Summers- Intern– Biological Science Technician

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point•Stevens Point, WI

About The Position

The Enhancing Natural Resource Goals on the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest Program is a partnership between UW-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Center for Wildlife and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This 13-week Student Employment program is designed to provide a career-oriented introduction to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of natural resources management, and a practical understanding of Forest Service policies. Student Employees will also receive on-the-job training and exposure to a variety of natural resource disciplines and careers with the Forest Service and other natural resources agencies and organizations. The Natural Resources Student Employee – Biological Science Technician (Fish/Wildlife) will support US Forest Service staff with a variety of programs across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ( https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/home ), including non-native invasive species, wildlife, fisheries, ecology, and botany. There may also be opportunities for cross-functional experience by supporting staff in other program areas such as forestry, silviculture, and recreation. Examples of specific work and duties include: Contributing to a variety of field-based wildlife, fisheries, and plant ecology, research, and management programs. Conducting surveys of game and non-game wildlife species and plant species. Assisting with pollinator and phenology surveys, including using botanical keys to assist with the identification of plants encountered during field trips or surveys of forest areas. Recording, organizing, and summarizing vegetation type data obtained from aerial and ground surveys. Assisting with ecological restoration, including tending gardens to enhance pollinator habitat, collecting and cleaning seeds, weeding, and irrigation. Performing a variety of tasks relating to native plant surveys and monitoring, invasive plant control and monitoring, native plant restoration, and pollinator program support. Treating and managing invasive plant species using mechanical, manual, and chemical means. Using full-sized trucks, common hand and power tools, backpack and truck-mounted sprayers and pumps, off-road vehicles, power boats and canoes, and other tools to accomplish program goals. Performing Fish/Wildlife/Plant habitat improvement using brush saws and hand tools. Using global positioning systems, aerial photographs, topographic maps, GIS, and/or a compass in navigation. Performing highly physical labor and daily hiking, sometimes to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions. A portion of time may be dedicated to data entry, producing maps, and other duties in a laboratory/office setting. Participating in professional development workshops to gain leadership skills and learn about diverse career paths for natural resource professionals. Student Employees will attend a weeklong group training at the beginning of the program at Forest Lodge Educational Campus near Cable, Wisconsin. Forest Service housing for Student Employees is available in Medford at the agency’s quarters fee rate which is dependent on a variety of factors.

Requirements

Enthusiasm to learn about diverse natural resource careers.
Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Relevant coursework or practical experience in biology, conservation, recreation management, natural resources, or environmental sciences.
Ability to carry 20 pounds in the field for the entire field day.
A valid driver's license.
Ability to hike in heavily vegetated rugged terrain.
Ability to perform fieldwork in inclement weather and deal with mosquitoes, deer flies, black flies, and ticks.
Ability to safely operate outdoor field equipment including hand tools.
Aptitude for teamwork and collaborating with others.
Must be an undergraduate student currently pursuing a degree in Biology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences, Forest Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Recreation, Soil Science, Wildlife Ecology, etc.
Attach a cover letter and resumé to your application as a single document in PDF format.

Responsibilities

Contributing to a variety of field-based wildlife, fisheries, and plant ecology, research, and management programs.
Conducting surveys of game and non-game wildlife species and plant species.
Assisting with pollinator and phenology surveys, including using botanical keys to assist with the identification of plants encountered during field trips or surveys of forest areas.
Recording, organizing, and summarizing vegetation type data obtained from aerial and ground surveys.
Assisting with ecological restoration, including tending gardens to enhance pollinator habitat, collecting and cleaning seeds, weeding, and irrigation.
Performing a variety of tasks relating to native plant surveys and monitoring, invasive plant control and monitoring, native plant restoration, and pollinator program support.
Treating and managing invasive plant species using mechanical, manual, and chemical means.
Using full-sized trucks, common hand and power tools, backpack and truck-mounted sprayers and pumps, off-road vehicles, power boats and canoes, and other tools to accomplish program goals.
Performing Fish/Wildlife/Plant habitat improvement using brush saws and hand tools.
Using global positioning systems, aerial photographs, topographic maps, GIS, and/or a compass in navigation.
Performing highly physical labor and daily hiking, sometimes to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions.
A portion of time may be dedicated to data entry, producing maps, and other duties in a laboratory/office setting.
Participating in professional development workshops to gain leadership skills and learn about diverse career paths for natural resource professionals.