Internship - Fort Collins NPS Data Management

Position Summary

This project is a one-year effort to rapidly publish long-term natural resource monitoring data being collected by eight of the thirty-two networks within the NPS Inventory & Monitoring Program. During the project, three 52-week interns will be immersed in an array of data-related natural resource management projects to gain an understanding of the role of monitoring of natural resources in support of the National Park Service conservation mission. The overall project will leave a legacy of published data for NPS employees and the public, and will contribute toward a culture of open data and open science within the federal government.

Schedule

January 6, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluation of environmental data from natural resource monitoring projects conducted by the IMD over the last 20 years to ensure the quality and utility of those data for both present and future resource management challenges.
• Authoring reports and metadata that document the methods used for data collection, quality control, and handling so that the NPS, partners, and the public have sufficient information to use NPS data for science-based resource management and scientific inquiry.
• Assisting with the quality control and management of information in NPS datasets and databases used to support science-based management of park resources.
• Periodic travel to work and collaborate directly with natural resource managers, data managers, and ecologists from various I&M Networks across the country, gathering data and necessary information to finalize products once back in Fort Collins, CO.

Responsibilities and duties associated with these projects will include, but are not limited to: managing and publishing ecological data, following established Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines, processing geospatial data, creating maps using ArcGIS software, collaborating with natural resource professionals and volunteers, and working with team members and partners to foster an environment representative of SCA and NPS values.

Interns will be based and co-located with IMD Central Support Office and Data Science Staff in Fort Collins, CO. Work will include travel to IMD field offices to work in consultation with staff responsible for collection of monitoring data. Travel expenses are covered while traveling to NPS IMD sites. A personal vehicle is not required for this position but may be helpful for commuting to the office in Fort Collins five days a week.

Fort Collins is a Colorado city nestled along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about 64 miles north of the state capital of Denver and 55 miles northeast of the city of Boulder. The city is the county seat of Larimer County. Located at the junction of Colorado State Highway 14 and U.S. Route 287, Fort Collins affords easy access to Interstate I25 and is also close to U.S. Route 34. One of Colorado's most populous cities, Fort Collins is also a large college town and home to Colorado State University (CSU).

Other Considerations:

• Applicants must be willing to spend up to one week per month traveling outside of Fort Collins, CO while staying in a shared living space with other SCA members for the duration of that week.
• Able to serve in diverse situations with people of different backgrounds.
• Willing to complete project paperwork and output logs documenting work completed.
• Interns should expect to meet regularly, reflect on their service, and contribute to the team-building process.

Required Qualifications

• Authorization to work in the United States. U.S. Citizen, Resident Alien, Valid Work Permit/Visa covering entire dates of employment.
• Interns must pass SCA's background check.
• This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, inclusive, or veterans aged 35 or younger, at the start of the position. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate one year of specialized experience and/or education related to natural resource management, wildlife management, ecology, biology, data science, GIS, and/or computer science.
• Familiar with software products such as the R programming language, ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, SQL, and/or Python.
• Working knowledge of data management practices in a natural resource context.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Interns are responsible for securing their own housing in Fort Collins, CO. A pre-tax housing allowance of $1200/month is included in the total compensation package to help offset these costs.

Benefits

• $600 - weekly living allowance
• $1,200 – monthly housing allowance
• $650 – relocation travel grant
• Health Insurance
• PLC eligible

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

• Covered travel expenses to different NPS offices across the I&M Networks
• Authorship on various NPS publications
• Networking with conservation professionals
• Participation in field surveys and long-term monitoring research in parks
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Professional and team development
• SCA gear package
• Alumni benefits after successful completion of the program

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.