General Description

The Watershed Restoration Intern will work closely with NFJDWC staff assisting with project implementation, maintenance, and monitoring. The successful applicant will work with the Council’s Restoration Program Coordinator and Restoration Project Coordinators (RPCs). Clear communication and an ability to work independently and as part of a team are integral to the position. Projects may include communication with numerous conservation partners including private landowners, business owners, community members and organizations, Tribes, contractors, coworkers, NFJDWC Board members, and more.

A valid driver’s license is required. NFJDWC vehicles are provided to staff for field visits, meetings, etc.

The position duties consist of mostly outdoor activities and require the ability to work long hours maneuvering in the field. Outdoor activities will include navigating work sites in remote locations with potentially thick brush and steep and uneven terrain, moving across rocks, rocky stream banks, slick and uneven stream beds and downed logs. The position duties will require the ability to bend, stoop, and lift 35 pounds. Occasionally, the position may call for lifting up to 50 pounds as a non-essential function.

Summary of Position Responsibilities

• Assist RPCs with active restoration and monitoring projects including:
  • Riparian plantings and irrigation
  • Seed collection
  • Greenhouse setup and management
  • Fence building and repairs
  • Temperature/stream flow monitoring
  • Project site maintenance
  • Data collection such as vegetation surveys, etc.
• Fill out bi-monthly timesheets and expense reimbursements
• Participate in weekly staff meetings
• Other duties as Assigned
  • Nothing in this job description restricts the supervisor’s or organization’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Received or pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, agriculture, rangeland ecology, aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, hydrology, or other watershed science or related field
• Desire to grow professionally, increase knowledge and gain experience in the field of watershed resource management and ecological restoration
• A strong respect for diversity of viewpoints and perspectives from a variety of partners, including private landowners, government agency staff, and contractors
• Demonstrate professional skills including work planning, time management, and organization; excellent verbal and written communication
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and handheld GPS
• Self-motivated, resourceful, results-oriented
• Ability to multi-task
• Commitment to a collaborative, partnership-based work environment
• Comfortable with living and working in rural and remote areas
• Pass pre-employment criminal background and DMV check and drug screening

Desired Qualifications

• ArcGIS and/or Google Earth software
• Water quality monitoring, including data collection and management, and interpretation of results
• Experience installing and protecting native plantings or plants
• Experience driving 4X4 highway vehicles on minimally maintained roads
• Experience operating all-terrain vehicle (ATV’s) on rugged and uneven terrain
• Knowledge and experience of ESA listed species issues and solutions
• Ability to identify native and non-native trees, shrubs and forbs in the John Day basin, including working knowledge of upland, wetland, and riparian plant communities
• Familiarity with scientific data collection protocols