Conservation Interns – 4 positions/GA, MN, OH, OH

Conservation Intern (450hrs)

4 Positions

Locations:

• Remote (school year), Aitkin MN (field season)
• Remote (school year), Van Wert OH (field season)
• Remote (school year), West Alexandria OH (field season)
• Remote (school year), Albany GA (field season)

Application Deadline:  August 16, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: September 2024

Overview / Purpose: The Forever Habitat Corps Conservation Intern will accelerate conservation outreach and technical assistance to 1) private landowners around climate smart conservation practices, 2) local school students through conservation programs like Milkweed in the Classroom and Journey to Conservation Careers, and 3) to the local communities through the Pollinator Habitat Outreach Program and Hands-On-Habitat events.  These internships are made possible in partnership with the USDA Working Lands Climate Conservation Corp initiative.

Duties:

School-year primary activities will include 1) engaging with local school districts to promote and deliver conservation programs (Milkweed in the Classroom, Pollinator Habitat Outreach Program, Journey to Conservation Careers), 2) coordinating and promoting conservation outreach events (landowner workshops, field tours, learn to burn workshops, Hands on Habitat), and 3) collaborating with PF & QF delivery staff and the Training Program Coordinator to develop online, self-paced training courses (Habitat University). 

Field-season activities will include assisting local PF & QF staff (Farm Bill Wildlife Biologists, Precision Agriculture & Conservation Specialists, Habitat Specialists) with: site visits, workshops, writing wildlife management plans, habitat assessments, GIS mapping, native seed mix design, wildlife/habitat monitoring, activity reporting, promoting climate smart habitat management through USDA programs and other conservation technical assistance to private landowners.  Activities will be centrally located near the designated city for the field season but may require some day travel to field sites.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Currently pursuing a degree in wildlife management, ecology, natural resources, or a closely related field with a minimum of 24 credit hours completed.
• Ability to work effectively with private landowners, governmental agency staff and conservation organization representatives.
• Possess skills or demonstrated ability to learn to correctly identify common native grasses, wildflowers, and other vegetation.
• Possess skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on a project with little direct supervision.
• Valid driver’s license with and acceptable driving record required.
• Must abide by all company policies, rules and safety regulations as directed.
• Physical demands include the ability to work in adverse weather conditions and the ability to lift and move 50 pounds.
• Some overnight travel will be required for training and orientation activities

Provided Training and Orientation:

• 15 hours pre-service webinar training and e-learning, topics include introduction to eFOTG, Introduction to Habitat University, Journey to Conservation Careers, and Primers on Working with Private Landowners, Milkweed in the Classroom, Journey to Conservation Careers, Hands-On-Habitat, and Pollinator Habitat Outreach Program
• 3-day (25 hours) Biologist Bootcamp hands on training experience in early field season
• 3-day (25 hours) Washington, DC partnership visit to learn about policy and implementing conservation programs

Benefits:

• $260 Bi-weekly living allowance equivalent of $15/hr based on estimated 450 maximum hours for the length of internship
  • School Year – September – May (20 hours/month)
  • Field Season – June – August (90 hours/month)
• Eligible for Americorps post-service education award of $1,824.07 upon successful completion
• Laptop and Automated Recording Unit provided
• Travel and mileage reimbursement provided
• Hands on Training (Biologist Bootcamp, DC Partnership Visit), skills, and practical experience necessary to become a strong candidate for a future position in private lands conservation
• Engagement with the nation’s largest employer of private lands wildlife biologists
• Seasonal employee. Not eligible for other company benefits (401k, PTO, FBS, or holiday pay)
• Housing is not provided, and intern will be responsible for reporting to the designated city for the field season