Cultural Landscape Management Intern (DHA) – ONSITE – San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Start/End Dates: May 19, 2025 – August 9, 2025 (12 weeks)
Compensation: $768 per week
Medical Insurance: Not provided
Application Deadline: February 7, 2025

The Latino Heritage Internship Program seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Must be a student enrolled in an accredited college with a graduation date beyond the internship end date.
• A personal vehicle is required for this position.

Position Description: 

The primary goal of this internship is to conduct a comprehensive vegetation survey of the mission landscapes within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The park was established to preserve the most complete collection of Spanish colonial resources in the United States and is recognized internationally as a World Heritage Site.

This project aims to utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map existing shrubs and vegetation across the five component landscapes of the park, providing essential data for ongoing landscape management and preservation efforts.

In collaboration with project mentors, the intern will develop their own project methodology and framework for analysis based on a review of baseline cultural landscape literature, existing vegetation data, and field visits to the mission landscapes.

Project Goals

• Conduct a Vegetation Survey
• Collect data on the diameter at breast height (DBH), height, species, and condition of vegetation within the park’s boundaries.
• Comparative Analysis
• Analyze the collected data against a 2016 vegetation survey to identify changes in the vegetation landscape.
• Use park literature on the cultural landscape’s history, ecological reports, and climate change data to guide the development of the analysis methodology.
• Final Report
• Prepare a detailed report summarizing the comparative analysis of each mission location based on literature review, field observation, and data collection.
• Provide overarching recommendations for vegetation management at each location and park-wide.
• Include detailed and specific recommendations informed by field observations and insights, considering the impacts of climate change.
• Presentation
• Prepare and deliver a presentation of findings to the park management team and other staff.
• Present findings to community stakeholders and interest groups.

Park/Program Needs Addressed

• Data Collection
• Establish a current baseline of vegetation to inform future management practices.
• Long-term Monitoring
• Support the park’s goal of replicating this survey every five years to build a robust dataset for tracking landscape changes.
• Management Planning
• Provide actionable recommendations for vegetation treatment and management based on current conditions and climate projections.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Field Data Collection
• Conduct on-site surveys to measure DBH, height, and condition of vegetation.
• Identify and record species of shrubs and other vegetation.
• GIS Mapping
• Utilize GIS software to create detailed maps of the existing vegetation within the park.
• Data Analysis
• Compare current survey data with the 2016 vegetation survey to identify and analyze trends and changes.
• Report Writing
• Compile a final report that includes:
• Detailed analysis of changes in vegetation at each of the five component landscapes.
• An overall synthesis of park-wide changes and potential causes.
• Site-specific and overall vegetation management recommendations.

Deliverables and Work Products

• Updated Vegetation Survey Data
• A comprehensive dataset detailing the current state of vegetation within the five mission landscapes.
• Comparative Analysis Report
• A report highlighting differences between the current survey and the 2016 data, including visual representations such as maps and charts.
• Final Report
• A detailed document summarizing findings, analysis, and management recommendations, with consideration of climate change impacts.
• Presentation of Findings
• Two presentations of findings: one to the park management team and one to community stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Pursuing or completing a degree in Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Botany, or a related field.
• Strong skills in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with vegetation survey techniques and plant identification, preferably in southern Texas.
• Ability to analyze and interpret ecological data effectively.
• Excellent written communication for report writing and documentation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Botany, or a related field (or in progress).

Relevant Courses

• Plant Identification and Ecology
• GIS and Spatial Analysis
• Environmental Management
• Landscape Design and Planning
• Statistics or Data Analysis

Skills
While the following skills will enhance the intern’s ability to successfully complete the vegetation survey, the park recognizes the potential need to fill knowledge gaps and is prepared to provide training. Mentorship opportunities with the park’s historical landscape architect, biologist, and GIS specialist will help interns develop specific skill sets for their tasks.

• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for mapping and data analysis.
• Experience with field data collection techniques, including vegetation surveys.
• Familiarity with plant species identification, particularly in southern Texas.
• Ability to analyze and interpret ecological data.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address vegetation management needs.
• Excellent written communication skills for producing reports and documentation.
• Ability to clearly present findings to diverse audiences.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to accurately record and analyze data.
• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with park staff and other interns.
• Adaptability: Willingness to work in varying outdoor conditions and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Passion for Conservation and Historic Preservation: Genuine interest in preserving cultural landscapes and understanding ecological dynamics.
• Effective Communication: Ability to articulate information and needs clearly to mentors, coworkers, and public stakeholders.

Interns in this program will receive 480 hours toward Direct Hiring Authority (DHA). See below for more information about DHA.

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)
Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.