Field & GIS Internship w/ West Multnomah Soil & Conservation

Opening Date: Monday, January 7th, 2013
Closing Date: Friday, February 8th, 2013 4:30 PM
Starting Date: Around Monday, March 25th, 2013

West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District is a state-designated special district formed to conserve and protect soil and water resources for people, wildlife and the environment. The
district is governed by a seven-member elected board of directors. The District encompasses all of Multnomah County west of the Willamette River and includes all of Sauvie Island.

FIELD and GIS INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

General Summary
West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District is hiring one limited-duration, at will, non-exempt, part-time Field Intern for the spring and summer of 2013 (approximately April
–September). This internship is designed to provide experience in the areas of water quality, invasive species, habitat restoration, forestry and agricultural land uses.

Work will be split evenly between field work and office work. Field work will include data collection,
inventories, and planning involving the “areas” listed above. Office work will involve mapping with ArcGIS with some technical writing and office communication. Candidates should have a good understanding of GIS and be able to create shape files and produce maps. The person filling
the position should also possess knowledge/experience in the following areas:

- Native and invasive plant identification
- Field work & basic surveying
- Public speaking
- Report & article writing
- Project management
- Data entry and management
- And have the ability to use personal vehicle and clean driving record

Qualified candidates must be able to work independently and as a part of a team; and be able to communicate with project leaders.

Job Duration and Schedule
Most work weeks will be comprised of 2-3 full days (8 hours each) which amount to total of 40 hours for a two week span (average of 20 hours per week). Some flexibility will be allowed for starting and ending dates to accommodate school schedules. Work schedule flexibility will be based
on workloads and the needs of the intern.

Essential Functions of the Job
_ Proficiency using GIS software.
_ Understands, interprets, and uses various maps, aerial photography and soils information.
_ Identifying both native and invasive plant species.
_ Assists with surveying projects and field inventories.
_ Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with co-workers and conducts work responsibilities in a professional manner.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
_ Meets regularly with Internship Program Supervisor.
_ Assists with landowner outreach.
_ Participates in office meetings with District board members, District employees, and other agency employees to coordinate and prioritize work.
_ Assists with educational activities to inform public on natural resource issues, water quality, and
conservation. This may include workshops, seminars, fairs, shows and conventions.
_ Communicates and works directly with property owners and operators
through face-to-face contact; telephone, written, or email correspondence.
_ Performs other duties as assigned by the District Board.

Qualifications
_ A student working toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with the major course work in natural sciences, natural resource management, soils, water quality, agriculture
sciences, or a related natural sciences discipline is preferred.
_ Experience in collecting field data and maintaining field notes is required.
_ Good oral and written communication skills are required.
_ The ability to use a personal computer for information entry and retrieval, correspondence, developing data spreadsheets and graphs, mapping, and conservation practice design is required.
_ Must be proficient with Microsoft Suite and GIS Software.

Job Conditions
_ This position works both in the field and in the office.
_ The fieldwork will include working in and around such locations as farms and ranches; rivers, streams, and ponds; properties with dense vegetation or woodlands; and other areas with steep, slippery, muddy,rocky, or other hazardous terrain.
_ The office work may include working at a desk; using a computer; or working or standing at a table.
_ This position requires travel to field sites, workshops, training sessions, plus daytime and evening meetings outside the office. In order to carry out these assigned duties, a valid Oregon driver’s license is required. 
_ Some physical exertion may be required during field work such as walking, and using technical or power equipment and hand tools.

Compensation
Stipend paid twice a month based on hours worked, amount commensurate to experience and education. Expenses incurred for required job functions, including mileage accrued using a personal vehicle, will be reimbursable. Costs associated with trainings that are related to the position may be covered with pre-approval of District Manager.

To Apply
Send a ONE page cover letter and a resume no longer than TWO pages to [email protected] or to
West Multnomah SWCD
Attn: Scott Gall
2701 NW Vaughn Street, Suite 450
Portland, OR 97210.
For questions contact Scott Gall at email above or call 503-238-4775 x 105.