Land Steward Intern w/ Columbia Land Trust

Land Steward Intern | Columbia Land Trust | Vancouver, WA
Application Deadline: April 7th, 2017
https://www.columbialandtrust.org/about-us/careers/
 
Position Description:
The Land Steward Intern will support land management activities on Columbia Land Trust
conserved lands located throughout northwest Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge, and
southwest Washington. The primary responsibility of the intern will be to support the
monitoring of fee-owned lands and conservation easements. Monitoring field work will
involve traversing properties by foot, taking photos, and recording observations about
vegetation, wildlife, hydrology, boundaries, and other site conditions. The intern will be
responsible for developing monitoring reports that include written observations, maps, and
photos. In addition to monitoring activities, the intern will have the opportunity to
participate in other land management activities in the field and office such as
infrastructure maintenance, weed control, ecological surveys, data management and
analysis, and public outreach. The position will provide exposure to environmental field
work, land management practices, land conservation issues, and ecological restoration
practices.
 
Timeline:
June – August or early September (flexible start and end date)
An average of 24 hours per week, spanned across 2-4 days per week
Position requires a commitment of at least 10 weeks
 
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Conduct field monitoring visits to conservation easement properties and fee-owned
properties. The Land Trust monitors urban and rural properties ranging from 1-2,000
acres in size. The intern will generally be accompanied by staff, but may occasionally be
asked to conduct a monitoring visit independently. (25%)
• Preparation of monitoring materials, including maps and documents, in advance of field
visit. (5%)
• Process monitoring reports after visit: includes compiling monitoring photos and data,
composing landowner letters, entering monitoring notes into an online database,
updating maps, and filing reports. (40%)
• Support land management projects: may include mapping, infrastructure maintenance,
weed control, ecological surveys or other land management activities. These activities
will generally occur in the field with staff. (15%)
• Support other office tasks: may include research, writing management plans, data
management, or mapping and analysis with GIS software, based on the intern’s skills
and interests. (up to 15%)
 
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
• Background in natural resource management or natural sciences
• Interest in working outdoors and a commitment to conservation
• Field experience in biology, ecological restoration or land stewardship
• Enjoys working with a wide variety of people; interest in engaging landowners in
conservation and stewardship
• Ability to work in remote, often rugged, and adverse conditions
• Ability to use a compass and map
• Basic knowledge of Pacific Northwest flora and fauna
• Familiarity with GPS and GIS technology
• Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently in the field and office
• Attention to detail and tolerance for data focused tasks
• Excellent writing and organizational skills
• Valid Driver's License and good driving record
 
Work Environment: Roughly 60% time spent in the office and 40% in the field
Supervision: The intern will be supervised by the Vancouver Land Steward with additional
supervision and training provided by the Stewardship Assistant. Staff will provide training
throughout the internship, establish goals and timelines, and provide on-going feedback.
Considerations: The intern will work out of Columbia Land Trust’s headquarters office in
Vancouver, WA. Reliable daily transportation to Vancouver is required. In addition, this
position may occasionally require the use of a personal vehicle to drive to distant
properties (up to 200 miles round trip). Mileage expenses incurred for this additional travel
are reimbursable. The intern’s schedule will be flexible to accommodate field work, which
may involve 10-12 hour days. There may be opportunities for occasional overnight trips,
with costs covered by the Land Trust. The intern is responsible for supplying their own
basic field gear (field clothes, rain gear, boots, backpack, etc.).
 
Compensation: Unpaid internship. School Credit supported.
 
Application: Deadline to apply is Friday, April 7th. Send a cover letter and resume to Sam
Schongalla, Columbia Land Trust Volunteer Coordinator, at
volunteer@columbialandtrust.org.