Internships at NIFA opening Monday, apply early!

Another federal internship program has been announced with a very quick turnaround. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture will have internship opportunities in offices in various locations. The announcement will be posted on Monday, April 25th and close when the number of applications reaches the limit or on Friday, April 29th at the latest. Apply EARLY!

Here is the announcement:

Various offices across NIFA

Student Intern (Office Automation Clerk), GS-0326-03/04
Promotion potential: GS-04

Closing date: April 29, 2011 (This vacancy is limited to a certain number of applicants and may close before the close date listed here if that limit is reached.)

Who may apply: Degree seeking students who are enrolled at least half-time in accredited institutions.
Employment is contingent upon student enrollment.

Announcement Number: NIFA-2011-0117

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You may use the following link to view and/or apply for this position:

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/a9ag22.aspx

In the key word search, type in the vacancy announcement number:

NIFA-2011-0117

Scroll down the page and select “yes” under Applicant Eligibility. You will then click on “search for jobs” at the bottom of the page. Clicking on the position title will launch the vacancy announcement. You can select “apply online” at the bottom of the page to apply for the position. You will then be taken to a screen that will allow you to either set up an account or input your account information if you have already registered. Please follow application instructions. Transcripts (official or unofficial) must be submitted and both applications are to be submitted through the system.

Please contact Brandy Jones if you encounter any problems or have questions. I can be reached at (202) 720-5038.

Thank you.

Community Forester in Sacramento, CA

From the Alliance for Community Trees Newsletter:
Community Forester, Sacramento Tree Foundation (Sacramento, CA)
Deadline: Open until filled
     The Community Forester operates as part of the Sacramento Shade program and is responsible for helping individuals choose the best type and location of tress for maximum energy savings at their homes and promoting the program to new audiences. The Community Forester also spends a lesser amount of time organizing and leading community planting events through another SMUD sponsored program titled Community Shade. The Community Forester spends a small amount of time working on and promoting other Tree Foundation programs as needed.
     Since 1990, the Sacramento Tree Foundation has been funded by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) to distribute energy saving shade trees to SMUD customers across Sacramento County. The SMUD program, called Sacramento Shade, distributes over 15,000 trees to more than 6,000 customers every year.
     The Community Forester operates in a fast paced, busy environment, with many projects and customers to manage simultaneously. The ideal candidate for the position will have a passion for our mission, a commitment to excellent customer service, and a strong drive to see the program meet and exceed its goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• No less than 50% of the Community Forester's time is dedicated to meeting with customers at their homes and businesses and helping them with tree siting and selection, including maximizing direct shading value by advocating for tree planting and proper placement.
• The Community Forester works with the Shade Tree Program Director to ensure that all program goals are being met, giving emphasis to Sacramento and Community Shade.
• During Sacramento Shade site visits, the Community Forester gauges his or her audience to provide the appropriate level of information while including all the necessary details regarding proper planting and care, recognition of our sponsors, membership information, and more.
• The Community Forester uses standardized forms to collect detailed information about our customers and report that information back to the Tree Foundation. The Community Forester is expected to actively solicit that information from customers as needed.
• The Community Forester creates detailed planting diagrams for residential and community plantings. Some planting plans are done freehand on paper while others require the use of computer programs such as Google Earth, Microsoft Publisher and other computer editing/imaging tools.
• Research community engagement and promotional opportunities to support the Tree Foundation's strategic initiatives.
• The Community Forester establishes relationships with schools, parks and neighborhood groups to help facilitate tree planting.
• The Community Foresters is expected to actively and proactively promote the Sacramento Shade program by reaching out to residences, business, schools, civic organizations and more through the use of flyers, letters, phone calls, event-based outreach, one-on-one engagement or other channels.
• The Community Forester is the primary point of contact between the public and the TREE FOUNDATION. As such, the Community Forester is expected to represent and promote the Tree Foundation, SMUD, and other partners. With respect to the Sacramento and Community Shade programs, the Community Forester is expected to inform our customers that the program is a partnership between SMUD and the Tree Foundation and encourage customers express their thanks to our sponsor and its Board of Directors.
• The Community Forester maintains his or her own schedule using Microsoft Outlook. While it is the responsibility of the Community Forester to set up his or her schedule according to program and activity needs, most appointments will be scheduled by Tree Foundation Schedulers. The primary exception is when the Community Forester directly schedules community plantings and outreach events.
• The Community Forester drives a vehicle provided by Tree Foundation. The Community Forester maintains his or her vehicle in good working order, keeping it clean so that it may be used by other staff members as needed. The Community Forester works with the Nursery Director to schedule routine vehicle maintenance with the appropriate service providers.
• The Community Forester is responsible for organizing occasional community workshops or outreach events, including planning and implementation, as needed by the community. Community workshops may include pruning clinics, tree tours, and presenting general program information.
• Significant administrative activities are a part of the Community Forester's work. The Community Forester must complete all paperwork accurately and legibly, for both internal and external customers, as well as keep all relevant databases updated.
• Communication is a key Community Forester activity. The Community Forester is expected to use a wide array of communication tools, including email, phone, and mail, to connect and keep Tree Foundation customers updated on the progress of their orders and events. Good communication is a top priority.

ATTITUDES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Dedicated to providing great customer service and a fantastic customer experience.
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detailed organizational skills and follow-up.
• Willingness and ability to learn about and educate the community regarding the urban forest of the Sacramento Region.
• Background and/or interest in Arboriculture and Urban Forest ecology.
• Ability to lead groups of volunteers and community members.
• Ability to facilitate and make presentations to community groups.
• Must be able to work weeknights and weekends.
• Understanding of nonprofit, mission based organizations.
• Ability to contribute and work as a team member.
• Class C drivers license.

TO APPLY
This is a full-time-position, non-exempt. Hourly wage dependent upon experience. Please apply by emailing your résumé, cover letter, and wage requirement to HR@sactree.com.

Summer Opportunities in DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has numerous staff openings for the summer. Of particular interest to NRES majors, the Land Management Department hires seasonal workers, interns, and Pre-Professional Ranger staff. These individuals work with the public at boat rentals, assist with many special events, assist with archery and fishing clinics, and help to maintain clean safe preserves. You can find a list of seasonal employment opportunities at http://www.dupageforest.com/media/files/cms/Get_Involved/Employment/Job_Descriptions/Seasonal%20Position%20reference%20list(1).pdf (see the "West Division" for the positions listed above) and the application at http://www.dupageforest.com/media/files/cms/Get_Involved/Employment/Job_Descriptions/Seasonal%20Application%20Fillable(3).pdf. There are many positions available, but apply quickly, because they have started interviewing.

Urban Wildlife Institute Internship at Lincoln Park Zoo

NRES and the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago have partnered to offer an internship opportunity to an NRES student for the summer of 2011 (June 6-August 19).

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:         Summer Intern, Urban Wildlife Institute
LOCATION:        Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
REPORTS TO:   Urban Wildlife Ecologist, Urban Wildlife Institute
FLSA STATUS:   Exempt
DURATION:       June 6 – August 19, 2011

GENERAL SUMMARY

Utilizing Lincoln Park Zoo’s diverse scientific specialties, the Urban Wildlife Institute studies the interaction between urban development and the natural ecosystem to develop scientific standards for minimizing conflict between these overlapping areas. Landscape ecology, population biology, epidemiology, endocrinology, veterinary medicine and other core disciplines contribute to an increased understanding of ecosystem health in an urban setting. The Urban Wildlife Institute aims to use Chicago as a model for urban areas struggling to deal with wildlife relocation, rehabilitation, disease and conflicts. This is a paid internship that will work as part of this initiative, and contribute to the fields of urban wildlife ecology and conservation science. Specifically, the intern will help with a large, urban survey of mammals using motion-triggered cameras, and help implement research using trapping and radio-telemetry of wildlife populations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist with existing and new Urban Wildlife Institute research programs in conjunction with all partners.
• Help coordinate field work in conjunction with the Urban Wildlife Institute’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Develop new research projects that complement existing studies, under the supervision of Urban Wildlife Institute staff.
• Research new developments in urban ecology through literature searches and reviews.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Domestic travel for field projects and conferences;
• Manage other research interns and volunteers when appropriate;
• Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Institute-related activities as necessary;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Urban Wildlife Ecologist.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Successful candidates must possess expertise in field techniques for wildlife research;
• Demonstrate understanding of ecology;
• Possess strong computer, organizational (project management), and communication skills (written and spoken);
• Demonstrate a commitment to wildlife conservation through management of wild and captive populations, and willingness to participate in the department’s team approach to conservation research projects.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Working towards a bachelor’s degree in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Preference for those that:

          - Have conducted or assisted with wildlife ecological studies, including use
            of remote-triggered cameras and radio-telemetry equipment.
          - Are familiar with software including ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, and
            Microsoft Access.
          - Possess knowledge of Illinois fauna.
          - Possess a valid driver’s license.

*To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Liza Lehrer, Research Coordinator, llehrer@lpzoo.org.
Applications are due by MAY 13th, 2011.

EPA Student Opportunities Close Tomorrow

The EPA has three listings for student opportunities, all of which are only open for 2 days.

• Cincinnati, OH (http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=98350787)


• Washington, DC (http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=98350883).


• Research Triangle Park, NC (http://jobview.usajobs.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=98350617)

All three of these postings say there will be a few vacancies in that office. The positions will have one of the following titles:

• GS-0303 Office Clerk/Assistant


• GS-0404 Biological Technician


• GS-1311 Physical Science Technician


• GS-0802 Engineering Technician

These close Friday, April 8th, so apply now!

Forestry Technician (Research) Outreach Notice

The USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station will soon be posting a job opening for a Forestry Technician (Research). The position will work at the Henry R. Koen Experimental Forest in Jasper Arkansas.

MAJOR DUTIES: This position is located in a Forest Service Research Station. The incumbent independently performs technical duties in support of professional scientists conducting various research projects. Collects, compiles, and summarizes a variety of complex research data. Data collection duties include locating study areas and study plots in accordance with study maps and instructions of supervisor, tree species identification (including tree seedlings), use of forestry-related equipment (e.g. field computers, electronic measuring devices, topographic maps, diameter tapes, GPS, laser measuring devices, clinometer, increment borer) and data recording. Assures that field data are collected in an accurate and timely manner. Works safely and promotes safe working habits by following guidelines contained in the Forest Service Health and Safety Code.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license. Full outreach notice and response form is available at http://nres.illinois.edu/system/files/Forestry_Technician.pdf. Response is due April 20th.