Habitat Connectivity Internship at the Washington State Department of Transportation
When: January 1, 2021 – June 30, 2021
Where: Most work can be completed remotely, with field work required approximately 1 day/week WSDOT headquarters, 310 Maple Park Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Who: Open to CURRENT MES students
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an intern from the Masters of Environmental Studies program at The Evergreen State College to provide support to the agency’s Habitat Connectivity Biologist. The primary work involves maintaining a network of motion-triggered cameras at various crossing structures along the state highway system, as well as at roadside and off highway locations. The appointed intern will process data from the cameras and complete analyses that describe the seasonal/temporal relationships of wildlife crossings under highways. Other work, such as maintaining the wildlife carcass removal database, assisting with Endangered Species Act-related permitting work, and preparing informational posters for WSDOT maintenance staff will be completed as time allows.
Position Objective: The Habitat Connectivity Internship involves servicing wildlife cameras distributed across the state and processing data from them. This includes reviewing thousands of images weekly, identifying wildlife species and number of individuals within them, and entering this and other info into an Excel database. Periodically, interns analyze wildlife use of bridges, culverts, and areas adjacent to the highway, producing summary statistics to further our understanding of wildlife activity patterns in the vicinity of highways.
Camera servicing involves regular visits to camera locations across the state to load fresh batteries and collect data. Since the intern helps maintain an active monitoring program, removing and installing cameras from field locations will likely occur. Out of an abundance of caution, and to limit potential exposure to and spread of Covid-19, WSDOT staff will only travel one person per vehicle. This means the intern will need to be comfortable driving a state vehicle long distances throughout all seasons. Some camera servicing field days frequently involve 100s of miles of driving, often within rural areas or over mountain passes.
Other duties, such as assisting with WSDOT’s Endangered Species Act policy will also be expected.
Essential job knowledge, skills and abilities:
Knowledge of Pacific Northwest wildlife species, their ecology, life history and habitat utilization At least one college level course in statistics
Ability to meticulously process large volumes of information to produce data
Ability to analyze data, derive basic statistics, and present it clearly in tables and text descriptions Interest in developing geographic information systems (GIS) skills
Ability to walk over rough terrain carrying up to 50 lbs. Washington State driver’s license
Ability to safely drive long distances in varied locations
Schedule: 20 hours per week during school, 40 hours per week during breaks. Hours worked are flexible, but some reoccurring meetings within the 7:00 am to 5:00 pm period, Monday through Friday, may be required.
Pay: $15.50/hour
To apply, please email a resume and short cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to: Glen Kalisz WSDOT Habitat Connectivity Biologist Glen.Kalisz@wsdot.wa.gov (360-705-6963) Interviews are expected to begin early to mid-December.