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ACE EPIC BLM UT: Ecological Site Inventory Team Interns

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Salt Lake Field Office is seeking 3 Ecological Site Inventory Team 
Interns for 20-weeks to assist their office withinventory and monitoring of natural resources and development of geo-spatial information. 

This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals with a background in Natural Resource Management, Rangeland Science, or a closely related field, with a deep interest in jointly advancing their career goals and the stewardship of Utah's natural resources through purposeful fieldwork and research. This 20-week internship qualifies participants for Public Land Corp certificate, with special hiring authorities for BLM jobs (See info below).

Start Date: May 13th, 2019 End Date: September 27th, 2019

Location: BLM Salt Lake Field Office, Salt Lake City, UT

Compensation: $560 per week living allowance (Stipend). Typical workweek will be 10 hours/day, 4 days/week with time spent mostly in the field collecting data. A per diem is also offered for days spent overnight in the field. Housing is not provided. Intern will be responsible for obtaining their own housing.

Project Background and Objectives: BLM Utah manages approximately 23 Million acres of diverse ecosystems including rangeland, riparian, woodlands, and forests. Our rangelands provide numerous benefits to the public through activities such as woodland products, recreation, and livestock grazing. Monitoring conditions and trend of these ecosystems is an important part of the BLM's adaptive management program, which seeks to sustain multiple land uses for future generations. BLM is looking to monitor these ecosystems to help determine land health through Ecological Site Inventory.

Project Website: For more information on Ecological Site Inventory methods, you can find the Ecological Site Inventory Technical Reference at: https://www.blm.gov/documents/national-office/blm-library/technical-reference/ecological-site-inventory
You can also visit www.usaconservation.org for more information about ACE and the EPIC program.

Position Description: The selected interns will assist the Salt Lake Field Office, BLM, which covers approx. 2.3 million acres of diverse ecosystems. Numerous opportunities exist for both field work and office work. Field work experience will be conducted in both forested and rangeland ecosystems. Field work will involve monitoring rangeland vegetation, soils, and ecosystems using established protocols and standardized equipment. Data will be collected using GPS and other field data recorders. 

Office duties will largely consist of vegetative data entry, report writing. In addition, some specialized skills using GIS and remote-sensing software in the development of geospatial data layers. The interns will be mentored and trained by the natural resources program staff.

The Interns will work out of the BLM Salt Lake Field Office in West Valley City, Utah. The project will be coordinated by Natural Resource Specialists and seasonal staff. Fieldwork will be done in a remote backcountry setting and requires strenuous exertion. Weather and terrain conditions may be extreme (e.g. heat, cold, thunderstorms, steep terrain).

Public Land Corps Special Hiring Authority: 
Interns serving under this agreement may be eligible for a special hiring authority upon completion of their internship. Qualifying interns who serve a "minimum of 640 hours of satisfactory service on appropriate conservation projects as defined in the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 and at least 120 hours were served on a project utilizing the Public Lands Corps legal authority." Eligible interns must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 30.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a degree in Natural Resource Management, Rangeland Science, or related fields. Candidates with Master's Degrees and an interest in a career in public lands management are strongly encouraged to apply. Resumes and cover letters must show detailed key project experiences. 
Required:
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident;
  • Between the age of 21 and 35;
  • A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation; Driving Record check will be completed during on-boarding process. (Interns must be 21+ to drive agency/ACE vehicles);
  • Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check;
  • Have demonstrated plant identification skills/experience. Field experience preferred.
  • Interns must have a high fitness level and an interest in camping, with potential for backcountry work trips.
  • Ability to work alone/in a small group with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work in small teams in close/remote settings (teams of 3). 
  • Experience and/or ability to learn use of GPS unit
  • Database management and ArcGIS software experience
  • Must be able and willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts
  • Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals
Preferred:
  • Ability to use a plant key
  • Familiarity with scientific names and plant terminology
  • Familiar with soil classification
  • Experience in extremely hot field conditions

Team members must be willing to represent ACE and the BLM in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

**This position is subject to change/close at any time**

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section, located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our website via the external link provided.
IMPORTANT! if you apply through handshake, we will not see your application. You must go to our website and apply there.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC BLM Recruitment Specialist, Joshua Haussler, at jhaussler@usaconservation.org.