POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: POLK INTERNSHIP – VEGETATION
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of the Grand Canyon. GCC raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region.
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) sponsors summer internships as part of the Eugene T. Polk Science Fellowship. GCC is currently seeking a paid intern for the Summer/Fall of 2024 at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for the Vegetation Program.
This internship will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Vegetation Program on the South Rim. The Vegetation Program coordinates various activities, including invasive plant management, habitat restoration (i.e., seed collection, plant salvage, planting, mulching, watering), plant propagation (greenhouse and nursery), and rare plant species monitoring and surveying.
The intern will live and work in the South Rim Developed Area and be part of a 3–5-person vegetation team. Most work will be focused on the village area, with periodic work at established viewpoints, such as the Desert View Inter-Tribal Cultural Heritage Site, and along trails and roadsides. The intern will be able to hike and explore more of the South Rim while collecting seeds and cuttings for future habitat restoration projects. The intern will also survey for and remove high-priority plant invasive species throughout the developed areas. As part of a small team, the intern will periodically work independently and serve as one of the primary representatives for the Vegetation Program on the South Rim.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary objectives of this internship will include:
• Monitoring and maintaining habitat restoration projects
• Collecting seeds and cuttings
• Inventorying, surveying, and mapping native, invasive, and rare plant species
• Conducting forest health assessments
• Controlling priority invasive plant species
• Using GPS units, compasses, digital cameras, tablets, and multiple data forms to collect data in the field
• Coordinating, educating, and leading volunteer groups and youth conservation corps to complete the above-listed work
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Possess a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
• The ability to drive a work vehicle for work-related tasks
• Available for the internship dates: August 12th, 2024, through November 8th, 2024
• The ability to live at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, housing will be provided
• The ability to perform field-work associated with this project
• Must have experience in variable conditions, camping/backcountry experience
• Ability and willingness to work long hours (10 hours per day)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS
• Skilled in the use of Trimble or Garmin GPS units, digital cameras, Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, and geographic information systems (GIS)
• Ability to read a topographic map and use a compass
• Skilled in canyon hiking, orienteering, and backpacking in remote canyon settings
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or as part of a team for extended periods
• Basic knowledge of restoration ecology and invasive species management
• Basic understanding of Colorado Plateau flora
• Background in biological sciences with botanical identification skills
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Must be in good physical condition with no limitations that would affect mobility in remote areas
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, stoop, and lift for long hours while conducting vegetation management actions
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle
GCC CORE VALUES
GCC has identified four core values representing how we interact with our employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and followers. Our values include:
• Integrity: We are honest, respectful, inclusive, caring, and accountable for our actions. We operate at a high level of excellence, utilizing our resources to their best and fullest potential.
• Education: We are a dynamic learning organization uniquely positioned to cultivate the “awe” of the Grand Canyon.
• Service: We embrace our role as a valued partner of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park and will provide the highest level of excellence in every interaction with employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and donors.
• Connection: We foster a sense of wonder and adventure for the Grand Canyon.
GCC’S COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
Grand Canyon Conservancy embraces and nurtures a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes diversity, encourages collaboration, and fosters a culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and included. As a dynamic learning organization, we continually evaluate our systems and practices to foster an environment where all employees feel a sense of belonging, are empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, and can thrive personally and professionally.
GCC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
TOTAL COMPENSATION
The internship is a full-time, non-exempt, and seasonal internship. This position is not benefit-eligible and has a base salary paid bi-weekly. The intern will be compensated $600.00 per week for the internship term. Housing will be provided at no cost to the intern.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are currently being accepted.
Please visit our website at: https://www.grandcanyon.org/about/jobs
We ask that you include a resume and cover letter with your application. For questions, please contact Lonnie Pilkington at Lonnie_pilkington@nps.gov
Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.