Water and Wildlife Conservation Internship

Charlie Blumenstein, 1996, was passionate about the environment and conservation of water resources.  He credited his informal, out-of-classroom, extra-curricular, field experiences with his decision to become a hydrogeologist and to devote his professional life to the improvement of our water resources.  It is the desire of the Blumenstein family and friends who contributed to the Fund to provide an internship experience that could be instrumental in influencing the professional path of a student, or for whom such an experience might spark a life-long interest in the environment and conservation in much the same way it did for Charlie.

***Notification to all applicants expected by the end of block 7***

Information for 2008 Internship 

               JOB DESCRIPTION

APPLICATION

TITLE:                               Blumenstein Stewardship Intern

LOCATION:                      Silver Creek Preserve, Idaho

SUPERVISOR:                  Silver Creek Preserve Manager

STIPEND:                         

JOB TIMELINE:   Start date must be before May 22 -- end date to be negotiated prior to start date.      

 10-12 week position; 35 hours/week at $9.00/hour – housing options available.       

OPENING DATE:             February 1, 2008

CLOSING DATE:             April 11, 2008

SUMMARY 

The Stewardship Intern is responsible for assisting stewardship staff with protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat and natural resources on The Natures Conservancy’s preserves in Idaho.  The Stewardship Intern will live on the Silver Creek Preserve and will have as a primary duty assisting with the daily operation and management of the Silver Creek Preserve.  Duties include habitat restoration projects, greeting visitors at the Silver Creek visitor’s center, periodic travel to other preserves, interacting regularly with Nature Conservancy members, the general public, and neighboring land owners, maintaining preserve facilities and grounds, weed control, and participating in scientific research and monitoring.  This is a short term, non-exempt position from approximately June to the end of August. Willingness to live on or near the preserve is required.  The Preserve Intern is supervised by the Silver Creek Preserve Manager and supervises no staff. 

DUTIES 

1.      Assist stewardship staff with implementing habitat restoration projects.  This often includes plantings, installing wetland sod and plugs, maintaining and moving irrigation, and similar efforts.         

2.       Assist stewardship staff with stream monitoring, noxious weed control and other ecological management projects.  

3.      Assist with Visitor Center operation: greet visitors, sell merchandise, provide information, assist with record keeping, and monitor public’s use of the Preserve.       

4.      Assist with maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, fences, and equipment.     

5.      Assist Preserve staff with special projects and events such as natural history tours and volunteer work days as needed.                                                         

6.      Assist with administrative projects and other projects as needed.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS 

1.            Undergraduate coursework or work experience in conservation, environmental studies, natural resources or environmental education.

2.            Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse group of people. 

3.            Familiarity and experience with a variety of maintenance and mechanical skills such as the safe use of lawn and farm equipment and the use of hand and power tools. 

4.            Willingness to perform strenuous work in the outdoors, in adverse weather and sometimes difficult conditions.          

5.            Enthusiasm and ability to work well with others, as well as independently.

6.           Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and to periodically travel overnight to preserves in Idaho.  

7.            Must be willing to live on or near the Silver Creek preserve. 

8.            Commitment to land and water conservation and the mission of The Nature Conservancy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.      Knowledge of stream ecology and the flora and fauna of the Rocky Mountains helpful. 

2.      Enthusiasm for outdoor activities is helpful.  Interns spend a lot of free time on the Preserve because of its remoteness and the services on and nearby the Preserve are minimal.

Application

Email resume, cover letter and responses to questions to dfowler@ColoradoCollege.edu, Debby Fowler, Colorado College Stewardship Officer, by 4:30 PM, 11 April 2008.

 Have a CC professor email a recommendation to the same address by the same deadline.

Notification to all applicants and decision will be by the end of Block 7.

 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Copyright 2006 Colorado College