RTK/GIS Intern w/ South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (Charleston, OR)

​RTK/GIS INTERN
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Charleston, OR
 
Deadline to Apply, August 19
 
This position will provide an intern with training and work experience in the area of Real Time Kinematic (RTK) data collection, static GPS, Online Positioning Users Service (OPUS) use, and GIS software (ESRI, Trimble Business Center, Trimble planning software).
 
Major Tasks    

• Assist South Slough staff in collecting RTK elevation data at marsh biomonitoring sites.
  
• Conduct static GPS surveys to connect vertical control marks into a local vertical control network, and into NAVD88
  
• Use Trimble Business Center for post-processing of data
  
• Import static survey data to OPUS
  
• Re-run earlier surveys in OPUS
  
• Map eelgrass extent using imagery (e.g., NAIP)

 
 
Benefits to Intern
 
Interns will be exposed to both an Oregon State office and a protected reserve environment with a host of learning opportunities. Interns will gain experience in outdoor GIS work, use of GIS in environmental science, and communication skills.  By working alongside science staff, interns will gain specific experience in:

• RTK GPS
  
• GIS software
  
• Eelgrass mapping

 
Upon completion of the Work Experience program, interns will receive:

• A written reference from mentors to be used for future employment
• A stipend award of $900

 
Desired Skills     
This position is ideal for a person who enjoys being outdoors in all types of weather.  Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Have interest or experience in working in wetlands and environmental science.
  
• Can walk comfortably on trails and uneven surfaces while carrying heavy/cumbersome equipment.
  
• Are physically active and can comfortably lift 50 Lbs.
  
• Have GIS software experience.
  
• Enjoy detail oriented activities.

 
Time Commitment         
Start Date: September 7, 2016.  End Date: October 31.
8 weeks @ 23 hours/week (180 hours total).
 
Work Station     
South Slough Reserve’s Estuarine and Coastal Science lab on the Oregon Institute for Marine Biology campus: 
63466 Boat Basin Rd, Charleston, OR  97420
 
Evaluation          
The mentor for this position is South Slough’s Watershed Monitoring Coordinator (Jenni Schmitt). She will provide formal feedback to the intern on a weekly basis and less formally on an as needed basis.  This is an informal relationship that allows the student to ask questions and the mentor to make suggestions.  A final verbal and written evaluation will be conducted by the program supervisor with input from the mentor and other staff and volunteers who have worked with the intern. 
 
Contact               
Deborah Rudd, SSNERR Public Involvement Coordinator
(541) 888-5558 ext. 158
[email protected] 
 
Mentor Commitment   
The SSNERR Public Involvement Coordinator (Deborah Rudd) will serve as the liaison for all interns in the Work Experience Program. However, training and monitoring of the interns’ daily activities and performance feedback are the responsibility of the intern’s mentor.  The mentor identified for this position is the SSNERR Watershed Monitoring Coordinator.  The commitment of mentor is as follows:

• Provide training and/or coaching in the areas of 1) GPS equipment set up, care and maintenance 2) Data collection protocols and 3) Post processing of data. 
  
• Serve as a resource to the intern as s/he completes tasks (as needed/desired). 
  
• Assign daily work for the intern to complete.
  
• Review the intern’s work for accuracy and conformance to agency policies and procedures.
  
• Provide intern with regular feedback regarding his/her performance and provide evaluative information to the program Supervisor upon completion of the program and upon request.