Center for Great Plains Studies, chartered in 1976 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, serves to foster the study of people and the environment in the sparsely populated Great Plains. A region with highly variable climate, the Great Plains encompasses the area stretching westward from the Missouri River at Omaha and Kansas City to the Rocky Mountains, and northward from the Texas panhandle invites inquiry into the relationships between the environment and the cultures brought to it by its various inhabitants, as well as the implications of these relationships for the future. For more information, please contact Center For Great Plains Studies; P.O. Box 880314; University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln, NE 68588-0314. Phone: (402)-472-3082. Fax: (402) 472-0463. E-mail: cgps@unl.edu.
Chicago Wilderness Society
TITLE: Restoration Intern
SUPERVISOR: Restoration Intern Supervisor in cooperation with Audubon
LOCATION: Forest preserves in Cook County, Illinois
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Restoration Interns are needed for the management and restoration of wetlands, prairies, savannas and woodlands in the 68,000 acres of Cook County orest preserves. Interns will work on a variety of projectsdeveloped in collaboration with Audubon and Forest Preserve District staff and volunteer MasterStewards. Interns conduct brush and weed management by using a wide variety of tools including backpack herbicide sprayers, chainsaws, and hand tools. They may also assist with seed gathering, seed planting and controlled burns. Interesting, educational, and challenging work outdoors. Applicants must have a commitment to conservation, strong work ethic and ability to work productively as member of a small team. A great way to learn natural areas management, during the summer season though preference will be given to experienced candidates and those able to work through the fall burn season in November.
Full-time, seasonal positions. Season runs late May through the end of November. There is some flexibility in the start and end dates (please specify availability in cover letter). $8.00 to $10.00/Hour depending on experience.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
· Experience or ability to quickly learn to safely use basic maintenance tools, including chainsaw.
· Ability to quickly study and pass Illinois herbicide operator test.
· Ability to follow instructions and make independent decisions appropriately.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
· May have occasional contact with members of the public visiting the preserve.
· Ability to contribute to a positive, productive small team.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
· Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and ondifficult terrain while maintaining a positive attitude.
· Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some weekend days, if needed.
CONTACT: Justin Pepper, Deputy Director; jpepper@audubon.org; Audubon – Chicago Region; 1718 Sherman Ave #210; Evanston, IL 60201; Fax: 847/328-4146
Please apply by March 25, 2011. Include brief cover letter (including a statementregarding availability), resume, and job references.
Audubon and the Forest Preserve District are equal opportunity employers.
CONTACT: Justin Pepper, Deputy Director at jpepper@audubon.org Audubon – Chicago Region 1718 Sherman Ave #210 Evanston, IL 60201 Fax: 847/328-4146
Diversity Farms, Inc. is a private natural resource consulting and management business. The business works with private landowners, business, organizations, and agencies to enhance native prairie, woodlands and wetlands. The business is located in southern Carroll County, near Dedham, Iowa. Intern Duties would be to help with prairie burns, planting prairie seed, collecting prairie seed, cleaning prairie seed, removal of alien weeds from prairie areas, and removal of woody species from prairies. Educational opportunities would be to learn the technique and function of prescribed burns, prairie and weed species identification, prairie restoration and reconstruction techniques, exotic weed and woody specie control techniques, and the business of land management, prairie restoration, and prairie seed sales. For further information contact Jon Judson; 25494 320th Street; Dedham, Iowa 51440. Phone: (712) 683-5555. Email: diversityfarms@iowatelecom.net.
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) is looking for bright, talented, college students seeking a paid summer internship that offers experience maintaining and restoring natural landscapes all across Iowa!
INHF is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects Iowa's land, water and wildlife "for those who follow." Since our founding in 1979, INHF has protected more than 100,000 acres throughout the state. Many of these sites are now popular state and county parks, nature trails and wildlife areas. By protecting Iowa's land, INHF protects our wildlife habitat, water quality, recreational opportunities and quality of life. Laurie Fenimore, Internship Coordinator. Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation; 505 Fifth Avenue, Suite 444; Des Moines, IA 50309-2321; Phone: 515-288-1846; Fax: 515-288-0137; e-mail: lfenimore@inhf.org
Deadline for application is Feb. 11, 2011. Please help promote our land stewardship internship to your students!Questions? Contact Erin by, erin@inhf.org or phone 515-288-1846
Iowa Valley RC&D; Summer Internship: Project Assistant. This position is a seasonal position.
Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) corporation directed by volunteer board members. Our office is located in Amana, IA and serves the counties of; Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, Poweshiek, and Tama.
Iowa Valley RC&D assists people protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources in ways that improve their areas’ economies, environment, and quality of life. The Iowa Valley RC&D provides avenues for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities better places to live. Several important and resume building internship opportunities exist with our current projects.
Roadside Remnant Tour, Guidebook Series, and Rare Plants Poster Projects
The Roadside Remnant Tour project is part of an educational program focused on the celebration of the cultural and natural heritage of plants native to the six county areas of Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, Poweshiek and Tama. The goal of this project is to actively inform the traveling public, so that roadsides may be equated with the preservation of our tall grass prairie heritage. The Guidebooks series includes the development of a Sportsman’s, Paddlers’, and Birders’ Guides of the Iowa and Cedar Valley region. The goal of the guidebook series is to increase awareness of the unique natural, historic, and cultural areas, as well as the many recreational, hunting, fishing, birding and eco-tourism opportunities of the region.
Job duties associated with all aspects of the implementation of these projects include but are not limited to:
Organization and transcription of written roadside inventories into digital format. Assistance with web design and updating website. Development of a database of eco-businesses. Work with ArcGIS to populate databases. Photography. Field verification of remnants and plantings. Research. Limited travel A working knowledge of ArcGIS and plants is a must for these projects. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite 2 Premium would be very helpful. Contact info@ivrcd.org.
Jasper County Conservation Board
Park Technician Intern
POSITION: A park maintenance internship with the Jasper County Conservation Board in Newton, Iowa.
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: Starting in May of 2011 and ending August of 2011 (specific starting and ending dates somewhat flexible, depending on schedule of applicant). 40 hours/week, Mon.-Fri. Some evenings/weekends possible.
DESCRIPTION: Duties will include mowing, painting, litter pick-up, general carpentry, prairie maintenance, water quality improvement practices, and planting/pruning trees and shrubs. Intern will also report/repair safety hazards; offer assistance and information to the public; assist park rangers with area surveillance; maintain working relationships with other employees and the public; attend mandatory safety training, staff meetings; and perform related tasks as assigned. Work will involve the operation of tractors, chainsaws, lawn mowers, and power tools. Intern will also be responsible for assisting the Naturalist with environmental education programming for the Jasper County Conservation Board. Duties may include providing programs and field trips for a variety of audiences; leading tours, hikes and other activities; developing new curriculum; assisting with the summer Junior Naturalist Program and Hunter Education Course; and writing articles and press releases. Other activities include developing special projects, creating and improving displays and assisting with other resource management activities.
QUALIFICATIONS: Either be enrolled in or have a degree in one of the following fields: natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental education/interpretation, or biology/ecology/environmental studies. The applicant must have the ability to get to and from the work site and possess a current valid driver’s license.
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants should have the ability to work with people of all ages, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Applicants must have the ability to effectively apply knowledge and common sense to solve problems and/or achieve work objectives; have basic computer skills, especially desktop publishing; ability to routinely stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, and climb; ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions; ability to routinely lift 75 lbs.; ability to follow written and oral instructions.
CONTACT: Please direct questions about then intern position to Keri Van Zante, Director, Jasper County Conservation Board, 641-792-9780, or kvanzante@co.jasper.ia.us.
Naturalist Intern
POSITION: A naturalist internship with the Jasper County Conservation Board in Newton, Iowa.
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: Starting in May of 2011 and ending August of 2011 (specific starting and ending dates somewhat flexible, depending on schedule of applicant). 40 hours/week, Mon.-Fri. Some weekends/evenings possible.
DESCRIPTION: Intern will assist the Naturalist and Assistant Naturalist in carrying out environmental education programming for the Jasper County Conservation Board. Major duties include providing programs and field trips for a variety of audiences; leading tours, hikes and other activities; developing new curriculum; assisting with the summer Junior Naturalist Program and Hunter Education Course; and writing articles and press releases. Other activities include developing special projects, creating and improving displays, web site updating, creating brochures, and assisting with park resource management activities. Interns will receive valuable practical experience during employment.
QUALIFICATIONS: Either be enrolled in or have a degree in one of the following fields: natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental education/interpretation, or biology/ecology/environmental studies. The applicant must have the ability to get to and from the work site and possess a current valid driver’s license.
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants should have the ability to work with people of all ages, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Applicants must have the ability to effectively apply knowledge and common sense to solve problems and/or achieve work objectives; have basic computer skills, especially desktop publishing; ability to routinely stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, balance, and climb; ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions; ability to routinely lift 75 lbs.; ability to follow written and oral instructions.
CONTACT: Please direct questions about then intern position to Keri Van Zante, Director, Jasper County Conservation Board, 641-792-9780, or kvanzante@co.jasper.ia.us.
Keeper of the Land Americorps, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
AmeriCorps 515-281-6271 (office)
Konza Prairie Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. E-mail: bruceasnyder@gmail.com. www.k-state.edu/bsanderc/reu/
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The Friends of the Prairie Leaning Center have accepted applications for the 2008 intern program at the Refuge. For further information regarding internships, contact Friends of the Prairie Learning Center/Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge; P.O. Box 399; Prairie City, IA 50228. Phone: (515) 994-3400.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is looking for spring and summer interns to assist with prairie and savanna restoration, biological monitoring, and environmental education. Information on these internships can be found at <http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Neal_Smith/jobs.html>. Internships are sponsored by Friends of Neal Smith NWR and play a vital role in helping the refuge reach its goals of reconstructing and restoring native ecosystems and connecting people with the natural world. Interns do not need to be students.
For more information on visitor services internships, contact Michelle Garcia at Michelle_Garcia@fws.gov.
For information on vegetation management internships, contact Richard Hager at Richard_Hager@fws.gov.
For information on biology internships, contact Karen Viste-Sparkman at Karen_VisteSparkman@fws.gov.
Any of us can be reached by phone at 515-994-3400.
Deadline for applications is Feb. 15, 2013.
The Nature Conservancy of Iowa is pleased to announce two internship opportunities. Conservation Biology and Conservation Planning will be provided for qualifying undergraduate students attending institutions of higher learning in Iowa . Interns will perform conservation activities for Conservancy preserves and landscape project areas across the state.
Applications being accepted now for $4,730 scholarships. Working on an 8-person crew, you will travel around Iowa performing intensive land management at preserves managed by the Nature Conservancy.
11 week program: May 23 – August 5, 2011
A detailed job description and application materials are posted at: nature.org/careers. Iowa Field Office; 303 Locust Street - Suite 40; Des Moines, IA 50309. (515) 244-5044. (515) 244-8890 (fax).iowa@tnc.org
