SUMMER INTERN POSITION -- Utah

Grand Canyon Trust (GCT) is seeking an intern for summer 2006 who is familiar with Utah botany, ecology, GIS, and field work.  The intern is to help identify, characterize, and recommend a reference area(s) for at least one major vegetation type on Utah’s three southern Utah national Forests: Dixie, Fishlake, and Manti-La Sal. 

The intern will work with Dr. Mary O’Brien, Grand Canyon Trust consultant, to develop a case example of how the three Forests can select and use the ecological  “gold standard” of a reference area. Tasks will include:

• Background research on the establishment and use of ecological reference areas.
• Communication with Forest Service and other ecologists (e.g., in The Nature Conservancy) regarding potential reference areas for 1-3 vegetation types (e.g., Aspen/mountain sage, mountain shrub/pinyon-juniper, oak/ponderosa pine).
• Use of state, Forest Service, and other GIS data layers to identify potential reference areas
• Background research on the ecology and species composition of the particular vegetation type selected for further investigation.
• Basic field documentation of species composition/conditions on potential reference areas of the selected vegetation type
• Basic field documentation of species composition/conditions on a limited number of comparison sites of the same vegetation type that are subject to various activities on the Forests
• Preliminary recommendations re: a suitable reference area(s) for the selected vegetation type

The position is for 12 weeks, 30 hrs/week @ $10 per/hr.  Hours/week can be variable depending on project and intern needs.

Desired Intern Qualifications

• Class and field work in Utah botany
• Class and field work with GIS
• Demonstrated skills for communicating with scientists, government and NGO staff, and other experts
• Experience with undertaking independent research and field work (including camping)
• Access to vehicle capable of driving on high clearance Forest roads
• Access to digital camera, GPS unit, camping equipment

Intern Application Materials

• Resume of educational and work experience
• Interest in this reference areas project and tasks
• Sample of scientific documentation by applicant (e.g., write-up of field work, research)
• Names, positions, and contact information for three references

For More Information, Contact:          Mary O’Brien

                                                             541/485-6886

                                                             mob@uoregon.edu

Deadline for Application: May 15, 2006 or later (check with Mary O’Brien) until position is filled

For background information on the Reference Areas Project please click here. (MS Word doc)