The Seasonal Natural Resources Intern will provide the opportunity to work alongside specialists implementing a variety of biological monitoring, stream restoration, stormwater management, and GIS projects and initiatives and will work under the supervision of Resource Analysis staff.

A successful candidate works well as part of team, is organized, and has interest and knowledge in one or more of the following fields:

• Aquatic ecology
• Fisheries
• Entomology
• GIS
• Watershed monitoring & assessment
• Stream & wetland restoration
• Stormwater management & mitigation
• Land use planning

This position will be located at Park Planning & Stewardship Division, Resource Analysis Section Wheaton Headquarters, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902

Examples of Important Duties

The successful candidate will support Resource Analysis Section programs described in the above Job Description and is expected to:

1. Collect and record data in the field under direct supervision and independently.
2. Assist with collection and identification of fish and herpetofauna during biological monitoring workdays using specialized equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
3. Contribute to instream and riparian habitat assessments, including identification of non-native invasive (NNI) riparian plants and collection of stream water chemistry data.
4. Assist with benthic macroinvertebrate sample processing, equipment calibration, and other laboratory duties as assigned.
5. Provide support with investigating potential illicit discharges and other NPDES MS4 Permit compliance tasks.
6. Utilize GIS applications for mapping projects, delineating watersheds, and performing analyses.
7. Provide a capstone presentation to Park staff and directorate at the conclusion of the position.
8. Attend Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) summer training and other in-house presentations for biological monitoring.
9. Assist with special projects and investigations as needed.
10. Other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Background and interest in aquatic ecology, fisheries, entomology, environmental science, watershed monitoring and assessment, stream and wetland restoration, land use planning, stormwater management and mitigation, natural resources management, and/or GIS.
2. Ability to complete tasks both independently under minimal supervision and as part of a team while following directions, paying attention to details, and working within deadlines.
3. Skilled in conducting scientific data collection in the field; previous experience preferred.
4. General computer skills and advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel, required.
5. ArcGIS and R/RStudio competencies desired.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Position will be filled at either the undergraduate (Intern I, pay rate $12.28/hr) or graduate (Intern II, pay rate $15.25/hr) level, dependent upon education and experience. Up to two candidates will be selected.
2. Must be willing to undergo and successfully pass a background screening and comply with M-NCPPC/ Montgomery Parks COVID-19 protocols and procedures.
3. Available 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) during the core hours of 8:30AM – 4:30PM.
4. Be able to work under somewhat arduous field conditions to include walking significant distances while carrying cumbersome equipment and working in fast-flowing water with slippery and/or unstable substrate. Lug sole waders and other protective gear will be provided.
5. Willingness to commit to a pre-arranged schedule.
6. Minimum age: 18 years old.

TRAINING:

Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided by staff. Specific project requirements will be discussed with supervisory staff members. Field equipment and techniques will be demonstrated by the project supervisor.

Attendance at the summer Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) training session (https://dnr.maryland.gov/streams/Pages/mbsstraining.aspx; pending due to COVID-19) and successful completion of in-house trainings, including an online Defensive Driving course.