Biological Science Intern USFWS (Fisheries)

Title: USFWS Biological Science Intern (Fisheries) (5 openings)

Start/End Dates: May 22 – October 20, 2023 (anticipated dates)

Stipend: $560/week (+Education Award)

Term: 22 weeks

Reports To: Zachary Jackson (USFWS)

Location: Arizona Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office (Whiteriver, AZ)

Status: 675-hour AmeriCorps Service Term

Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $2,474.27; Public Lands Corps Certificate*; both with successful completion of the internship.

*To be eligible for a Public Lands Corps certificate, interns must be between the ages of 18-30, inclusive, at the time the individual begins the term of service.

Summary:

Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC):

Arizona Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. AZCC is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. AZCC operates programs across Arizona that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. AZCC has program offices in Flagstaff and Tucson. 

Position Summary:

The Biological Science interns will help the Arizona Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office support recovery actions for the threatened Apache Trout on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The interns will be part of a seasonal field crew conducting backpack electrofishing surveys of headwater streams for the purpose of monitoring the status and trend of Apache Trout populations. The position will also include managing and removing non-native invasive trout species that prey on, compete with, and hybridize with Apache Trout. The Fort Apache Indian Reservation is located in the White Mountains of Arizona and hosts the large majority of remaining Apache Trout habitat and populations. The typical schedule is Monday-Thursday from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm (four ten-hour work days each week, with a half-hour unpaid lunch break each day). Work days may shift during holiday weeks as needed.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions:

• Collection of fish primarily using backpack electrofishing gear.  
• Perform water quality and habitat measurements.
• Prepare and maintain collecting gear for use in field surveys. 
• Participate in field surveys on various bodies of water in Arizona, often in remote locations. 
• Collect and record biological information and research project data such as species, size, weight, sex, age, and habitat use. 
• Operate and maintain government-owned equipment and vehicles.
• This position includes a significant amount of physically strenuous labor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Punctuality and consistent attendance for duration of term.
• Strong attention to organization and detail.
• Interest in conservation biology, endangered species, and resource management.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Native American candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Teamwork oriented with clear, direct communication and interpersonal skills.
• 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Applicants can be between the ages of 18 – 20 if they have held a valid driver’s license for 3 consecutive years. Applicants with no driver’s license are still encouraged to apply but will not be able to drive agency vehicles.
• Degree in a related field (Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, etc.).
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified.

Physical Requirements:

• To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift and carry 50 pounds on a routine basis.
• Ability to work, backpack, and live in varied outdoor conditions including exposure to adverse weather conditions. Ability to hike long distances over steep and rough terrain at high elevations.
• Camping for up to 4 days at a time with minimal cell phone service may be required of crewmembers on a recurring basis, due to the remoteness of some project locations.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements:

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences. 
• Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service. Members must commit to participating in all crew/team activities, including service days in local communities where applicable. 
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff. 
• Appropriately represent AmeriCorps, Arizona Conservation Corps, and the Arizona Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office at all times.

Safety and Judgment: 

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. 
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions. 
• Respond appropriately to stress or crisis.
• If taking prescriptions medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Environmental Ethics:

• Learn and practice 'Leave no Trace' techniques.

Substance Free:

• In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property. 

To Apply:  Please submit a resume and cover letter along with the online application using the application link below. If you have questions, contact AZCC’s Individual Placement Support Coordinator Preston Sands at psands@conservationlegacy.org . 

For more information on the US Fish & Wildlife Service, please visit their website at www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/

For more information about Arizona Conservation Corps, please visit www.azcorps.org. Arizona Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy.