Coastal Habitat Intern

The Nature Conservancy • Kill Devil Hills, NC

3d • $16

About The Position

The Coastal Habitat Intern performs and participates in ecological restoration and monitoring with both hands-on field experience and computer-based work. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Coastal Habitat Intern will work directly with TNC North Carolina Water Team staff from the Albemarle Pamlico Sounds Office and housed at Nags Head Woods Preserve. The intern will be directly involved and assist with ongoing coastal restoration site evaluation in terrestrial (e.g., peatland habitats) and aquatic communities (e.g., oyster reef) within the Albemarle-Pamlico system. The Coastal Habitat Intern will use existing datasets and reports to: 1) determine metrics to assess change, and 2) compare metrics from prior conditions to updated field evaluations. The Coastal Habitat intern will conduct preliminary site assessment of the shoreline along Nags Head Woods (NHW) Preserve, review nearby coastal restoration projects for shoreline protection and identify a project for NHW to enhance both habitat and shoreline protection. Additionally, the intern will research high-salinity and low-salinity submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and provide detailed state and federal policy information (e.g., sourcing seeds/chutes) for SAV propagation. The Coastal Habitat Intern will provide two main deliverables: 1) a summary report of the coastal restoration site evaluation, and 2) a summary report of SAV propagation techniques (literature review) and policy findings. The intern will work with the TNC-NC social media specialist to highlight their work. At the completion of the internship, the intern will present to NC Team Water on their learning over the 8 weeks, including suggestions for further development of their project.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience
• Committed to ecological restoration
• General understanding of estuarine habitats
• Experience with GIS, analyzing data, developing spatial data models, databases and maps
• Clear communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Willingness to get dirty in the field sometimes in inclement weather conditions.
• Interest in learning about the inner workings of nonprofits
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
• Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Self-directed and motivated
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Prior work and/or volunteer experience using ArcGIS Pro, R statistical package, and Microsoft Office
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

Responsibilities

• May interact with visitors.
• Works under close or infrequent supervision.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED