The National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is currently completing a vegetation map and beginning development of a long-term monitoring program.  The intern will perform vegetation sampling to validate the accuracy of the map and to test protocols for long term monitoring of vegetation change.  There will also be opportunity for statistical analysis of the data collected and interpretation of findings.  The intern will receive practical experience in all aspects of vegetation community sampling, monitoring and interpretation.  This is an excellent opportunity to improve skills and have an important role in two projects that will have long-term significance for park management. 

Major Duties:

• Perform vegetation surveys to determine the accuracy of a vegetation map covering 200,000 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills.
  
• Test the accuracy, power and cost-effectiveness of vegetation sampling techniques for use in a long-term monitoring program for vegetation change
• Collect plot based vegetation and habitat data.

Knowledge Required (in addition to the General Background requirements for all interns):

• Familiarity with Santa Monica Mountains native plant vegetation is helpful.
• Ability to identify plants to species using a key.
• Familiarity with vegetation mapping and sampling techniques is desired.
• Ability to learn to navigate using map, compass and geographic positioning equipment.
• Basic knowledge of the MS Access relational database and the ArcView GIS system.
• College student or recent graduate with a background in biology, botany or ecology.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, be detail-oriented and organized.
• Good oral and written communication skills and ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Must have own transportation to and from worksite. Government vehicles are available for intern use within the scope of their internship.

Work Site and Conditions

• Position involves substantial amounts of walking in rough terrain such as dense chaparral or streams.
• Commitment of 12 weeks, full time, is preferred, but part time schedules may be arranged for local residents.
• Intern will work weekdays. Weekend work can be arranged if the intern prefers weekend days. Specific schedules will be determined based upon availability, field work coordinator schedules and project needs.

Application Instructions

To apply send letter of application with availability, resume,three references and unofficial transcript by e-mail toSheila_braden@nps.gov or regular mail to Sheila Braden, National ParkService, 401 West Hillcrest, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, or fax (805) 3701851 to her attention.
For additional information contact: sheila_braden@nps.gov