Bandelier National Monument (BAND) and Valles Caldera National Preserve (VALL). The interns will work closely with the BAND Natural Resource Program Manager, VALL Wildlife Biologist, and the BAND Biological Technician in all aspects of NPS resource projects. While the interns will be involved with a variety of Resource Management projects, they will mainly focus on a comprehensive survey effort for the endangered New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse (NMMJM) within BAND and VALL and the adjacent USFS lands. NMMJM are federally listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act and their current population within BAND/VALL is poorly understood. In order to increase our knowledge of the status of NMMJM populations, we will be conducting surveys using FWS approved survey techniques. The interns will serve as the field leads on this survey effort. In addition to the NMMJM project, the interns may also assist with Mexican Spotted Owl (threatened) surveys, Jemez Mountains Salamander (endangered) surveys, trout surveys and reintroductions, fire ecology plot reading and establishment, vegetation restoration, bat surveys, peregrine falcon surveys, bird banding, water quality analysis, beaver reintroduction, and resource education. The interns will learn proper bird banding skills and identifiable traits such as how to determine the age and sex of birds. They will learn or expand their skills pertaining to public speaking. The interns will develop their knowledge base relating to passerines. The interns will learn much about native versus non-native, invasive vegetation and how it affects other species. The interns will become very familiar with how water quality is integral to the reintroduction of native trout and beaver back into the streams in the park. The interns will leave this position with many skills that will make them competitive for any future job in Natural Resources. From this 26-week position, the SIP will gain a broad range of skills and experience related to Natural Resource Management, federal land management, and the management of Threatened and Endangered species.
The NMMJM is listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the NPS is mandated to protect the survival and aid in the recovery of NMMJM under Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7(a)(1), to recover and ultimately delist the species from ESA listing, and to not jeopardize the survival and continued existence of the species because of our actions under section 7(a)(2) of the ESA.
POSITION IMPACT
Interns will learn how to work as a team and as project leads if they desire. Completing extensive surveys across BAND and VALL for the NMMJM is important to park management of these riparian areas. Both parks are completing Vegetation Management Plans, Fire Management Plans, and Restoration Plans for their riparian areas. These plans are being created to change with climate change impacts and expect different future conditions. Expanding NMMJM habitat as needed is an important part of these plans and these surveys are being used to inform Management decisions. The park bird banding program has been tracking bird movements since 2004 and based on climate change disturbances like fires and flooding, can use this data to predict movements of other species.
DELIVERABLES
The interns will become proficient in surveying for and identifying endangered NMMJM. They will have the opportunity to work with wildlife experts to determine best habitat and best management practices for this mouse. The interns will learn much about native versus non-native, invasive vegetation and how it affects other species. They will become very familiar with how water quality is integral to the reintroduction of native trout and beaver back into the streams in the park. The interns will leave this position with many skills that will make them competitive for any future job in Natural Resources. They will prepare a comprehensive report for the park management team on the results from their NMMJM surveys and give suggestions for best management practices to sustain this endangered species. They will give a presentation at the local nature center and one to the BAND staff about their findings.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
Must have a degree or be working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, ecology, Natural Resources, or wildlife.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident ("Green Card holder"). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
WORK SETTING
Bandelier National Monument (BAND) is a unit of the National Park System located near the town of Los Alamos, NM. BAND is located on the Pajarito Plateau in northern New Mexico, and protects over 33,000 acres of rugged canyons, mesas, and forests ranging from just over 5,000 feet in elevation near the Rio Grande River to over 10,000 feet in elevation at the park's northern boundary in the Jemez Mountains. The neighboring towns of Los Alamos and White Rock are located approximately 25 minutes away; Santa Fe is about 45 minutes away. The headquarters of Bandelier is over 6,000 feet in elevation and summers in the park are characterized by very warm days, cool nights, and frequent monsoonal thunderstorms. A vehicle will be available for work-related duties, but a personal vehicle is required for other activities. There is no internet available in park housing and cell service/Wi-Fi is limited to Verizon within the headquarters area. The nearest public high-speed internet is available at the White Rock library. The SIP is required to be able to work repeatedly in challenging field conditions carrying a pack weighing up to 35lbs on long hikes (10+ miles) with significant elevation change at high elevation while maintaining situational awareness and rigorous scientific quality. The SIP will spend approximately 75% of their time in the field and 25% in the office. Field work hours will be highly variable and include both night and day work with variable start/finish times but not exceeding 40 hours per week. Field work will occur in remote locations commonly in steep and rough terrain requiring long hikes with occasional overnight trips requiring camping in the field. Hazards included the terrain, rattlesnakes, black bear, mountain lions, sun exposure, high elevation, and lack of perennial water sources in some locations. Office work will require skills in report writing and attention to detail as well as the ability to analyze acoustic data using both visual and auditory methods.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Intern will be placed in a housing unit with a shared kitchen, bathroom(s), and living areas. All effort will be made for each intern to have their own room. All furniture and cooking supplies will be provided. Housing will be inside Bandelier National Monument within 3 miles of the Headquarters area. Housing may be in a CCC-era housing so interns should expect a rustic experience with no wi-fi (though Verizon works in most areas).
KEYWORDS
Jumping Mouse, Endangered Species, Reintroduction, Restoration, Survey, Wildlife, New Mexico
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 100 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, 21 January, whichever occurs first. Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks Intern positions per summer. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.)
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS
Under 100 (this section will update if a position reaches greater than 60, greater than 80, and greater than 90 applications before closing)
LEARN MORE
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/
Position Title: Natural Resource Management Assistant
Park Unit: Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve
Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico
Number of positions available: 2
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 Weeks
Start Date: 05/12/2024
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $525.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
POSITION DESCRIPTION
This internship will be a key component of the Natural Resource program at Bandelier National Monument (BAND) and Valles Caldera National Preserve (VALL). The interns will work closely with the BAND Natural Resource Program Manager, VALL Wildlife Biologist, and the BAND Biological Technician in all aspects of NPS resource projects. While the interns will be involved with a variety of Resource Management projects, they will mainly focus on a comprehensive survey effort for the endangered New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse (NMMJM) within BAND and VALL and the adjacent USFS lands. NMMJM are federally listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act and their current population within BAND/VALL is poorly understood. In order to increase our knowledge of the status of NMMJM populations, we will be conducting surveys using FWS approved survey techniques. The interns will serve as the field leads on this survey effort. In addition to the NMMJM project, the interns may also assist with Mexican Spotted Owl (threatened) surveys, Jemez Mountains Salamander (endangered) surveys, trout surveys and reintroductions, fire ecology plot reading and establishment, vegetation restoration, bat surveys, peregrine falcon surveys, bird banding, water quality analysis, beaver reintroduction, and resource education. The interns will learn proper bird banding skills and identifiable traits such as how to determine the age and sex of birds. They will learn or expand their skills pertaining to public speaking. The interns will develop their knowledge base relating to passerines. The interns will learn much about native versus non-native, invasive vegetation and how it affects other species. The interns will become very familiar with how water quality is integral to the reintroduction of native trout and beaver back into the streams in the park. The interns will leave this position with many skills that will make them competitive for any future job in Natural Resources. From this 26-week position, the SIP will gain a broad range of skills and experience related to Natural Resource Management, federal land management, and the management of Threatened and Endangered species.
The NMMJM is listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the NPS is mandated to protect the survival and aid in the recovery of NMMJM under Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7(a)(1), to recover and ultimately delist the species from ESA listing, and to not jeopardize the survival and continued existence of the species because of our actions under section 7(a)(2) of the ESA.
POSITION IMPACT
Interns will learn how to work as a team and as project leads if they desire. Completing extensive surveys across BAND and VALL for the NMMJM is important to park management of these riparian areas. Both parks are completing Vegetation Management Plans, Fire Management Plans, and Restoration Plans for their riparian areas. These plans are being created to change with climate change impacts and expect different future conditions. Expanding NMMJM habitat as needed is an important part of these plans and these surveys are being used to inform Management decisions. The park bird banding program has been tracking bird movements since 2004 and based on climate change disturbances like fires and flooding, can use this data to predict movements of other species.
DELIVERABLES
The interns will become proficient in surveying for and identifying endangered NMMJM. They will have the opportunity to work with wildlife experts to determine best habitat and best management practices for this mouse. The interns will learn much about native versus non-native, invasive vegetation and how it affects other species. They will become very familiar with how water quality is integral to the reintroduction of native trout and beaver back into the streams in the park. The interns will leave this position with many skills that will make them competitive for any future job in Natural Resources. They will prepare a comprehensive report for the park management team on the results from their NMMJM surveys and give suggestions for best management practices to sustain this endangered species. They will give a presentation at the local nature center and one to the BAND staff about their findings.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
Must have a degree or be working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, ecology, Natural Resources, or wildlife.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident ("Green Card holder"). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
WORK SETTING
Bandelier National Monument (BAND) is a unit of the National Park System located near the town of Los Alamos, NM. BAND is located on the Pajarito Plateau in northern New Mexico, and protects over 33,000 acres of rugged canyons, mesas, and forests ranging from just over 5,000 feet in elevation near the Rio Grande River to over 10,000 feet in elevation at the park's northern boundary in the Jemez Mountains. The neighboring towns of Los Alamos and White Rock are located approximately 25 minutes away; Santa Fe is about 45 minutes away. The headquarters of Bandelier is over 6,000 feet in elevation and summers in the park are characterized by very warm days, cool nights, and frequent monsoonal thunderstorms. A vehicle will be available for work-related duties, but a personal vehicle is required for other activities. There is no internet available in park housing and cell service/Wi-Fi is limited to Verizon within the headquarters area. The nearest public high-speed internet is available at the White Rock library. The SIP is required to be able to work repeatedly in challenging field conditions carrying a pack weighing up to 35lbs on long hikes (10+ miles) with significant elevation change at high elevation while maintaining situational awareness and rigorous scientific quality. The SIP will spend approximately 75% of their time in the field and 25% in the office. Field work hours will be highly variable and include both night and day work with variable start/finish times but not exceeding 40 hours per week. Field work will occur in remote locations commonly in steep and rough terrain requiring long hikes with occasional overnight trips requiring camping in the field. Hazards included the terrain, rattlesnakes, black bear, mountain lions, sun exposure, high elevation, and lack of perennial water sources in some locations. Office work will require skills in report writing and attention to detail as well as the ability to analyze acoustic data using both visual and auditory methods.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Intern will be placed in a housing unit with a shared kitchen, bathroom(s), and living areas. All effort will be made for each intern to have their own room. All furniture and cooking supplies will be provided. Housing will be inside Bandelier National Monument within 3 miles of the Headquarters area. Housing may be in a CCC-era housing so interns should expect a rustic experience with no wi-fi (though Verizon works in most areas).
KEYWORDS
Jumping Mouse, Endangered Species, Reintroduction, Restoration, Survey, Wildlife, New Mexico
IMPORTANT NOTICES
This posting will close after receiving 100 complete applications, or at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, 21 January, whichever occurs first. Once you begin applying for a position, the application must be completed in one sitting. You cannot save and return later to complete it. Applicants can apply for up to five Scientists in Parks Intern positions per summer. You need to complete a separate application for each position in order to be considered. You should receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting an application. Sometimes institutional email filters/settings can redirect or block emails related to the application. We recommend watching spam, junk, and promotional email folders in case your service delivers messages there. Please visit How to Apply for additional resources and information about applying (i.e., learn what materials to have ready for applying, find a worksheet that previews application questions, etc.)
CURRENT NUMBER OF APPLICANTS
Under 100 (this section will update if a position reaches greater than 60, greater than 80, and greater than 90 applications before closing)
LEARN MORE
https://www.scientistsinparks.org/
