Job Type: Paid Internship
Salary Details: $640/week + housing
Deadline: Jan 22, 2023
Start Date: May 15, 2023
End Date: October 2, 2023

The Mosaics in Science intern would work in and around the Mora area of Olympic National Park under the Division of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers. Primary emphasis for this internship will be placed on science communication that highlights research conducted by park scientists in the Division of Resources Management. The intern will develop and present at least two interpretive programs or products to visitor audiences on multiple occasions throughout the busy summer season. The intern will have opportunities to work closely with field scientists and resource interpreters to obtain primary and secondary research data concerning the health of intertidal communities and near-shore marine ecosystems. The intern will communicate to the public how vital signs revealed through the parks inventory and monitoring (I&M) programs are valuable indicators of ecosystem health.
 
The intern will gain a basic understanding of the National Park Service (NPS) organizational structure, and of current professional standards concerning the NPS Foundations of Interpretation, including audience-centered engagement (ACE) strategies and dialogic techniques. One area of focus will be learning to work in a team setting with park rangers/interpreters in a dynamic park operation. The intern will understand and help implement scientific protocols used by park scientists and resource managers for the long-term I&M program. The intern will use hard science data in an interpretive context, both as a training tool for interpretation and education staff, and for public consumption. The project will support the overall goal of communicating science to the public and bring awareness to important natural resource issues.

Work Products

  • Collect primary data and research secondary data concerning the health of intertidal communities and near-shore marine ecosystems. 

  • Develop and revise an interpretive training guide focused on science communication techniques and best practices to be used by current and future resource interpreters. 

  • Develop at least two formal, thematic interpretive programs to be delivered to visitor audiences in an amphitheater setting (e.g., evening campground programs) or in other interpretive contexts (e.g., ranger/intern-led tidepool programs, guided walks, talks, etc.). 

  • Develop short submissions or vignettes throughout the summer to be used on park social media detailing their intern experience. 

  • A final report and presentation at the end of the internship to share with the park leadership team and other divisions to highlight the work, contributions, and experience of the intern.

Intern Qualifications

  • Degree and/or experience in environmental science, geography, geology, marine biology, oceanography, or related disciplines; 

  • Awareness of resource interpretation methods and goals, particularly for the National Park Service; 

  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office productivity software and applications.

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”) between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or veterans up to age 35. Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

Natural & Physical Environment
The internship will take place in the Mora area of Olympic National Park. Mora is located near the Pacific Coast on WA State Route 110, ~13 miles west of the nearest town—Forks, WA (on U.S. 101). Most basic services are available in Forks including groceries, restaurants, gas, and hospital. Park headquarters is located ~1.5 hours away in Port Angeles, WA, which is the largest city in the area (about 20,000 residents). Olympic National Park is famous for its extensive wilderness and multiple ecosystems, including sub-alpine, temperate rainforest, lowland forest, river valleys, and coast. Weather varies greatly but is typically wet in spring and fall, and mild and relatively dry in summer.

The intern will be working primarily at coastal sites in and around Mora which include wet, slippery intertidal zones; sandy beaches; temperate rainforest and unpredictable weather that can be windy, rainy, sunny, and cold—all in one field day. Shared office space will be provided at the Mora Ranger Station. Opportunities to perform field visits in other areas of the park, such as interior forests and/or sub-alpine zones, will also be provided. 

Other

  • A mandatory Professional Development Workshop will be held in Washington, D.C. from July 31 – August 4, 2023.

  • Car is recommended

  • The Mosaics in Science Program seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

  • All interns must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to the start of their internship.

For more information and to apply:
https://environmentamericas.org/efta-internships-landing-page/