Internship - Bio Tech

Internship - Bio Tech

#PO-00800186-MEM

Manassas, Virginia

Apply

Job Description

Program Dates: 06/24/2024 – 12/20/2024 (26 Weeks)

About us:

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

SCA’s National Direct AmeriCorps program advances urban climate resilience by protecting, restoring and enhancing public lands and waters as well as natural, cultural, and historical resources across the United States. Service activities focus on projects identified as critical stewardship projects that improve and protect at-risk ecosystems and resources, especially in underserved urban communities.

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.

Member Benefits

- Living allowance: $634/week living allowance (pre-tax)*

- Housing provided on-site

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

- AmeriCorps Education Award-eligible of $3,447.50 upon successful completion of service.*

- AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program  

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

- Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans

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

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

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

AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

This position is part of a specialized SCA AmeriCorps program and if you are selected, you will be serving as an SCA AmeriCorps member. To be eligible for this position you must meet these basic AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:

- Being a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;

- Being at least 18 years or older;

- Having a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to complete;

- Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered. 

- Driver’s license required

Additional Member Qualifications and Essential Functions

- 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.

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 

*Please note – this is a tentative schedule.

M-F 7:00a-3:30p. Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 26 weeks. 

Occasional Weekend and early morning work may occur.  

Training and Leadership development  

- 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 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

Housing

The intern will have their own room in a shared house on the Manassas National Battlefield grounds. There is a full shared kitchen and bathroom, running water, and electricity in the house. A car is recommended for travel to/from the provided housing and the Manassas National Battlefield headquarters. A car is recommended but not required for getting around town and to local shops nearby.

Application Instructions:

Please include a resume in your application documents. 

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 on 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.