Land Stewardship Spring Semester Intern

Wildlands Engineering is seeking a motivated individual to assist our growing Raleigh team through a land stewardship spring semester internship position. We are looking for a student enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program for environmental or biological sciences, landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry, or related applicable scientific or engineering discipline. The position is a paid, part-time, hourly internship that is largely field based. An ideal candidate will work 2-3 days per week.

Company Information
Wildlands Engineering, Inc. was founded in 2007 and focuses on stream and wetland restoration, watershed planning and assessment, and water quality management. With offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, Wildlands Engineering provides water resources engineering, ecosystem restoration, mitigation banking, and consulting services to an array of clients, including local and state government and conservation organizations. Our dedicated, motivated, and highly trained team has experience in all aspects of stream and wetland restoration, watershed planning and assessment, and water quality management. Wildlands Engineering is committed to a watershed and ecosystem approach to ecological restoration and water quality management, and we provide exceptional services to our clients in an uncompromisingly ethical, innovative, and time-sensitive manner.

Major services provided include:

• Stream, Wetland, and Habitat Mitigation
• Stream and Wetland Restoration
• Water Quality Management and Mitigation
• Watershed and Environmental Planning
• Stormwater Management

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
Assist with stream and wetland buffer conservation easement land management and performance monitoring. The Land Stewardship Intern will work closely with all members of the Raleigh Stewardship team at Wildlands Engineering to perform and document land management activities for restoration of wetland and riparian habitats. The Land Stewardship Intern may also be required to drive vehicles and work independently in the field. Activities could involve invasive species management, GIS mapping, streambank stabilization, plant identification, land management activities and review of relevant research in restoration ecology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats with individuals or groups.
2. Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
3. Ability to demonstrate problem solving using creative solutions.
4. Ability to exercise discretion, pragmatic judgment, and interact effectively with all levels of personnel.
5. Ability to safely handle herbicide and hand tools
6. Assist in performing conservation easement monitoring activities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Land management data collection and processing using ESRI software
2. Monitor for and assist with removal and treatment of invasive species.
3. Assist with site preparation of stream buffer plantings.
4. Research restoration techniques for revegetation and stabilization of stream buffers.
5. Monitor constructed stream restoration features and assist in repairs.

EDUCATION:
Two or more years of education with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an interest in natural resources, ecology, horticulture, earth sciences or forestry.

EXPERIENCE / SKILLS:

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Willing to work in rural settings in the vicinity of livestock.
3. Ability to work both independently and with others in the field.
4. Knowledge of southeastern native and exotic plants.
5. Knowledge of natural communities and ecological principles.
6. Familiarity with ESRI products such as ArcPro, ArcGIS Online and Collector preferred.
7. Have a valid driver’s license.
8. PC/Windows-based software experience required with proficiency in Word and Excel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Up to ten hours of intermittent standing or walking outside on unleveled ground in a workday.
2. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds or carry heavy objects.
3. Ability to safely use herbicides and hand tools or willingness to learn.
4. The requirements of the job and the physical demands are frequently performed outdoors with exposure to insects, poison ivy and adverse weather.