USFWS & SECC – Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Project Intern

Job Overview

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Monitoring Project Interns

Reports To: USFWS Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning Coordinator

Locations: Multiple locations (see below)

Position Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt

Service Term Length: Term of position is 16 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk with potential for an extension

Living Allowance: $600 /week

AmeriCorps Award: Position is eligible for a 675 hour AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $2,474.27 pre-tax

Other Benefits: Housing provided at no cost, stipend for field gear

Start Date: Flexible on or before July 3^rd, 2023

Positions Available: 6

Position Details

Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) and Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. The LiDAR Monitoring Project Interns, an AmeriCorps Individual Placement position, serve with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and six (6) positions are available – 2 in North Carolina, 2 in Arkansas/Mississippi, and 2 in Alabama.

Overview

The Terrestrial LiDAR Monitoring Project utilizes the latest technology in forest vegetation surveying and monitoring.  Working as a team, individuals will use terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) based forest vegetation surveying/monitoring to gather data to inform active management on refuges, specifically fuel loading changes over time with respect to wildland fire, forestry, and botany. Interns will be working largely unsupervised using LiDAR equipment to collect field data and then post process that data into a format that will be utilized by decision makers. Interns will be working directly with multiple external and internal partners. They should be willing to discuss complex ecosystems and technology, along with the protocols for managing those ecosystems and the technology.

Position Responsibilities

This position will involve Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning (TLS) of forest vegetation to inform management on refuges, specifically fuel load changes over time with respect to wildland fire, forestry, and botany. Field work will consist of collecting forest inventory, vegetation, and geospatial data and establishing/ maintaining long-term experimental plots. Office work will include data entry, quality assurance, and elementary processing of LiDAR and geospatial data. Interns will be working largely unsupervised with LiDAR equipment collecting field data and then post processing that data into a form that will be utilized by decision makers.

The interns will be required to communicate independently with USFWS staff. Interns will have an abundance of support both on-site and virtually, during work hours. On-site, the interns will have assistance from the refuge staff. There will also be numerous USFWS employees that will be accessible at any time by phone.

Interns must be able to safely traverse difficult terrain, often in adverse weather conditions and in remote areas while carrying equipment. Field work will involve exposure to hazards such as venomous snakes, heat, humidity and insects. Individuals must be able to and willing to follow field protocols. Interns will be working in teams of two to complete tasks. These teams will also be living in close quarters in the refuge housing. Verbal, and nonverbal communication, the ability to handle conflict, teamwork, empathy, listening, and a positive attitude are keys to success.

The position will begin with a week of training during which the purpose of the monitoring will be explained, and the protocol taught. Interns will be required to attend weekly calls to check-in with the supervisor. Field tasks include navigating to plots, collecting vegetative and forest structure data, and utilizing terrestrial LiDAR equipment. There will also be some post processing of the LiDAR files required, estimated to require two hours of indoor work weekly.

The position will have an extension option for 26 weeks. If extended, the protocol will change slightly, and the tasks will include clipping and sorting vegetation.

Schedule

The standard workweek is 40 hours Monday-Friday, with the possibility of occasional weekend shifts. Due to the nature of field work, interns can set their own daily start and end times, as long as site-staff would be available to support in case of emergency.

Position Locations

Two positions are available at each of the following sites and candidates should indicate which site(s) they are interested in being based at (there may be travel throughout the term to different refuges):

• Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge – Arkansas and Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR –West Crossett, AR 71635
• Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Complex – North Carolina: Manteo, NC 27954
• Mountain Longleaf NWR and Cahaba River NWR – Alabama: West Blocton, AL 35184

Minimum Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• Must have an understanding of utilizing GIS/GPS systems.
• Should be familiar with forest or biological survey protocols (such as timber cruising)
• Must be able to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of natural resources/ecology/forest management/wildlife management/forest resource inventory/biological surveying
• Skill in using GPS, survey software, and related instruments for field measurements
• Ability to hike with equipment for several miles within a day, in varying degrees of trail difficulty, in remote and/or challenging terrain in various and potentially adverse weather conditions
• Ability for independent planning, data organization, record-keeping, and resourcefulness in the absence of on-site supervision
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions from supervisors and co-workers
• Ability to communicate effectively – both written and orally with supervisors, co-workers, division personnel, and occasionally with public interaction.
• Ability to complete tasks within designated timeframes
• Ability to navigate remote settings with maps, written directions, and/or GPS.

Communications/Interpersonal Contacts

The position requires excellent proficiency of the English language and the ability to clearly and concisely convey information orally and in writing. Interns must be able to analyze and present information in required formats and present written summaries and reports of results. Position requires manipulation of information, data, and the use of but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, database software, and ArcGIS. Position requires the ability to effectively display data and themes in maps and visual displays. These teams will also be living in close quarters in the refuge housing, so interpersonal skills, communication, and problem-solving skills will be very important to maintain. Verbal, and nonverbal communication, the ability to handle conflict, teamwork, empathy, listening, and a positive attitude are keys to success.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort

The Terrestrial LiDAR Monitoring Project Interns may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on varying terrain and potentially under physically demanding circumstances.

These conditions:

• Present the possibility of injury and exposure to hazards such as venomous snakes, heat, humidity, and insects.
• Require long hours in isolated settings
• Require physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions on potentially difficult or hazardous terrain
• Require the ability to occasionally use hand tools and/or light machinery
• Require the willingness to travel frequently, work varying shifts, and potentially overnight stays.

Benefits

• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $2,474.27(pre-tax).
• Living Allowance: $600/week (pre-tax)
• Housing provided on site
• Stipend provided for field gear (ex. Boots, pants)

In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

For more information, please contact CCNC Program Staff at [email protected]

CCNC and SECC do not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

“Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.”