The Eastern South Dakota Complex is seeking 2 interns to assist with habitat monitoring and management on Waterfowl Productions Areas in South Dakota. The interns will work closely with USFWS biologists and managers evaluating habitat and performing vegetation surveys. Specific activities include vegetation surveys, waterfowl surveys, invasive species mapping, iPad data collections, signage, utv operation, pickup trailer operating, and other duties as assigned.
Job duties change as the season change. Spring time finds us doing waterfowl surveys and invasive species mapping. As summer approaches we transition into vegetation surveys. As fall approaches will shift to seed harvest and processing. Maintenance and miscellaneous duties are more as needed through out the year.
Duties:
Habitat Monitoring
Percentage of time: 60%
Assists with biological field investigations, related to habitat management activities (grazing and fire). Habitat is monitored using 3 types of vegetation protocols. The intern will be trained in all 3 methods and will utilize the surveys as directed. The intern will be trained on tall grass prairie plants and various weed species. Most field sampling will be conducted during a typical 5-day work week. Intern should be in good physical condition, with the ability to lift objects, and withstand potentially harsh environmental conditions. Duties also include preparation of gear prior to and maintenance of gear upon conclusion of field activities.
Maintenance / Station Duties
Percentage of time: 30%
Intern will assist maintenance staff with noxious weed control, building and vehicle maintenance, seed harvest, and posting or replacing signs on WPA.
Miscellaneous
Percentage of time: 10%
Other duties as assigned.
Compensation
– $450/week* Living Allowance
– $50/week* Commuting Allowance
– $1,100* To/From Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck
– Housing provided on-site (18 miles from office)
– Eligible for AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,718.25, received upon successful completion of position
– Eligible for the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of position (640hrs minimum of service)
*All Allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
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.
For SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid.
Position ID: PO-00734582
Expected Dates: May 15, 2023 - September 3, 2023
Location:
23520 SD Hwy 19 / PO Box 48
Madison, SD 57042
US
Training Provided: Vegetation ID Bird ID GIS (AGOL and Field Maps) Survey 123
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Active lifestyle includes: hiking, biking, fishing hunting, bird watching. Educational opportunities include library, museum, and festivals.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Bunkhouse is 18 miles from the office.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Our bunkhouse is a older ranch style house with 3 bedrooms and completely furnished. The house is located on a Waterfowl Production Area that is 18 miles from the office. Internet is not provide but available from the local provider.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes
