Wildlife Habitat Plant Intern

State of Montana • Dillon, MT

9h

About The Position

This intern position will assist with wildlife habitat monitoring on rangelands, riparian/wetland areas, and forested habitat types throughout Montana. The intern will be based in Dillon, MT. The position's work will focus primarily on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA; n = 70 and ~ 450,000 acres in total) that are administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP). This intern position will work directly with the MFWP Plant Ecologist to complete habitat monitoring and evaluate and/or prescribe habitat treatments (e.g., fire, grazing, conifer thinning, etc.) for wildlife habitat. Habitat monitoring will use nationally recognized monitoring techniques to measure plant abundances at the species level and ecological health conditions.

This intern position will be expected to travel extensively throughout MT (travel will be provided by MFWP) for the duration of the summer. Most work weeks will require 2 - 4 days of camping in rural areas. Some WMAs do have cabins available for these overnight trips, and a travel trailer may be provided for other trips, but tent camping may be necessary. Most of the habitat monitoring will focus within upland habitats, but riparian and wetland habitat monitoring will occur. Interns will also work with wildlife biologists and habitat biologists based throughout MT that manage WMAs. This position will allow for opportunities to learn directly from wildlife professionals and pursue a future career with FWP or other natural resource agencies.

Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in a college or university.
• Strong desire to learn
• Adaptability
• Completing tasks reliably
• Applicants should expect 3 to 1 0+ miles of hiking daily with a 20-lb backpack.
• Durable hiking boots and water footwear are necessary.
• Weather conditions will likely vary from 30 - 95°F that may also include varying levels of wind and/or rain/snow conditions.
• Applicants should expect 3 to 1 0+ miles of hiking daily with a 20-lb backpack.

Nice To Haves

• A strong background in plant identification, photo monitoring, data management/organization, wildlife habitat ecology and management, and rangeland/riparian monitoring techniques are desired.

Responsibilities

• Assist with wildlife habitat monitoring on rangelands, riparian/wetland areas, and forested habitat types throughout Montana.
• Work directly with the MFWP Plant Ecologist to complete habitat monitoring and evaluate and/or prescribe habitat treatments (e.g., fire, grazing, conifer thinning, etc.) for wildlife habitat.
• Use nationally recognized monitoring techniques to measure plant abundances at the species level and ecological health conditions.
• Travel extensively throughout MT for the duration of the summer.
• Work with wildlife biologists and habitat biologists based throughout MT that manage WMAs.

Benefits

• Employees who exceed 1,040 hours in a calendar year are also provided health, dental and life insurance.
• Other benefits include retirement, paid vacation, sick and holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed