Shire Jobs

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 5) – Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Program Intern

Length:

• Term of positions is 12 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk

(2 positions available)

• Term of positions is 16 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk

(2 positions available)

Location:

Maine – Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

New Hampshire - Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

Rhode Island - Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia - Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

James River National Wildlife Refuge Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Maryland - Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Living Allowance:

$600 Weekly Living Stipend

$300 Housing Stipend

AmeriCorps Award:

Positions are eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $1,824.07 (pre-tax).

Start Date/End Date:

12 weeks - 06/17/2024 – 09/06/2024

16 weeks - 06/17/2024 – 10/04/2024

Application Due Date:

Preference given to applicants that submit application by Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Title of Position:

LiDAR Monitoring Field Technicians (4)

Reports To:

Brett Bayer – Forester (2)

Evan Richardson – Forester (2)

Position Details

Stewards Individual Placement Program (STE) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

STE in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Region 5 is looking for individuals to serve as interns in the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Project. LiDAR integrates the latest forest vegetation and ecosystem surveying technology into land management practices. Terrestrial LiDAR scanning (TLS) surveying and monitoring protocols gather empirical data to inform active habitat management on refuges. The techniques used in this project visualize and quantify fuel lodging changes in the interest of wildlife fire, forestry, and biology. The efforts mentioned support multiple USFWS priorities and informs the conservation, protection, and enhancement of habitats for wildlife and plants. They refine adaptive management using models to predict the impacts of management activities before they occur. Thus, finding the best management option to meet the planned objectives.

The interns will complete sampling and data collection with Terrestrial LiDAR scanning equipment. This work will include plant identification, plotting location data, collecting fuel point intercept samplings, gathering course woody debris measurements, fuel bed, litter, and depth measurements. Interns will be expected to manage and organize collected data before entering it into the appropriate TLS platform.

To learn more about the Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging Monitoring Program from our 2023 LiDAR interns, click here (https://youtu.be/OTHPTBHVBts?si=lpNGnuP6emPrYx4_) !

Position Responsibilities will include:

· Plant Identification - Use dichotomous keys to perform plant community classification and to identify unknown plant species.

· Collaborating with foresters and refuge staff to develop appropriate plot locations.

· Collecting Field Data. Utilizing Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning (TLS) equipment to biologist identified monitor sites throughout the refuges.

• Basic operation and best practices will be given in field training. (prior to monitoring)

· Recording collected data.

1) Utilize standard reporting practices to upload TLS data into useable monitoring databases.

2) Use field Maps and Survey123 to record site information.

• Training will be provided on the best practices of monitoring with TLS equipment. Field Maps and Survey123 training will be given based on current skill level.

Minimum Requirements:

GED/Highschool diploma, some college is preferred.

· Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a vehicle.

· The ability to learn and apply new technologies in remote field settings.

· The ability to work and live in a remote location.

· The ability to hike off trail and navigate using GPS systems.

· Must be able to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment.

· The ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format.

· The ability to work with a team and coordinate activities with other team members.

Preferred Qualifications:

State Approved Driver’s License

Experience with GIS/AGOL/Field Maps

Background in related field of study

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

The LiDAR Interns may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on varying terrain and potentially under physically demanding circumstances.

These conditions:

• Present the possibility of injury and exposure to hazards such as venomous snakes, heat, humidity, and insects.

• Require long hours in isolated settings

• Require physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions on potentially difficult or hazardous terrain

• Require the ability to occasionally use hand tools and/or light machinery

• Require the willingness to travel frequently, work varying shifts, and potentially overnight stays.

Benefits:

Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $1,459.26 (pre-tax).

· Living Allowance: $600/week (pre-tax)

· Housing Allowance: $300/week (pre-tax) (No On-site Housing)

· Travel Relocation expenses covered up to a certain amount.

· PPE/Field Gear Stipend up to a certain amount.

Substance Free:

In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

 

Additional Notes:

All applicants must pass a criminal background and motor vehicle background check prior to hiring.

How to Apply

Apply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions. In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact:

Kahla Stewart

Program Coordinator

Stewards Individual Placements

(423) 402-6004

kstewart@conservationlegacy.org

Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Required SkillsRequired Experience