USGS Field Technician Internship – Moab Utah

 

Internship Description:

The incumbent will have the opportunity to work on a number of ecological research projects, working closely with USGS scientists, local resource management staff (primarily BLM), and experienced technicians. This approach will expose the student to a variety of research approaches, methods employed, and types of ecological investigations pursued by ecological and rangeland research scientists.  Primarily, the intern will have an opportunity to work on include evaluating the effects of rainfall reduction on plant physiology, the effects of variable precipitation on native grasses, and effectiveness of new approaches to reclamation of highly disturbed lands.

 

Intern Tasks:

Field measurements of plant and soil cover, seedling counts, soil and plant sampling, laboratory analysis, and data entry.

 

Expected Outcomes:

Interns will work closely with post-doctoral scientists, research ecologists, and skilled biological technicians in all aspects of their internship.  We will provide an orientation session that includes background on the larger scientific questions being addressed by the research projects as well as opportunities to attend presentations given by visiting scientists and resource managers.  We will also work closely with interns to assure they obtain desired work experience to the degree achievable within the confines of the research projects and their abilities.

 

Level of Physical Demand: The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items. The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average agility and dexterity.

 

Salary: $12 an hour, 40 hours a week for 12 week

 

Location: Moab Utah

 

Housing: Housing will be provided for 4 weeks in the Needles District of Canyonland and then 8 weeks in Moab.

 

Closing Date: March 2

 

How to Apply: Send a resume, cover letter and reference to Michael Duniway, mduniway@usgs.gov, and Erika Geiger, egeiger@usgs.gov.