Natural Resources Internship

Organization: Fairfax County Park Authority, Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch

Job title: Natural Resources Intern (two positions available)

Location: Fairfax County, VA

Hours and compensation: $13.00/hour, approximately 40 hours per week from June 3rd- August 9th. Holidays and leave are unpaid. A vehicle will be provided for field work from the base office in Fairfax. Housing is available upon request.

Application deadline: February 28th, 2020

Organization overview: The Fairfax County Park Authority maintains approximately 24,000 acres of public land including natural areas, cultural resources, and recreational facilities. The Natural Resource Management and Protection (NRMP) Branch falls under the Resource Management Division of the Park Authority, and is responsible for land stewardship and implementation of the agencyÂ’s Natural Resource Management Plan. For more information please visit: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/resources-nrp.htm

Position Description: This internship is primarily field-based with only occasional office work. Interns will work together as a pair to perform non-native invasive plant assessments on parkland across the county using a standard field protocol. Interns will be trained in the survey method, conduct field surveys, and input their results into a GIS database. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in other field and educational activities conducted by the Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch as events arise. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the field of natural resources and develop field inventory skills. Each intern will also have the opportunity to plan and implement a special 40-hour project in their area of interest if required for college credit.

Qualifications and Skills: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a strong interest in natural resource management and stewardship of public land. Applicants should expect to be outdoors up to four days per week and should be willing to work outdoors in a hot, humid environment with abundant insects, ticks and chiggers. Applicants must be able to travel on foot in rough terrain, including over steep slopes, fallen trees and other obstacles, up to eight hours per day. Applicants must possess a valid driverÂ’s license. Our interns will be working together as a team and must be able to cooperate and share responsibility. Experience in GIS and GPS use, basic plant identification, and ecology are a plus.

How to apply:
Please email a letter of interest, resume and contact information for two references to Erin Stockschlaeder at Estock@fairfaxcounty.gov by February 28th, 2020