The intern will work in concert with park staff and a dedicated volunteer corps to manage wildlife and visitor interactions at Assateague Island National Seashore. This position provides a unique opportunity to work with one of the few remaining, free ranging herds of wild horses along the east coast. Primary duties include: educating visitors on maintaining a safe distance from park wildlife, with an emphasis on the famous Assateague wild horses (75%), assisting with resource-based interpretive and educational programs (10%), conducting informal interpretation through roving (10%), and assisting with other natural resource management and monitoring programs (5%). In this position, every day provides an opportunity to gain new insights on the dynamic social interactions and behaviors exhibited by wild horses. The intern will work to ensure their protection by recording horse movements and home ranges and by sharing these observations through public education. Skills and knowledge that you will gain on the job are largely associated with human dimensions of wildlife resource management.
We are seeking candidates who are interested in wildlife management with a focus on education, social sciences and human dimensions of wildlife. Applicants with coursework in science education, wildlife management, natural resources management and social sciences are preferred. Work is physically difficult and only those who are well fit will have an enjoyable experience. Daily bicycle patrols extending several miles in all types of weather including extreme heat and rain are required. A high level of physical fitness, a positive attitude, a strong desire and willingness to interact with the public on a daily basis, and a sense of humor are also required. If you enjoy seashore activities like swimming, cycling, beach combing, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and camping, there are abundant recreational opportunities available at the National Seashore.
Benfits:
- One time travel allowance: $1,100 (paid once)
- Housing provided by NPS on site
- Weekly living allowance: $400 / week
- Eligible for an AmeriCorps education award valued at $3,097.50
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
Position ID: PO-00734043
Expected Dates: May 15, 2023 - November 12, 2023
Location:
7206 National Seashore Lane
Berlin, MD 21811
US
Training Provided: Interpretive and education methods, skills and techniques, visitor center management, natural resource management and monitoring, first aid, CPR
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Learning opportunities in natural resource management, GIS and education are available from existing staff specialists. Recreational opportunities include cycling, beach combing, hiking, fishing, camping and countless other seashore based opportunities.
Professional Development Opportunities: Intern will receive professional training and development in the fields of interpretation and informal education.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Visitor Services and Site Operations
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Nearest grocery store is 7 miles from residence
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
The park housing area is located in close proximity (walking distance) to Seashore headquarters and the beach. All bedrooms in housing are shared (same sex) with common living and kitchen areas. Amenities include: full kitchen, microwaves, pots, pans, plates, utensils, air conditioning, and on site laundry facilities. Each dormitory also has a screened-in porch, and access to a volleyball court, bbq grills and a well-equipped fitness room. Smoking is prohibited inside housing, and pets are not allowed.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside
US Citizenship: Yes