Vegetation Monitoring Intern at Big Bend NP

Opportunity summary

Term length

11/4/2024 - 5/5/2025

Application window

8/13/2024 - 10/14/2024

Location

Big Bend, Texas

Hourly pay equivalent

$15.00

Project summary

The intern will provide support to projects that improve plant communities in Big Bend National Park, the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan desert in the US. These projects are focused on high priority ecological issues in Big Bend: invasive plant species and rare plants that are at risk of extinction. Ultimately, these projects help Big Bend achieve one of its main purposes, which is to preserve biological diversity.

Opportunity description

The intern, supervised by a Botanist, will gain skills in collecting vegetation data, working safely in remote areas, and executing restoration projects. Tasks include assessing the impact of invasive tamarisk removal, monitoring invasive species, surveying rare plants, and managing plants affected by construction. The role is mainly field-based but involves some office work for data entry, mapping, and planning. Independence in remote locations is essential.

Benefits

Housing
Relocation expenses
Commuter allowance

Requirements and qualifications

Requirements

Applicants must have (1) college or graduate level coursework in biological sciences (2) familiarity with plant identification, including how to use a dichotomous key (3) experience hiking and navigating using a GPS device or map and compass, and (4) collecting data in a field setting using established protocols. Applicants must also have a valid driver's license.

Preferred qualifications

Applicants ideally should have skills in ArcGIS software, knowledge of Big Bend National Park plant species, experience in remote fieldwork in hot climates, conducting ecological literature searches, and handling native plant restoration. Experience with herbicides, chainsaws, or canoes is also desirable but not required.