Natural Resources Intern – Interdisciplinary Forest Assistant

Advertising Summary: The Wisconsin Natural Resources Internship Program is a partnership between Extension’s Natural Resources Institute and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This 12-week internship program was designed to provide a career-oriented introduction to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of natural resources management and a practical understanding of Forest Service policies and Extension’s mission and role in statewide outreach and education. Interns will also receive on-the-job training and an introduction to exposure to a variety of natural resource disciplines and careers with the Forest Service and Extension.

Anticipated Start Date: May 20, 2024

Anticipated End Date: August 23, 2023

Remote Work Eligibility Detail: This position is not eligible for remote work. 

Anticipated Hours Per Week: 40 hours per week

Salary/Wage Range or Lump Sum: $18 hourly rate

Number of Positions: 4

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate student currently pursuing a degree in Biology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences, Forest Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Recreation, Soil Science, Wildlife Ecology, etc.. 
• Enthusiasm to learn about diverse natural resource careers. 
• No prior field experience is necessary.
• We strongly encourage applications from first-generation college students and groups that are underrepresented in natural resources and environmental sciences.
• Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Relevant coursework or practical experience in biology, conservation, recreation management, natural resources, or environmental sciences.
• Ability to carry 20 pounds in the field for the entire field day.
• A driver’s license and be an authorized driver of Fleet vehicles in the state of Wisconsin.
• Ability to hike in heavily vegetated rugged Wisconsin terrain.
• Ability to perform fieldwork in inclement weather.
• Ability to safely operate outdoor field equipment including hand tools. 
• Aptitude for teamwork and collaborating with others.

Position Summary/Job Duties:

The Natural Resources Intern – Interdisciplinary Forest Assistant will support US Forest Service staff with a variety of programs in the Great Divide District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/home), including recreation, trails, non-native invasive species, silviculture, wildlife, and fuels.

Examples of specific work and duties include:

• Conducting native and non-native plant species surveys by identifying invasive non-native plants using various field guides and plant identification keys to assist with plant surveys.
• Treating and managing invasive plant species primarily using herbicides, but also by hand-pulling or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods.
• Using global positioning systems, aerial photographs, topographic maps, GIS and/or compass in navigation. 
• Performing highly physical labor and daily hiking, sometimes to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions. 
• Data entry and other duties in a laboratory/office setting. 
• Contributing to wildlife ecology, research, and management programs. 
• Participating in professional development workshops to gain leadership skills and learn about diverse career paths for natural resource professionals.

Interns will attend a weeklong group training at the beginning of the program at Treehaven, a natural resources education and conference facility in Tomahawk, WI that is operated by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Forest Service housing for interns may be available at some locations at the agency’s quarters fee rate which is dependent on a variety of factors. Contact the supervisor listed below for more information on housing.

Physical Demands: The student assistant will work in an outdoor environment. Some walking, standing, bending, carrying, or lifting relatively heavy items is required. Field work will include working in rough, uneven terrain and in all weather conditions. Protective clothing and/or equipment may be required in many assignments.