Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Program Intern – Texas/Oklahoma/Arizona

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 2) – Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Program Intern

Length:Term of positions is 26 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk

(4 positions available)

Location:Texas – Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Chenier Plain National Wildlife Refuge, Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Hagerman National Wildlife

Oklahoma – Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona – Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Living Allowance:

$600 Weekly Living Stipend

$300 Weekly Housing Stipend

AmeriCorps Award:

Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,447.50 (pre-tax).

Start Date/End Date:07/01/2024 – 12/27/2024

Application Due Date:

Preference given to applicants that submit application by Wednesday, May 30, 2024

Title of Position:

LiDAR Monitoring Field Technicians/ Southwest Monitoring Module Intern (4)

Reports To:

Jeff Adams, Fire Management Specialist

Position Details:

Stewards Individual Placement Program (STE) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

 STE in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Region 2 (Southwest) is looking for individuals to serve as interns in the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Project. LiDAR integrates the latest forest vegetation and ecosystem surveying technology into land management practices. Terrestrial LiDAR scanning (TLS) surveying and monitoring protocols gather empirical data to inform active habitat management on refuges. The techniques used in this project visualize and quantify fuel lodging changes in the interest of wildlife fire, forestry, and biology. The efforts mentioned support multiple USFWS priorities and informs the conservation, protection, and enhancement of habitats for wildlife and plants.

The Southwest Region of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages over 50 National Wildlife Refuges that support a wide variety of endangered species habitats. Our wildland fire program conducts near 100,000 acres of prescribed fire, mechanical, and chemical treatments for the benefit and protection of communities and habitat. The TLS monitoring project utilizes cutting edge LiDAR monitoring coupled with machine deep learning to understand the effects of these wildland fire treatments and to inform management processes. These individuals will travel amongst several wildlife refuges and conduct vegetation monitoring with LiDAR protocols and deliver the data for processing.

To learn more about the Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging Monitoring Program from our 2023 LiDAR interns, click here!

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Commuting to and from the Refuge Work Sites. Operation of pickup truck and four-wheel drive vehicles on paved, gravel, and natural roads.
• Communicate with field coordinator and refuge staff to ensure project objectives and coordinate logistics of randomized TLS monitoring plot location.
• Collect Tier 2 vegetation plot information and conduct 3D mapping of plot with TLS equipment.
• Transmit plot data to the Interagency LiDAR Monitoring system.

Training will be provided on the proper use of the Terrestrial LiDAR System (TLS). Field Maps and Survey123 training will also be provided according to interns’ skill level.

Minimum Requirements:

GED/Highschool diploma, some college is preferred.

• Understanding of plant identification and monitoring.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• The ability to learn and apply new technologies in remote field settings.
• The ability to work and live in a remote location.
• The ability to hike off trail and navigate using GPS systems.
• Must be able to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment.
• The ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal format.
• The ability to work with a team and coordinate activities with other team members.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Must understand the utilization of GIS/GPS systems.
• Fire Ecology knowledge and experience.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort:

The LiDAR Interns may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on varying terrain and potentially under physically demanding circumstances.

These conditions:

• Present the possibility of injury and exposure to hazards such as venomous snakes, heat, humidity, and insects.
• Require long hours in isolated settings
• Require physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions on potentially difficult or hazardous terrain
• Require the ability to occasionally use hand tools and/or light machinery
• Require the willingness to travel frequently, work varying shifts, and potentially overnight stays.

Benefits:

Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,447.50 (pre-tax).

• Living Allowance: $600/week (pre-tax)
• Housing Allowance: $300 weekly (On-site housing – TBA)
• Travel Relocation expenses covered up to a certain amount.
• PPE/Field Gear Stipend up to a certain amount.

Substance Free: 
In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property. 

Additional Notes: 

All applicants must pass a criminal background and motor vehicle background check prior to hiring. 

How to Apply:
Apply on-line at: LiDAR Monitoring Technician – Texas/Oklahoma/Arizona. In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact: 

Kahla Stewart

Program Coordinator

Stewards Individual Placements

(423) 402-6004

[email protected] 

Stewards Individual Placements Program does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.