M-NCPPC_Nat_Resources_Internship_Summer_2019
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)
Department of Parks, Montgomery County
Parkland managed by the Montgomery County Department of Parks makes up more than 10% of the County’s land and serves as the county’s “backyard”, providing safe and green outdoor spaces, fun, educational programs and events, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Our mission is to protect and interpret our valuable natural and cultural resources; balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation; offer a variety of enjoyable recreational activities that encourage healthy lifestyles; and provide clean, safe, and accessible places for leisure-time activities. The Montgomery County Department of Parks seeks either a graduate or undergraduate level Natural Resource Intern in the Resource Analysis Section of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division to help manage the stewardship of 457 miles of streams, 26,000 acres of forest and more than 500 lakes, ponds and stormwater management facilities and devices in the 36,000 acre park system. The successful candidate will have interest and/or knowledge in one or more of the following fields; aquatic ecology, fisheries, entomology, biological monitoring, stream restoration, land use planning, and/or GIS.
JOB TITLE: Natural Resource Intern
LOCATION: Park Planning & Stewardship Division, Resource Analysis Section
Parkside Headquarters
9500 Brunett Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20901
TIME: Schedule to be worked out with supervisor, but core hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
DATES: May/June through August/September 2019 dependent upon candidate’s availability
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Resource Analysis Section staff plans and coordinates an inter-agency effort to inventory and monitor the aquatic macro-invertebrates, fish and aquatic habitats in Montgomery County Park streams, ponds, and lakes in support of the Countywide Stream Protection Strategy, Watershed Restoration Plans, Area and Park Master Plans, Operation & Use Plans and special projects. Staff review and track environmental projects (e.g. stream restoration, stormwater management facilities, wetland creation, etc.) being designed by external agencies to be constructed and/or retrofitted on parkland. They are involved in the review of plans from the concept phase through final design to ensure that environmental impacts are limited and consistent with the Department of Parks’ mission regarding natural resource stewardship. Staff works to carry out the Department’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program to ensure that the Department stays in compliance with the state and federal NPDES regulations and coordinates with Federal, State and local agencies on watershed restoration efforts affecting County parkland.
The Seasonal Natural Resource Technician Intern will work directly with Resource Analysis staff, and will be asked to complete independent assignments over the duration of the program. Project assignments are dependent on the current needs of the Section and the education, experience, and interests of the candidate. General office work may include the use of GIS applications for mapping projects and analysis of resources, special projects related to biological monitoring data collection, and/or investigations of existing or potential impacts to parkland resources. In addition to general office work, projects will include collecting and identifying fish in the field; collecting and identifying herpetofauna in the field; performing habitat evaluations; and measuring water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity) in the field. The Seasonal Natural Resource Technician Intern will be provided with the opportunity to work alongside specialists implementing a variety of stream restoration, stormwater management, and GIS projects and initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
1. Collecting and recording data in the field, either under direct supervision or independently.
2. Working with staff to identify an independent project that will be completed over the course of the summer
3. Present to Park staff and directorate on independent project
4. Attend Summer MBSS training for biological monitoring
5. Assist with special projects as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Background or interest in aquatic ecology, fisheries, entomology, biological monitoring, stream restoration, land use planning, stormwater management, natural resource management, and/or GIS.
2. Ability to follow directions, pay attention to details, and work within deadlines.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Position will be filled at either the undergraduate (Intern I, pay rate $12.28/hr) or graduate (Intern II, pay rate $15.25/hr) level, dependent upon experience.
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform tasks necessary for project completion.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, as well as to work cooperatively with other staff.
4. Be willing to commit to a pre-arranged schedule.
5. Be able to work under somewhat arduous field conditions (walk significant distances, carry equipment, work in fast-flowing water).
6. May drive Commission vehicle upon successful completion of Defensive Driving training.
TRAINING:
Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided by staff. Specific project requirements will be discussed with supervisory staff members. Field equipment and techniques will be demonstrated by the project supervisor.
Attendance at the summer Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) training session: https://dnr.maryland.gov/streams/Pages/mbsstraining.aspx
TO APPLY: By please send resume, 2 references, and cover letter indicating availability to:
Audra Lew, Senior Natural Resources Specialist
Audra.Lew@MontgomeryParks.org
The position will remain open until filled.
