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Program Dates: 06/10/2024 – 09/26/2024

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 ecological restoration intern will work as part of dedicated team of field biologists restoring park native vegetation communities. The work includes identification of invasive and native plants, GIS mapping of invasives, invasive plant management through manual and chemical methods, greenhouse work, and revegetation with native plants. Vegetation monitoring may include backcountry travel and camping overnight. The intern will assist in other projects as directed. The works under the day-to-day supervision of a lead restoration specialist who assigns work and provides instruction.

Measurable work objectives:

  • Contribute to invasive species management efforts along 105 miles of roads and 92 miles of historic wonderland trail to maintain historic districts and native plant communities throughout the park.
  • Assist in the restoration of native plant communities. Work as part of a team planting over 30,000 forbs and shrubs in .2 acres of disturbed subalpine meadow habitat.
  • Develop and complete an independent project related to 1) restoration science communication, 2) mapping and data management, or 3) historic restoration documentation.
Benefits and Training
  • Develop a familiarity with PNW plant species, vegetation communities, and the natural history of Mount Rainier.
  • Work closely with experienced restoration specialists to conserve park resources.
  • These internships provide field experience to qualify for future paid positions with the National Park Service and other natural resource agencies. Training through classroom, field and on-the-job sessions includes safety, wilderness first aid, general park management, natural and cultural resources management, map, compass and GPS use, field data collection, GIS, data entry and management, and other topics as needed.

Desired Skills and Abilities:
  • A strong background and interest in natural, environmental, or biological sciences.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Extremely punctual and highly reliable, to ensure timely and systematic completion of tasks.
  • Ability to interact professionally with park staff and visitors.
  • Ability to work safely along busy roadways in the park.
  • Willingness to carry and operate a backpack herbicide sprayer (required).
  • Ability to travel safely in the backcountry and carry a heavy overnight pack.
  • Ability to hike up to 10 miles a day in rough terrain, high elevations, and remote settings.
Member Benefits:
  • $1,100 to from travel allowance (one time)
  • $500 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
  • Housing on site provided.
    • The Park provides shared housing at Longmire, Ashford, or Ohanapecosh, WA.
  • Uniform Package
  • 24-7 Incident Response
  • Personal Program Coordinator
  • AmeriCorps Required upon acceptance of offer.
  • AmeriCorps Award (valued at $1,824) at fulfillment of position requirements and 450 hours.
  • All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

Member Qualifications:
  • Driver's license
  • Personal vehicle required.
  • Physical fitness required.
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.