Point Reyes National Seashore - Volunteer: Internships: Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT) Data/Office Manager & Coho and Steelhead Monitor (U.S. National Park Service)

Overview
This internship will provide services for two programs: data/office management support for the California Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT) and assistance with the Coho and Steelhead Monitoring Program.

The intern will support the California EPMT with overall program administrative needs, ensuring solid data collection and data entry, as well as providing ancillary technical assistance to the partner parks. The position requires coordination with managers from 14 national parks, ensuring data management practices and databases meet national standards. The intern will work directly with the National Park Service Washington Support Office (WASO) on data collection, management, and reporting procedures (24 hours per week).

In the fisheries program, the intern will assist monitoring activities performed by the Coho and Steelhead Monitoring Program. Coho and Steelhead Monitoring Program is responsible for collecting baseline data on endangered coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and threatened steelhead trout (O. mykiss) in coastal watersheds within Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The baseline data collected by the Coho and Steelhead Monitoring Program will help guide future restoration activities within National Park Service lands. The intern will be responsible for assisting fisheries monitoring crews in field activities to be performed on and adjacent to National Park Service lands (16 hours per week).

Duties

Coordinate data acquisition and quality management; data documentation (metadata); data archiving and security; and data retrieval, reporting and dissemination
Maintain the Alien Plant Control and Monitoring (APCAM) database to assist the Washington Support Office, the California Exotic Plant Management Program and park personnel
Facilitate upkeep and document creation for NPS Sharepoint Site
Produce Geographic Information System (GIS) maps that identify alien plant infestations and the results of prior management efforts using Arc-GIS®, Arc-View® and other computer programs
Assist program lead with general program responsibilities (program budget, etc.)
Perform field work involving invasive plant control at (primarily) Point Reyes National Seashore--including manual removal and possible herbicide applications
Assist park fisheries staff with monitoring of juvenile coho salmon and steelhead trout populations within Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area using techniques including seining, electrofishing, and habitat surveys
Maintain field gear including waders, seines, and other field equipment used while monitoring

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired

Solid social skills are desired, as this position requires coordination with managers from 14 National Parks to ensure that data management practices and databases meet national standards
Proficiency with database-related software (e.g., Access, Excel)
Proficiency with word processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word)
Proficiency with spreadsheets: knowledge of database design activities; evaluation and entry of external data; designing, implementing and maintaining databases
Interest in learning aquatic and plant ecology
Ability to work long field days in difficult terrain (including vegetation with a poison oak component) in adverse weather conditions (windy, hot, cold)
Ability to handle fish and other aquatic animals
Ability to use technical measuring devices
Interest in and ability to work effectively with diverse volunteers

Special Requirements of the Position

The intern must have organizational skills and an ability to work autonomously on projects. Position lends itself to self starters and highly motivated individuals.
The intern must complete and pass the Information Technology Security Awareness Training to work with government computers.
The intern must complete the “Valid DL Self-Certification Statement” to drive government vehicles.
The intern must complete the “California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System Statement Form” regarding access to confidential information.
The intern is required to wear the volunteer uniform for Point Reyes National Seashore.

Schedule and Time Commitment
The internship will last from June 2, 2009 - November 20, 2009 working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Training
Training will be provided for APCAM (Access database) and AFS.

Benefits to the Intern

The intern will learn about exotic plants and their impacts in Point Reyes National Seashore.
The intern will gain experience and develop skills relating to data and budget management with the EPMT.
The intern will gain experience and understanding of potential careers with the National Park Service, as well as developing networking structure with 14 National Parks.
The intern will gain an understanding of the diversity of intertidal fish assemblages.
The intern will learn fisheries sampling techniques and data collection methods.
The intern will have the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful places in North America. Point Reyes National Seashore contains beautiful rolling oak woodlands, expansive ocean views, and a diversity of cultural and historic sites including the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 21.

Accommodations and Reimbursements
A meal reimbursement of $35/day and housing will be provided.

Application and Contact Information
Please apply under the "Current Opportunities" listing. For schedules and more information, contact Bobbi Simpson at 415-464-5190 or email and/or Michael Reichmuth at 415-464-5191 or email.

Application deadline: April 30, 2009.

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