Natural Resources Intern 2022



Natural Resources Intern 2022

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Montgomery County, MD

Job Type

Seasonal

Job Number

Nri22

Department

MC Parks

Opening Date

03/01/2022

Closing Date

3/15/2022 11:59 PM Eastern

Description

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. The Montgomery County Department of Parks has a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, and we serve a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area.  We manage more than 420 parks on over 37,000 acres of parkland.  Visit our website to learn more:  https://www.montgomeryparks.org/ 

Diversity Statement: Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology or status as a Veteran.

Are you passionate about environmental health and looking to gain experience in field data collection and watershed assessment?  If so, a summer internship with Montgomery Parks working alongside our Natural Resources specialists may be just the thing for you!

The Seasonal Natural Resources Intern will be provided the opportunity to work alongside specialists implementing a variety of biological monitoring, stream restoration, stormwater management, and GIS projects and will work under the supervision of Resource Analysis staff in the Park Planning and Stewardship Division (PPSD).
 
Successful candidates will work well as part of a team, be organized, and have interest and knowledge in one or more of the following fields: 
  • Aquatic ecology
  • Fisheries
  • Entomology
  • GIS
  • Watershed monitoring & assessment
  • Stream & wetland restoration
  • Stormwater management & mitigation
  • Land use planning

Examples of Important Duties

  1. Collect and record data in the field under direct supervision and independently.
  2. Assist with collection and identification of fish and herpetofauna during biological monitoring workdays using specialized equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  3. Contribute to instream and riparian habitat assessments, including identification of non-native invasive (NNI) riparian plants and collection of stream water chemistry data.
  4. Process benthic macroinvertebrate samples, calibrate equipment, and perform other laboratory duties as assigned.
  5. Support staff performing field investigations of storm drain structures in compliance with Montgomery Parks National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) storm water permit.
  6. Assist with inspections to implement pollution reduction strategies in compliance with the Good Housekeeping Plan portion of the MS4 storm water permit.
  7. Perform field investigations and draft responses to pollution concerns.
  8. Develop social media content highlighting Resource Analysis work program. 
  9. Utilize GIS applications for mapping projects, delineating watersheds, and performing analyses.
  10. Provide a capstone presentation to Parks staff and leadership at the conclusion of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:
  1. Background and interest in aquatic ecology, fisheries, entomology, environmental science, watershed monitoring and assessment, stream and wetland restoration, land use planning, stormwater management and mitigation, natural resources management, and/or GIS.
  2. Ability to complete tasks both independently under minimal supervision and as part of a team while following directions, paying attention to details, and working within deadlines.
  3. Skilled in conducting scientific data collection in the field; previous experience preferred.
  4. Ability to work under somewhat arduous field conditions to include walking significant distances while carrying cumbersome equipment and working in fast-flowing water with slippery and/or unstable substrate. Lug sole waders and other protective gear will be provided.  
  5. General computer skills and advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel, required.
  6. ArcGIS/QGIS and R/RStudio competencies desired.
Requirements:
  1. Positions will be filled at the undergraduate (Intern I, pay rate $17.53/hr.) or graduate (Intern II, pay rate $19.45/hr.) level, dependent upon education and experience. Up to two candidates will be selected.
  2. Position duration is May through August 2022, dependent upon candidate’s availability. Hours fall between 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
  3. Willingness to commit to a pre-arranged schedule.
Training:
Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided by staff. Specific project requirements will be discussed with supervisory staff members. Field equipment and techniques will be demonstrated by the project supervisor. Successful completion of an online Defensive Driving course will be required. 

Selected candidates are afforded the opportunity to attend Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) summer training, schedules permitting (https://dnr.maryland.gov/streams/Pages/mbsstraining.aspx). 

Supplemental Information

To be considered, please complete application with supplemental questions included and upload cover letter as part of the submission. Unofficial transcripts preferred, but not required. Capacity to complete fieldwork as well as telework when needed is required. If teleworking is mandated by Commission Policy, equipment and instruction will be provided. This position is offered without health benefits and leave (limited paid sick leave accommodation). Housing is not provided.
For more information, please visit our program’s websites at:
A criminal background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
Person(s) hired for this position must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions).

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
 
2023 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR SEASONAL INTERMITTENT EMPLOYEES 

The following information is a summary of benefits extended to all Seasonal employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.
 
Limited Benefits for Seasonal Employees
 
Health Insurance Plans
You are eligible for specific health insurance benefits if you worked, on average, 30 hours per week during your first 12 months of employment or from October 3rd to October 2nd each subsequent period following your first 12 months of employment. This equates to 1,560 hours over a 12-month period.

If and when you are eligible for benefits, you will receive notification directly from the Health & Benefits Office.

Eligible Employees Pay 35% of the health insurance plan premium and The Commission Pays 65%.
  • Medical
    • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan
    • UnitedHealthcare Select Plan (EPO)
  • Prescription: CVS Caremark Prescription Plan

Other Benefits
  • Credit Union
  • Sick Leave Benefits

This summary is intended to highlight some of the benefits offered by the M-NCPPC. It is not an all-inclusive agreement and is subject to change. For a more detailed description of benefits, please see the appropriate benefits brochure, service agreement or manual. For more information, contact The Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.

01
Please indicate internship you are applying for. Please select one response.
  • Undergraduate-Intern I (undergraduate degree in progress or partially complete)
  • Graduate-Intern II (undergraduate degree completed and/or some Masters degree coursework)
02
Select the statement that reflects your experience conducting fieldwork and/or biological monitoring/assessments:" Please select one response.
  • No Experience
  • Classroom/Lab Experience only
  • Volunteer Experience
  • Paid/Professional Experience
  • Combination of Paid and Unpaid Experience
03
Select the statement that reflects your competency with GIS applications. Please select one response.
  • No Experience
  • Some Familiarity
  • Completed Coursework
  • Utilized In Volunteer or Professional Capacities
  • Extensive Experience Using Esri Products
04
Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
Address
7833 Walker Drive
Suite 425
Greenbelt, Maryland, 20770