In partnership with the Joint Bases San Antonio, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is assessing the biodiversity of Karst and Groundwater species on Joint Base land. The project is assessing biodiversity using a combination of physical traps/surveys and genetic assessment of eDNA samples. The selected SCA intern will work with US Fish and Wildlife Service Staff to collected and process groundwater environmental DNA samples (eDNA). The internship will require a significant amount of lab work (~80%) extracting DNA from water filters, conducting PCR reactions to amplify target gene regions for taxonomic identification, and Next-Generation sequencing library preparation for biodiversity assessments. Environmental DNA samples are collected twice a year on a seasonal basis. The selected intern will have the opportunity to be in the field collecting eDNA samples with USFWS staff (~20%). The ideal intern will have some lab experience, be attentive to detail, be able to follow laboratory and field safety as well as lab and field protocols.
Living Allowance: $520 per week
This position qualifies for an AmeriCorps Education Award.
*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.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
SCA’s COVID guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
SCA1957
Position ID: PO-00734958
Expected Dates: June 5, 2023 - May 5, 2024
Location:
500 East Mccarty Lane
San Marcos, TX 78666
US
Training Provided: Genetics Lab experience Field sampling Lab Safety Field Safety eDNA sampling Defensive driving
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Genetics Lab experience Field sampling Federal/Military partnerships Scientific Presentations
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Bicycle would be adequate
Housing or Stipend Provided?
D. No housing is available
Indoor/Outdoor: Inside
US Citizenship: No