Six Month Internship, National Park Service (Atlanta, GA): Biology Assistant
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Biology Assistant
Park Unit: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 Weeks
Start Date: 5/1/2023
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $480.00
Relocation Allowance: $350.00
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) spans 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River. The park’s Values of Special Significance include ecological, geological, cultural, scenic, and recreational values in addition to water quality and quantity. Preserving these values requires an understanding of the river’s water sources. The Chattahoochee River provides 65%of the region’s drinking water making it a priority asset and the center of a three-state conflict over water rights. Given the CRNRA’s geography, it is one of the most biodiverse in the NPS. As a result, the CRNRA has gained the attention of several state, local, and non-profit organizations interested in the species within the park and the park’s value as a safeguarding site for species of concern. This proposal focuses on identifying the locations of seeps and springs, collecting GPS locations that would allow the park to better understand and protect these resources. The GA DNR has committed as a partner. Seeps and springs (SAS) are ecological indicators of the health of the local groundwater system and are considered some of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Additionally, these systems provide valuable aquatic habitat for many plant and animal species of concern. At this time, park resource managers do not have a full understanding of the many SAS found throughout CRNRA since the park has no formal inventory of these resources and therefore, no way of protecting them. With threats from human activities and development growing daily, a base knowledge of groundwater levels and health through a SAS inventory offers a window into the health of the river system at large. OBJECTIVES: Seeps and springs would be located and mapped using GPS technology. GIS data layers and maps would be created in ArcGIS. A database would be developed and updated. A biological technician would implement the Level 1 Inventory including: geo-referencing sites; describing, sketching, and photo documenting sites and their microhabitats.
DELIVERABLES
1. Maps showing the seeps and spring within the CRNRA.
2. GIS data layers in ArcGIS showing the seeps and springs.
3. Data would be entered into the Springs Inventory Online Database. Data would be shared with other agencies and researchers.
4. A written report synthesizing all the data collected information.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
- The qualified applicant should exhibit enthusiasm, independence, resourcefulness, and have a team spirit.
- They must have solid GIS and GPS training and/or certification and experience.
- Plant and/or herptile identification is desired.
- They must be completely comfortable with field work and be able to work independently both in the office and in the field.
- Self-motivation is required as well as a commitment to the project.
- Degrees in environmental studies, geology, hydrology, biology, botany, GIS, and other fields related to natural resources and land conservation will be considered.
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
WORK SETTING
CRNRA is located north of Atlanta in the metropolitan area. Amenities abound. The park spans 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River from the city to Buford Dam at Lake Sidney Lanier. The park also contains 16 land units that comprise approximately 5,000 acres along the river. The units are separate and disjunct allowing for great biological diversity. The park consists of two major forests types – bottomland hardwood and piedmont pine-hardwood. Granite outcrops and cliffs are significant geologic features. The climate is temperate with mild winters and hot humid summers. Intern may be subject to high humidity, hot temperatures, insects, poison ivy, and steep terrain.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant will need a valid driver's license in order to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
HOUSING
Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Park housing is a former residence that offers private bedrooms with shared baths, kitchen, dining, and common areas. Kitchen is supplied with dishes and pans. The house has washer and dryer, wi-fi, and cable. Intern will need to bring linens, pillows, laundry detergent, and all personal items and toiletries.
KEYWORDS
Biology, hydrology, GIS, ecology, botany, seeps and springs, field work