Biological Monitoring Intern

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MobilizeGreen seeks a 12-week Biological Monitoring Intern to work on on the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. As an intern, you must have a strong interest in natural resource management and an enthusiasm for field work. Your primary duties will include biological monitoring and invasive species management. Duties may include invasive species eradication (including herbicide use); bird surveys; acoustic bat monitoring; bee survey; data entry; report preparation; tree maintenance; working with volunteer groups; and educating the public.

The Intern should be adaptable to all field conditions and driven to learn a wide range of biological tasks. Field work is performed in marsh, riparian, and upland communities, where you may encounter adverse weather conditions (typically hot, humid conditions), uneven rocky, and/or wet slippery footing, and biting insects. Working from a boat may be required. You must be in good physical condition, possess a valid driver’s license, have good communication and organizational skills, possess at least basic working knowledge of spreadsheets, the ability to work well with others and on their own, and be an enthusiastic field worker.

As an Intern, you should be physically able and willing to complete full days of rigorous field work in hot, dry, and buggy conditions. You also must be able to complete long hikes over rugged terrain carrying personal and field equipment. The applicant must have a valid driver’s license and be able to maneuver on 4-wheel drive roads (on-site training is available for 4-wheel drive). The applicant will need a completed Government security background check. The applicant will need to complete safety and other required trainings as part of the internship. Overnight camping may be necessary.

Refuge staff will provide ample training and development opportunities both internally and externally to support the selected candidate. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, though all applications will be considered. Selected applicants should have strong communication skills, work well in a collaborative team setting, and have the ability to accept feedback gracefully and integrate it. This position requires work on occasional evenings and may include a shifted schedule to cover a weekend day.

MobilizeGreen is an organization committed to diversity. Women, people of color, indigenous people, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, military veterans, and members of other historically disenfranchised groups are encouraged to apply.

Location: The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is a 1000-acre National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia and Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania. Adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport, the refuge is designed to the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. 

• Term: 12 weeks, starting ASAP. Full-Time (40 hours per week).
• Duty Station: John Heinz National Refuge at Tinicum
• Benefits:
  • $550 a week for 12 weeks
  • $500 housing stipend per month
  • $50 Commuter Stipend per month
  • Mentorship for career and professional development
  • Hands-on learning and job training experience

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Invasive species management and biological monitoring.
• Invasive species eradication (including herbicide use); bird surveys; acoustic bat monitoring; bee surveys
• Data management and reporting
• Develop and present interpretive programs like orientations and guided hikes for public audiences or school groups
• Ability to operate a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Training will be provided
• Use verbal and written communication to engage the local community, develop or revise environmental education and interpretive materials, brochures, web content, exhibits and signs, draft a variety of written materials including news releases, articles, correspondence and event flyers, and assist in operation of a visitor center
• Engage directly with audiences of all ages and backgrounds and work alongside a diverse team of staff and dedicated volunteers.

Work Environment:

Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions with occasional challenging activity in support of visitor service programming and environmental education. This may include being outdoors on hot or rainy days, leading hikes of up to a 10 mile distance, and lifting, storing, and transporting kayaks and archery equipment. Fieldwork and administrative work in an office required. Driving on and navigating refuge roads and hiking are required. Requires working throughout the day in high temperatures and exposed to the sun.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Personable with strong written and oral communications skills in English.
• Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions with occasional challenging activity in support of environmental education.
• Ability to work alone and in a group.
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check is required. 
• Ability to work on occasional evenings and may include a shifted schedule to cover a weekend day. 
• Must be a team player
• Valid driver’s license required

Competitive selection process, positions filled on a rolling basis.  We encourage you to apply ASAP.

For more information on MobilizeGreen go to: www.mobilizegreen.org