Fairfax (VA) County Park Authority
PAID – Two
(2) Natural
Resources Interns – apply by 4/1
Hours and
compensation: $12.50/hour,
approximately 40 hours per week from June 6th-August
12th. Holidays and leave are unpaid. A
vehicle will be provided for field work from the base office in Fairfax.
Housing is available upon request.
Organization
overview: The
Fairfax County Park Authority maintains approximately 24,000 acres of public
land including natural areas, cultural resources, and recreational facilities.
The Natural Resource Management and Protection (NRMP) Branch falls under the
Resource Management Division of the Park Authority, and is responsible for land
stewardship and implementation of the agency’s Natural Resource Management
Plan. For more information please visit:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/resources-nrp.htm
Position
Description: This
internship is primarily field-based but will also incorporate an office component
approximately one day per week. Interns will work together as a pair to perform
non-native invasive plant assessments on parkland across the county using a
standard field protocol. Interns will be trained in the survey method, conduct
field surveys, and input their results into a GIS database. Interns will have
the opportunity to participate in other field and educational activities
conducted by the Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch as events
arise. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the field of
natural resources and develop field inventory skills. Each intern will also
have the opportunity to plan and implement a special 40-hour project in their
area of interest.
Qualifications
and Skills: Applicants
must be at least 18 years of age and have a strong interest in natural resource
management and stewardship of public land. Applicants should expect to be
outdoors up to four days per week and should be willing to work outdoors in a
hot, humid environment with abundant insects, ticks and chiggers. Applicants
must be able to travel on foot in rough terrain, including over steep slopes,
fallen trees and other obstacles, up to eight hours per day. Applicants must
possess a valid driver’s license. Our interns will be working together as a
team and must be able to cooperate and share responsibility. Experience in GIS
and GPS use, basic plant identification, and ecology are a plus.
To
apply: Please email a letter of interest,
resume and contact information for two references to Leslie Gerhard, Leslie.Gerhard@fairfaxcounty.gov by April 1, 2016.