Internship - Wetland
Restoration Outreach
Position Title: Wetland Restoration Outreach Intern
Primary Purpose of Position: To promote knowledge of and
participation in diverse wetland restoration opportunities, especially the
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) administered by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS), in several counties of western
Internship Period: Fall Semester, 2002, with
possible renewal for Spring Semester, 2003
Job Description and Expectations:
The
intern will be responsible for sharing information about various federal, state
and private wetland restoration programs and opportunities with private landowners,
with a focus on the farming community.
The intern will work closely with the local NRCS staff to design a strategic
campaign to promote the Wetland Reserve Program in several target counties, and
to “get the word out” to landowners through letters, meetings, events, articles
in newspapers and other publications, and through direct one-on-one contact
with potential participants in wetland programs.
A considerable amount of
time will be spent “in the field” contacting and working with landowners,
coordinating public meetings, and visiting potential restoration projects on
private lands. For this reason it is expected that the intern has a functional
vehicle that can be used for the project, a valid driver’s license and a clean
driving record.
Note: The intern will not be enrolling participants in any
programs nor undertaking the restoration work, but will refer interested
parties to the appropriate agency personnel for further information and for
applying to the various programs.
Commitment & Compensation: 20 hrs
(minimum) to 40 hrs/week @ $10/hr. for 15-16 weeks (some
flexibility on time period). Possible renewal for a second semester.
Travel and expenses (mileage,
telephone, materials, postage, copies, etc.) associated with the project will be
covered by WWA. A project budget will be
developed with the intern. WWA has a
computer available for the project.
Location: Although the intern will be working in a several-county area, the
“home base” will be in the NRCS office in
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be an upper class
undergraduate student, a recent college graduate, or a current graduate student
in a natural resources field (conservation biology, wildlife, agriculture, soil
science, environmental education, etc.). The following additional
qualifications are highly desirable:
1. Have an understanding of
wetlands (ecology, hydrology, soils) and their restoration
2. Basic understanding of the
agricultural community and the Farm Bill
3. Ability to present ideas
effectively, both written and orally
4. Highly organized, able to
work independently and able to complete tasks in a timely fashion
5. Experience with
word-processing and spreadsheet and/or database software
6. Familiarity with diverse
kinds of maps and Geographic Information
System (GIS)
Specific Tasks: Depending on whether it is a
part- or full-time internship, the Wetland Restoration Outreach Intern will
accomplish some or all of the following:
Supervision: The intern will be supervised by the Program
Director of Wisconsin Wetlands Association.
A local NRCS staff person identified as a contact/advisor will provide
oversight and guidance. NRCS staff will
also provide initial training.
Evaluation: The internship will be evaluated based on the
following criteria:
Application Process: Send (mail, Fax or e-mail) a cover letter,
resume and list of three references to:
Wetland Restoration Internship
Program
(608) 250-9971
FAX: (608) 256-4562
e-mail: info@wiscwetlands.org
www.wiscwetlands.org
Application Deadline:
Start Date: Although there is some flexibility, we are
targeting