Internship - Sheldon-Hart Mountain NWR Assistant Habitat Biologist

Program Dates: 11/04/2024 – 11/01/2025 (52 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:

Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex is recruiting a habitat biologist to join our team. The habitat biologist will focus on field work to support the habitat and wildlife population programs for the refuge complex. Specifically, the biologist will support sagebrush restoration and management by conducting field measurements and monitoring for the management of conifer encroachment in bighorn sheep habitat, as well as wet meadow/spring/riparian assessments and restoration. Data management and treatment/restoration planning and implementation is also a significant element of the position.

Additional duties of the position include:

• Participates in the planning, organization, and implementation of biological activities, including habitat manipulations that affect biological resources
• Conducts field work to collect vegetation data; enters and manages data after collection
• Leads a small crew of seasonal/temporary technicians in the field
• Conducts data entry, QA/QC, and data management
• Provides technical biological advice and guidance to managers and other senior biologists in the development of management plans, and coordinates activities with others
• Participates in other elements of the biological program by assisting with wildlife surveys, wildfire rehabilitation efforts, and invasive species control projects
• Supports and participates with other refuge programs including visitor services, refuge management, and the fire program

Field work will be conducted in rough, rocky, remote, and sometimes steep terrain in variable weather conditions. The biologist should be able to hike up to 8 miles per day carrying a 50 lb. pack. Training will be provided to those that have a great aptitude to learn. Training will include survey and monitoring protocols, ATV/UTV, field collection methods, data collection platforms, data entry, and restoration design.

Member Benefits:

• $600* weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
• $1,100* to/from travel allowance (paid once)
• $1,000 Duty Related Travel or Member Expense reimbursement funding (Receipt required)
• Monthly Health Insurance (Optional)
• All Weather Uniform (provided by SCA & Arborwear)
• Housing provided on-site and $200.54 monthly allowance included (paid to FWS)
• Eligible for AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395, received upon successful completion of position and 1700 service hours
• Eligible for the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of position (640hrs minimum service)

• All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

Member Qualifications:

• Driver's license
• Personal vehicle HIGHLY recommended
• Effectively communicates verbally and in writing
• Preference to candidates with an educational background and/or interest/experience in Biology, Habitat Restoration, Botany, Earth Sciences

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