Technical Intern - Natural Resources Division

Must attach a cover letter and resume to your application in order to be considered.

A Technical Internship is available with the Skagit County Public Works Department in the Natural Resources Division. This internship is only available to candidates that are actively enrolled in a college level, degree-oriented program. Eligibility to remain within the employ of this Internship ends upon graduation, unless the candidate enrolls in another college-level, degree-oriented program (e.g., graduate program) immediately following graduation. Internship schedules may consist of part-time work during the academic year (flexible up to 70 hours per month) and requires 40 hours per week during the summer months [June to September, while not in classes] (for a maximum of four months in a year, with the remaining hours worked to be less than 70 hours a month).

Generally, the duties of the Natural Resources DivisionTechnical Intern include performing a variety of field and office activities in support of the Skagit County Natural Resource Stewardship Program, Water Quality Monitoring, Salmon Habitat Monitoring Programs, the Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program, Lake Management & Marine Resources Committee, Noxious Weed Program, and Stormwater and Surface Water.

• Assist with riparian replanting; maintenance of previous plantings; photo documentation; and participation with partnership organizations.
• Assist with the County's native plant nursery including inventory and general maintenance such as weeding and watering.
• Assist with collecting water samples for laboratory analysis and field measurement of water quality parameters, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity
• Preparation of data summary reports using Excel® and/or other computer software.
• Assist staff with public drainage concern response.
• Assist with noxious weed management.
• Assist with forage fish surveys in marine areas.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment and coordination.
• Development of educational materials such as social media posts, newsletters, flyers, videos, website content development and updates, and participation in special events including fairs, festivals, and other outreach opportunities.
• Provide staff assistance with general administration, file organization, scanning, data entry, database management, report writing, permitting, easement development, GIS Mapping, data collection, and other duties that support the efforts of Natural Resource Division staff.

Supervisory:

None

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

Requires knowledge of:

• Continued active enrollment in a college-level, degree-oriented program with an emphasis in ecological studies, fisheries, environmental education and/or other natural resource sciences.
• Basic knowledge of water quality, fish habitat, riparian function and common plant species (both native and non-native).
• General knowledge of salmon habitat characteristics and restoration practices.
• Familiarity with water quality monitoring techniques and equipment.
• Operation of standard office equipment and computer programs.
• Knowledge of GIS, GPS data collection, and AutoCAD would be preferred.

Requires the ability to:

• Operate standard office equipment including computer and applicable software including; Microsoft Outlook, Excel®, Word®, and Access®
• Have and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Work with people in a courteous manner
• Work as part of a team and independently at times

Licenses and/or Certifications:

None

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to stand, walk and hike on and into planting/survey sites with uneven terrain for extended periods, climb, lift and/or carry equipment or samples up to 40 pounds, and have sufficient hand-eye coordination to operate computers and surveying equipment. Must have ability to Ability to dig holes and lift large potted plants for up to eight hours day. Work performed will be a combination of office and field environments.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment and hazards likely to be encountered in rural and remote field sampling locations and those typically encountered when sampling surface water from streams and rivers.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.