Natural Resource Management Fall/Winter Internship

Job Title

Natural Resource Individual Placement (1 position available), full-time, temporary, 900 hour AmeriCorps national service position.

Deadline for Application

This position was last filled in 2023. The page will be updated when new information is available.

Job Description

Valley Forge National Historical Park is seeking a Natural Resources Individual Placement who is passionate about animal and land conservation to assist with major natural resource initiatives. The Individual Placement will be involved in a variety of activities associated with natural resource preservation, become familiar with issues that face natural resource managers, and work closely with National Park Service staff and partners to monitor and address those issues. At the same time they will contribute to the collection of data and implementation of projects that benefit park resources and assist park managers in achieving management goals.

The Conservation Individual Placement will serve with the Planning and Resource Management (PRM) Division at Valley Forge NHP. This division is responsible for natural (biotic and abiotic) and cultural (archaeology, cultural landscapes/structures & archives) Resource Management as well as planning for the park. In NRM, the mission is to preserve and protect the natural diversity, distribution, abundance, and communities found in Valley Forge NHP.

During their term, the Natural Resources Individual Placement will be a part of multiple projects, mainly working in the field but with some in office data entry, reporting and communications projects. Responsibilities include but aren’t limited to:

Assist with data collection on White-Tailed deer.

Work with park staff, volunteers, and the NPS-Exotic Plant Management Team to control invasive, non-native plant species within the park.

Work on a team that includes members from state and federal agencies as well as park staff from all park divisions.

Participate in efforts to remove invasive non-native rusty crayfish from Valley Creek, and lead volunteer ‘Crayfish Corps’ events.

Contribute to development of park informational brochures on natural resources.

Assist with Data Analysis and Report Writing.

Assist in monitoring water quality in the Valley Creek Watershed with data.

The purpose of this internship is to provide students with a concentrated, practical experience in natural resource management that affords the opportunity to apply classroom theory through a “hands-on” experience with the National Park Service. The Intern will learn hands-on management techniques for invasive species suppression and native species restoration, leadership and teamwork skills, they will receive park orientation and site specific safety trainings, if interested the intern may be offered the chance to obtain Operational Leadership Training and a PA Pesticide Applicators license.

On Site Housing may be provided for this position.

Benefits

$400/week paid bi-weekly

On site housing

Segal Education award of $3,247.50 to be used towards future education or student loans at completion of term

Discounted outdoor gear through Outdoor Prolink

Member Assistance Program– 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist

Non-competitive hiring eligibility through the PLCHA when applying for federal jobs

Professional Development opportunities

Uniform

Qualifications

Required

Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status

Have a high school diploma or GED

Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check

Possess a valid driver’s license

Physically capable of field activities (hiking, monitoring, survey, testing, etc) for 10 hours in adverse conditions (high heat, high humidity, biting insects, rough terrain, inclement weather)

Preferred

Major in a field related to the Biological Sciences (e.g. wildlife and fisheries science, biology, forestry, environmental science, etc.) with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Comfortable working in a field and office environment

Ability to work well as a member of a team

Ability to hike up to 5-7 miles per day across varied terrain and to operate basic mechanical and electronic equipment (e.g. weed whip, gps unit, etc.) and may include exposure to extreme weather conditions, herbicides, poisonous plants, stinging and biting insects and wild animals.

How To Apply

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. Applications must be submitted through the Conservation Legacy website, linked below.

Park Information

Located approximately 20 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia, Valley Forge is the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of General George Washington and the Continental Army. The park receives 1.2 million visitors each year and contains about 3,500 acres of forested rolling hills, tall grass meadows, wetlands, and rough lawns. Recreational and cultural opportunities are abundant, including museums, theaters, concerts, fishing, boating, hiking, etc. For additional information please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/vafo and the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board at www.valleyforge.org.

Where this belongs

• Valley Forge National Historical Park

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