Conservation Intern - Full-time / Part-time

About the Department

The Conservation Intern is responsible for assisting the Five Rivers MetroParks Conservation staff in all aspects of conservation research and management, including monitoring wildlife and plant populations in natural areas, data entry, technical writing, GPS mapping, and maintaining equipment.

Position Duties

Primary duties of this position include:

• Assisting staff with habitat management projects including: forests, succession forests, controlled succession, grasslands, wetlands, ponds, and lakes.
• Assisting with seed nursery operations including: greenhouse work, planting, weeding, seed harvesting, and seed processing.
• Data entry including time tracking, timesheet tracking, and GIS data.
• Cover mapping of natural areas and conducting plant, bird, and wildlife surveys.
• Inspecting, mowing, picking up litter, and conducting boundary checks.
• Researching topics on pertinent topics, gathering information, and summarizing findings with references.
• Assisting staff with the control of invasive plants and pests using tools such as: brush cutters, chainsaws, pesticides, herbicides, backpack sprayers, high volume sprayers, and other systems.
• Assisting staff with the maintenance and operation of all equipment including: motorized vehicles, tractors, fecons, farm equipment, backpack sprayers, high volume sprayers, all terrain vehicles, and more.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Wildlife/Fisheries Management, Environmental Sciences, or a related field is required.
• It is expected that 80% of this position's time will be spent in a field setting and 20% of the time will be in an office or indoor setting.
•  A valid driver's license that meets Five Rivers MetroParks' insurance carrier guidelines.

Other Qualifications

Candidates must successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening test prior to employment.