Bio Tech Intern (PO-00734427)

Position Description 
Here's an internship where your love for history and the natural environment will converge. During the internship, the intern will be immersed in an array of natural resource management practices to gain an understanding of the National Park Service mission in conservation. Different projects that the intern will be contributing towards includes habitat vegetation surveys, and Bobwhite Quail surveys, grassland and woodland edge habitat management, wetlands management, exotic plant management, pollinator habitat creation, citizen science, and educational outreach. The diversity of different projects would create an unforgettable experience and expose the individual to a variety of different career fields available within the National Park Service.    

Desired outcomes of the internship: 

  • Several acres of improved wildlife habitat, exotic plant management, and native plant restoration; 

  • Completed databases and maps of the projects, treatments, and surveys completed during the course of the internship 

  • Potential expansion of a citizen science volunteer program.  

Opportunity for independent projects might be available based on candidate's experience and park needs. Opportunities for education and field trips will be available. The partnership between the National Park Service and Student Conservation Association provides numerous educational experiences to improve knowledge in natural resource management. The park provides over 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, fishing ponds, and is conveniently located near several recreational parks, the nation’s capital, and Shenandoah National Park. 

The intern would work regularly with park staff to learn about the resources of Manassas National Battlefield Park and understand the Park Service mission. The natural resource land manager would provide project oversight, while the park biologist would provide field supervision. The intern will have the opportunity to be mentored and hosted by someone in the natural resource management division. The mentor will be available to answer questions, share experiences, and discuss career paths in the National Park Service. The mentor will also ensure that the intern understands the federal employment hiring system and how to build a resume. If desired, the intern may seek opportunities to shadow park staff in other divisions including facilities management, law enforcement, administration, cultural resources and interpretation. There will also be opportunities to meet and discuss land management practices and career paths with different agencies and organizations such as the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Agency  

Program Start Date: March 25, 2024 

Project Location: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Northern Virginia 

Responsibilities 

  • Collecting field data 

  • Managing data electronically, using GPS equipment to map various natural and cultural features 

  • Creating maps with Arc GIS software, following established Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines 

  • Implementing safety in daily activities 

  • Assisting with the collection of photo data points to monitor project success. 

  • Collaborating with natural resource professionals and volunteers 

  • Assisting with habitat improvement projects. 

  • Assisting with exotic plant control using herbicides and mechanical methods. 

  • Assisting with bird counts and bird identification. 

  • Assisting with pollinator habitat improvement projects. 

Hours and Schedule 

  • M-F 7:00-3:30 

  • Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 34 weeks.  

  • Occasional Weekend and early morning work may occur. 

Member Qualifications (Essential Functions) 

**Please include a resume in your application documents. 

  • Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member: 

  • Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; 

  • Be at least 18 years or older; 

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one; 

  • Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks; 

  • Ability to pass SCA’s AmeriCorps criminal history background check. 

**It is SCA’s policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position’s start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed, or the position’s start date will be delayed due to non-compliance. 

  • Driver’s license required 

  • Ability to hike rough terrain and tolerate uncomfortable temperatures. 

  • Ability to carry backpack sprayer for exotic plant control. 

  • Familiarity with plant and bird identification preferred. 

Member Benefits  

  • Living allowance: $600/week living allowance (pre-tax)* 

  • $1,100 one-time travel allowance (pre-tax)* – Personal vehicle required 

  • AmeriCorps Education Award-eligible of $4,826.50 upon successful completion of service.* 

  • Housing provided on-site 

  • Eligibility for a Public Land Corps Certificate for Noncompetitive Hiring Status if you are between the ages of 18-30 

  • AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program  

  • Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps 

  • Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans 

  • Access to a national network of professional resources and a peer group 

Trainings provided: 

  • AmeriCorps 101 and Prohibited Activities, suspension and termination policy 

  • AmeriCorps Members Service Agreement- Drug Free Workplace, Code of Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Disability Inclusion, Non-Discrimination 

  • Life After AmeriCorps- resume building, applying for jobs etc. 

  • SCA Urban Green Cohort Professional Development 

  • Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion 

  • Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Positive Workplace 

  • Risk Management 101 Other training opportunities when available 

  • Youth Summit events 

  • Natural Resource Orientation 

  • Exotic Plant Management  

  • Hands-on training for GIS/GPS, field survey protocols, and land management practices 

*All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

2024 Tentative Schedule *Please note – this is a tentative schedule. 

  • 3/25/2024 – 3/29/2024: National Direct Program (Virtual) Orientation & On-Site Training 

  • 4/1/2024 – 11/8/2024: Field Season & Continuing Training 

  • 11/11 /2024 – 11/17/2024: Last week of service & Final wrap up 

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants in the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service. Conditions of Employment For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid. 
 

SCA1957 

 

Position ID: PO-00734427

Expected Dates: March 25, 2024 - November 17, 2024

Location:
12521 Lee Highway
Manassas, VA 20109
US

Training Provided: Examples of training opportunities include: safety training, Youth Summit events, Natural Resource Orientation, and Exotic Plant Management Training. There will be hands-on training for GIS/GPS, field survey protocols, and land management practices.

Educational/Recreational Opportunities: The 5,000-acre national park is located close to the Nation's Capital and many nearby National Parks. The Park has over 40 miles of bridle and walking trails and several places to fish. The city of Manassas has shopping, movie theatres and dining.

Handicap Accessible?: No

Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt

Further Details

AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible

Driving Logistics: Required

For getting groceries, and reporting to work. Public transportation is not readily available and the roads are not safe for pedestrians or bicycles.

Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member

Housing is located within the park and consists of a house with 4 shared bedrooms, shared living space and kitchen.  It is approximately 3 miles from the Resource Management Offices.Seasonal Housing

Indoor/Outdoor: Combination

US Citizenship: Yes

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Student Conservation Association