Internship- Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Crew

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Student Conservation Association

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Challis, ID, United States

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Program Dates: 05/27/2024 – 08/18/2024 (12 weeks)

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:
Join the Sawtooth National Recreation Area team by assisting with aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near Stanley, Idaho. As a member of the AIS crew, you will be expected to assist with the implementation of ongoing boat inspection and educational efforts by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and US Forest Service in the Upper Salmon Watershed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (e.g. quagga and zebra mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, whirling disease, watermilfoil) through public outreach, early detection, and boat disinfection. The crew will provide educational and interpretive information to the public regarding the threat and detriment of aquatic invasive species while staffing watercraft inspection stations at Redfish, Alturas, and Stanley Lakes.

Assigned duties will include the following:

  • Provide public outreach regarding dreissenid mussels (Quaga and Zebra) and other aquatic invasive species.
  • Inspect watercrafts and provide hot wash decontaminations for “fouled” boats.
  • Conduct interviews and enter visitor use data on a tablet using survey123.
  • Collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from sub-alpine lakes and outlet streams on foot or by kayak.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Opportunities may arise to assist the fisheries program in conducting electrofishing and habitat surveys and other fisheries related tasks.

Duty Location Address:
442 Ranger Station Rd.
Stanley, ID 83278

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (Sawtooth NRA) consists of 756,000 acres of beautiful mountainous scenery. The Sawtooth NRA includes the Sawtooth Wilderness, Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, and the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness areas. The Sawtooth NRA has over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and 300-plus high-elevation alpine lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas.

Member Benefits:
  • $1,100 - one time RT travel allowance
  • $350- weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
  • Housing on site provided.
    • Shared bunkhouse with kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities. Selectees will be assigned to a bunkhouse.
  • AmeriCorps eligible ($1,824 education award) at fulfillment of 450 service hours and successful completion of internship
  • All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

Member Qualifications:
  • A valid driver's license.
  • A personal vehicle is required.
  • Ability to work as a team and independently.
  • Knowledge of and the ability to use Survey 123, read maps, and drive a four-wheel drive vehicle.
  • Physically fit enough to carry a ~30 lb. backpack.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Interest in learning aspects of professional Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and Invasive Species, Restoration, and Recreation Management.

Applicants will be evaluated based on application information, references, and the match of the applicant's skills with the needs of the field office.

Additional:
Must be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member. This includes:

  • 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.
  • Being willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks.