Natural Resource and Interpretation Internship
The Natural Resource and Interpretation Internship position is located in both the Divisions of Resource Management and Interpretation. Duties with the Resource Management Division may include, but are not limited to, collecting water samples, measuring water quality characteristics, inventory of natural resources along the river, evening bat counts, fish, mussel, snail, and crayfish surveys, vegetation surveys, invasive species removal or treatment, pollinator garden maintenance, electro-fishing, GPS/GIS and mapping, outreach with the public regarding park’s resources, data collection and entry, natural resource record keeping.
The duties in the Interpretation Division include staffing river access sites; presenting river safety talks and providing area information to river users; performing river patrols; and developing and presenting other educational programs on the geology, hydrology, ecosystems, natural history, and cultural history of the river valley. Programs will be presented to park visitors, local community groups, and summer youth camps.
Applicants need to be currently enrolled in a college or university working towards an undergraduate or higher education degree. Majors can include but are not limited to Biology, Chemistry, Fish & Wildlife Studies, Environmental Studies, Zoology, Hydrology, Environmental Conservation, Geology, Botany. We are looking for outgoing students who enjoy working outdoors and are comfortable being in the field with limited access to amenities and cell phone service. Some experience working in the field is preferred, but not specifically required. Experience can be from personal outdoor enthusiasm, coursework, shadowing, previous internships, school related clubs, community work, etc. Because of the nature of the field work performed during this internship, it is important applicants have a positive attitude about potentially getting wet or dirty, as well as working in and around open water, biting insects, and thick vegetation. There are also some physical aspects to this internship such as lifting, walking on uneven/unpaved rocky surfaces, swimming (possibly), canoeing/kayaking, and working from a motorized boat.
All interns will be provided with three weeks of training which includes an orientation to the National Park Service, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, First Aid, CPR, and canoe and whitewater rescue training. On the job training is provided by experienced staff members prior to and while in the field.
The Internship position will run from May 8, 2023, through mid-August 2023. Dates are flexible to accommodate school schedules. The park anticipates filling one internship position for the 2023 season. Interns work a 40-hour workweek, with some weekend and evening work.
For interns that are coming from outside the commuting area which is defined as over 50 miles from Lackawaxen, PA housing is provided and $30.00 is given for each day worked. For interns living within the commuting area (50 miles or less from Lackawaxen) mileage reimbursement will be given to and from the residence to the park each day.
A personal vehicle is required. The intern is responsible for travel to and from school/residence and the park.
This is a uniformed position, and the uniform is provided. The intern uniform consists of khaki pants/shorts, a blue polo shirt, and a blue ball cap. As this position requires outdoor work, personal protection equipment and outerwear are also provided. The intern is responsible for bringing suitable footwear for outdoor work, i.e. hiking shoes/boots. If the applicant has personal field gear they would prefer to wear for fieldwork, they are encouraged to bring it with them so that they are comfortable working outdoors. Personal gear will have to meet any safety codes, should they apply.
For those interested in the Resource Management and Interpretation Internship email a resume and two letters of recommendation to Ecologist Andy Weber. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applicants will be given first consideration. Email application material to: andrew_weber@nps.gov or by mail: 274 River Road, Beach Lake, PA 18405.
For more information about the program, contact Ecologist Andy Weber at (570) 493-0089, email: andrew_weber@nps.gov
To learn more about Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River check out the park web page at: http://www.nps.gov/upde
Check with your school's Internship Coordinator BEFORE accepting the hiring offer to determine if this position satisfies the criteria for receiving academic credit.