Biological Technician Intern - Natural Resource Monitoring and Management

Title: ACE EPIC-BLM UT: Biological Technician Intern - Natural Resource Monitoring and Management

Summary: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nationwide Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, Arizona, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Utah (UT), St. George Field Office (SGFO) is seeking two ACE EPIC Biological Technicians:

(A) 1 ACE EPIC Biological Technician to dedicate 32 weeks to design, coordinate, and implement a new scientific study and monitoring program of Mojave desert tortoise and BLM Sensitive species in the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area (NCA).

(B) 1 ACE EPIC Biological Technician to dedicate 10 weeks to assist implementation of a new scientific study and monitoring program of Mojave desert tortoise and BLM Sensitive species in the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area (NCA).

The ACE members may also assist BLM Sensitive species monitoring projects in the Red Cliffs NCA. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in leadership, public land management, particularly in wildlife biology and natural resource management. Applicants with a degree in Biology, Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position are strongly encouraged to apply. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable, especially for the 10-week "Summer" ACE EPIC Biological Technician position.

Position A (32 weeks):

Start Date: March 27, 2023

End Date: November 10, 2023

Position B (10 weeks):

Start Date: May 29, 2023

End Date: August 11, 2023

Location: St. George, Utah. The BLM UT SGFO administers approximately 629,000 acres of public land and is located in the transition zone between the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau ecoregions that hosts a rich array of plant communities and wildlife, including unique species, some found nowhere else on earth. Important evidence of earth's geologic history and past human cultures is also preserved on public land in Washington County, making these some of the most sensitive land managed by the agency.

Project Website: For more information on the BLM SGFO, please visit the website: https://www.blm.gov/office/st-george-field-office. To learn more about the ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Compensation: The ACE Member will receive a living allowance of $600/week dispersed bi-weekly. The ACE Member will also receive a $600/month housing allowance.

Project Background and Objectives: The SGFO administers 2 National Conservation Areas (NCA): (1) Red Cliffs NCA, was designated by Congress in 2009. This 44,725-acre area provides important habitat for threatened Mojave desert tortoises and other species of concern, including the BLM Sensitive gila monster and kit fox. The NCA's 130 miles of non-motorized trails provide world-class recreational opportunities while protecting crucial habitat; and (2) The Beaver Dam Wash NCA, was also designated by Congress in 2009. This 68,083-acre area also provides important habitat for threatened Mojave desert tortoise and other species of concern and hosts a rich array of plant communities and wildlife. NCA visitors enjoy activities such as hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. SGFO staff manage the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash NCAs, "to conserve, protect, and enhance... the ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources" of these public lands.

The objective of this internship is to provide meaningful experiences for youth while also providing a benefit to public land resources and its users. Interns will gain job skills related to leadership and the management of public lands by working with land managers primarily on wildlife monitoring and natural resource management projects.

Position Descriptions:

Position A (32 weeks): the ACE Member will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing a new scientific study and monitoring program of Mojave desert tortoise in the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area (NCA). The information obtained through this new research/monitoring project will be used to develop ongoing BLM management strategies to assist in the adaptive management of the desert tortoise and ultimately recover the species. This information will help BLM biologists and managers better assess potential threats to the desert tortoise population and understand tortoise survival and mortality within the NCA. Implementation of the proposed project will result in long-term benefits to tortoise populations by identifying, reducing and minimizing potential threats. The ACE Member will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing a new scientific study and monitoring program of BLM Sensitive species (e.g., Kit fox, Gila monster) in the Beaver Dam Wash NCA. The ACE member may also assist BLM Sensitive species monitoring projects in the Red Cliffs NCA.

Position B (10 weeks): the ACE Member will be responsible for assisting implementation of a new scientific study and monitoring program of Mojave desert tortoise in the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area (NCA). The information obtained through this new research/monitoring project will be used to develop ongoing BLM management strategies to assist in the adaptive management of the desert tortoise and ultimately recover the species. This information will help BLM biologists and managers better assess potential threats to the desert tortoise population and understand tortoise survival and mortality within the NCA. Implementation of the proposed project will result in long-term benefits to tortoise populations by identifying, reducing and minimizing potential threats. The ACE Member will also be responsible for implementing a new scientific study and monitoring program of BLM Sensitive species (e.g., Kit fox, Gila monster) in the Beaver Dam Wash NCA. The ACE member may also assist BLM Sensitive species monitoring projects in the Red Cliffs NCA.

Work is partly in a field setting and in the office. The ACE EPIC interns may be required to work in remote areas managed by the SGFO. This may include driving four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and spending all day walking and working in rough, rocky, and/or uneven terrain while lifting up to 50 pounds of gear. Interns are expected to work 40 hours/week and must be willing to work varied schedules, including nights, throughout the internship.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree in Biology, Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internship announcement. We are seeking determined, strong, and developing natural resource managers who are looking for experience working with land management agencies.

Required:

• Fellowship is available to US Citizens and Permanent Residents only.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
• Interns must be 18-30
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and use of a personal vehicle.
• Fellows must have personal medical insurance for the duration of their participation with ACE.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have a high fitness level and an interest in backcountry foot travel.
• Ability to work alone/in a small group with minimal supervision.
• Experience and/or ability to learn use of GPS unit.
• Experience and/or ability to learn basic use of GIS.
• General computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Must to able and willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 50 lbs.
• Must be able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals.
• Experience and/or strong interest in wildlife management.
• Experience and/or strong interest in plant identification.
• Experience and/or strong interest in botany and vegetation monitoring

Preferred:

• Genuine interest and knowledge in wildlife, botany, and/or range management and basic knowledge of methods
• Knowledge and experience with GPS units and GIS software.
• Wildlife survey and GPS mapping skills
• Plant identification skills
• Experience with different field data collection methods and following protocols.
• Ability to work independently in remote areas.
• Experience driving four-wheel and/or all-terrain vehicles over rugged roads.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Member Manager, Elyse Cogburn, ecogburn@usaconservation.org.

Vaccination Requirement: ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Biological Technician Intern Natural Resource Monitoring and Management Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC