Internship - Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Interns at Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Position Summary

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.

Schedule

May 27, 2025 - August 19, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide public outreach regarding dreissenid mussels (Quaga and Zebra) and other aquatic invasive species.
• Inspect water-crafts 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.

Marginal Duties

Opportunities may arise to assist the fisheries program in conducting electrofishing and habitat surveys and other fisheries related tasks.

Required 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 vehicles
• Physically fit enough to carry a ~30 lb. backpack

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. 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

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

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Shared bunkhouse with kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities.

Compensation

$1,100 Travel Allowance

$500 Weekly Living Allowance

Housing provided on site

AmeriCorps Award valued at $1,956 at 450 service hours

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

Bear Safety

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Required

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.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.