Natural Resource Intern

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a diverse, tropical desert on the international boundary and 60 miles from the Gulf of California. Summers are hot and winters are mild. Interns will gain experience with natural resource programs including ecological monitoring, wildlife management, and landscape restoration. Some tasks will be performed solo and others as part of a team.

Ecological monitoring program.—Data collection on a wide variety of ecological indicators (vital signs) takes place year round. Activities include setting up and taking down small animal traps, radio tracking wildlife, recording photographs, operating trail cameras, sampling vegetation plots, recording field data on standard forms, collecting and preparing plant specimens, preparing labels with locality information, maintaining field equipment, and data entry.

Endangered and candidate species.—Quitobaquito Springs is a unique desert oasis and habitat for the endangered Quitobaquito pupfish and Sonoyta mud turtle as well as the Quitobaquito spring snail — proposed for listing. Tasks will include maintenance of aquatic and adjacent terrestrial habitat, and annual census of aquatic species. In addition to aquatic species, we have Sonoran pronghorn surveillance and habitat enhancement projects, maintenance of wildlife waters, and exit counts for the lesser long-nosed bat.

Landscape restoration.–Off-road vehicle traffic and invasive plants are impacting monument landscapes. Restoration activities include propagating native plants for outplanting on disturbed sites, masking old vehicle routes and monitoring for re-use, and removal of invasive plants–mainly buffelgrass.

Compensation amounts:

• $1,100 – one time RT travel allowance
• $400 – weekly living allowance
• AmeriCorps eligible ($4,546 education award)
• Housing

• All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

Position ID: PO-00735387

Expected Dates: June 19, 2023 - February 25, 2024

Location:
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, AZ 85321
US

Training Provided: Interns are encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities in the Southwest.

Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Recreational opportunities include use of the park gym, hiking, camping, and international travel. The Gulf of California is 60 miles away.

Handicap Accessible?: No

Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt

Further Details

AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible

Driving Logistics: Recommended

Government vehicles are not available for personal use.

Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member

Housing is dormitory style with 3 bedrooms (2 full beds and 2 single beds), 1 ½ baths, kitchen, living room, and central air. You must bring your own sheets, towels and pillows. The kitchen has a stove, microwave oven, and two refrigerators. There are washers and driers for laundry. One person is assigned to each bedroom.

Indoor/Outdoor: Combination

US Citizenship: Yes