Internship - Biology

Program Dates: 05/06/2024 - 08/25/2024

About us:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country."

Program Description:
The Western South Dakota Complex is seeking 4 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. Assisting with prescribed fires and easement flights may be allowed with proper training certifications.

Job duties change as the season change. Springtime finds us doing waterfowl surveys and invasive species mapping. As summer approaches we transition into vegetation surveys. As fall approaches will shift to waterfowl banding and seed harvest. Maintenance and miscellaneous duties are more as needed throughout the year.

The complex consists of 3 districts (Sand Lake, Huron, Lake Andes) and interns will be placed at one station but will have the opportunity to work at the other stations as well as the 2 districts (Waubay, Madison) in the Eastern South Dakota Complex.

Primary Duties:
Habitat Monitoring
Percentage of time: 50%
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 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: 40%
Intern will assist maintenance staff with noxious weed control, building and vehicle maintenance, groundskeeping, seed harvest, and posting or replacing signs on WPA.

Miscellaneous
Percentage of time: 10%

Other duties as assigned.

Member Benefits:

• $450/week*Living Allowance
• $1,100*To/From Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck
• Housing providedon-site
  • Sand Lake - Housing consist of a bunkhouse with fourbedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen, on-site laundry, a one stall garage. The intern should have room to themselves, but may have to share a room on occasion. The bunkhouse is with in walking distance of headquarters.
  • Huron - The bunkhouse consists of3 bedrooms and a large bathroom with a living room and a kitchen. The bunkhouse is within walking distance of the current office and maintenance buildings.
  • Lake Andes - Housing consists of a bunkhouse with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a full kitchen, on-site laundry, a one stall garage. The intern should have a room to themselves, but may have to share a room on occasion. The bunkhouse is a mile down the road from the maintenance shop where we will have a government vehicle for the intern to drive on a daily basis for the job.
• Eligible forAmeriCorps Education Award of $1,824.07, received upon successful completion of position and 450hrs or more of service
• Eligible for thePublic Land Corps (PLC) hiring authorityupon successful completion of position (640hrs minimum of service)

• All Allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

• Driver's license
• Personal vehicle required