INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

The Central Pine Barrens Commission in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, Long Island Weed Management Area, and other partner agencies is seeking two candidates for a six-month Invasive Plant Inventory and Assessment Project internship beginning April 2006.

Duties:

Survey and map occurrences of invasive terrestrial and aquatic plant species primarily in areas of the Core most likely to be in a relatively weed-free condition. Survey and map large, relatively weed-free areas that may be best suited for prevention, early detection, and rapid control measures. Identify invasives threats to weed-free areas, including threats from roadside invasives. Produce a map of terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant occurrences in and around contiguous, relatively weed-free areas in the Core. Document methodologies for surveys, maps, and assessments. Submit data to the Long Island Weed Information Management System (“WIMS”) database, which will link to a central N.Y.S. database. Prepare a final report analyzing and summarizing data using the WIMS program. Maintain a daily journal

Requirements:

Bachelor of Science degree in natural science/forestry or equivalent experience; good plant identification skills/coursework in botany or plant taxonomy; experience with computers including MS Office Suite, and ESRI Arc View or ArcGIS, orienteering and use of maps and aerial photos; excellent organizational skills; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work well independently as well as part of a team and remain reliable; excellent interpersonal skills/good public relation skills; hard-working, and safety conscious; valid driver’s license; reliable personal transportation (mileage reimbursement provided); willingness to work occasional weekends (and evenings); field experience; good physical condition; ability to carry up to 25 lbs for up to 8 miles in harsh outdoor conditions such as heat, cold and rain; no debilitating reaction to insect bites or poison ivy; sense of adventure.

Preferred:

Experience with GPS; Field experience in botany or plant taxonomy; Experience with MS Access.

Special notes:

The Nature Conservancy has offered assistance with training, supervision, and housing. This position involves long hours in the field with possible long distance travel. Mosquitoes and ticks will be present during the monitoring season. Mosquito species include Culex pipians, carrier of the West Nile virus, however cases of West Nile are rare. Ticks species include the Deer, Dog, and Lone star. Deer ticks carry Lyme disease; Dog and Lone star ticks carry more benign illnesses such as Babisiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Training and protective clothing will be available to lower the possibility of insect-borne illness. Mileage reimbursement and $10/hour stipend provided.

Position Type: Field Biology, Botany/Forestry, Geographic Information System (including GPS).
Application process:

Please send a cover letter, resume and two (2) references [One (1) reference from an employer and one (1) from a college faculty member or other professional. No references from family or friends]. Applications will be accepted by fax, email or mail until the positions are filled, preferably prior to February 28, 2006.

Karen Eichelberger, Environmental Analyst

Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission

P.O. Box 587

Great River, NY 11739-0587

Fax: (631) 224-7653

Email: keichelberger@pb.state.ny.us

More Information:

The Central Pine Barrens

http://www.pb.state.ny.us/

The TNC’s Weed Information Management System

http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/wims