For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/olympiawa/jobs/3506393/habitat-stewardship-intern

Salary- $15.02 – $16.02 Hourly

About the Internship
The City of Olympia’s Habitat Stewardship Program is responsible for planning and implementing ecological restoration projects in public parks and natural areas across the city. Our goals include improving wetland and riparian habitat to protect water quality and reduce flooding, increasing plant and wildlife species diversity, engaging the community in stewardship of public lands, and addressing the impacts of development and climate change through science-based, equitable land management strategies.

We are seeking an intern to support these goals through a wide range of both field and office-based projects. A key component of the internship will be collecting and analyzing geospatial (landscape and vegetation) data to map landscape conditions, document ongoing restoration activities, and plan future projects. This will primarily be accomplished using field-based tools (ESRI Collector or Field Maps App), desktop GIS software (ESRI ArcMap), and Microsoft Excel. Depending on individual interests and learning objectives, the intern can also expect to participate in one or more of the activities described below:

  • Support the Olympia Parks Department in preparing for and hosting volunteer habitat stewardship events
  • Conduct site assessments to document baseline ecosystem conditions (vegetation, soils, hydrology, wildlife, coarse woody debris, etc), and to monitor landscape response to habitat restoration, climate change, and other variables over time
  • Adopt a habitat restoration site: Develop a project from planning (site assessment, mapping, goal-setting, prescribed restoration interventions and timeline) through implementation with the Public Works Vegetation Operations Field Crew and/or community volunteers
  • Assist in prioritization of stream basin/watershed scale habitat planning and stormwater management planning
  • Provide literature reviews, research, and/or data analysis on related topics

The selected intern will work closely with the Environmental Habitat Planner and have opportunities to work with other City staff from Environmental Services, Vegetation Operations, and the Parks Stewardship Program.

The anticipated start date is June 1, 2022 (flexible). The internship is expected to run through September 2022, with the possibility of extending through December 2022.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Exploring careers in habitat restoration, “green” or nature-based stormwater management and climate adaptation solutions, environmental science, geographic information systems (GIS), urban ecology, urban forestry, water resources, environmental sustainability, environmental planning, or similar field
  • Strong interest in community-based land management and habitat stewardship
  • Understanding of basic environmental justice issues and/or a willingness to learn more about promoting social equity and climate resilience through our work
  • Comfortable taking both written and verbal directions, working both independently and alongside others

Learning Objectives

  • Deepen an understanding of how GIS is used in natural resources management, planning, and documentation; Receive extensive hands-on experience using GIS and GPS tools
  • Gain experience in habitat restoration planning and implementation; Practice how to identify, prioritize, and address associated site-scale challenges and opportunities
  • Apply knowledge of Pacific Northwest plant identification and general ecosystem assessment techniques in a field setting
  • Explore the role of green infrastructure and natural systems in managing stormwater and addressing other public and environmental health challenges of urban settings
  • Expand research, data management & analysis, and technical writing skills

Knowledge and Experience Qualifications

  • Field experience and/or coursework in habitat restoration or applied ecology
  • Experience using ArcGIS -OR- experience with similarly complex software systems and a dedicated interest in learning GIS
  • Basic understanding of Pacific Northwest landscape ecology, plant identification and natural history concepts
  • Familiarity with urban water quality and flooding issues related to stormwater
  • Able and willing to work in the field in all weather conditions
  • Able to walk on uneven terrain and occasionally lift and or carry up to 25 lbs
  • Competence with Microsoft Office with emphasis on Excel, Word, and Outlook
  • A Valid Driver’s License is preferred but not required

Salary and Schedule
This internship requires that the applicant is currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student. Work hours are up to 19 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks and summer. Typically, full-time work hours are between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with alternating Fridays off. Schedule during the school year is negotiable. This position is roughly 50% field work, 50% combination office (Olympia City Hall) and telework. The salary is $15.02 – $16.02 per hour depending on experience. This position is not eligible to receive benefits such as medical insurance, paid vacation or paid holidays. Sick leave is provided in accordance with State Law.