Internship - Forest Analytical Assistant
(Forestry Conservation)
Internship
The Conservation Fund
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Job Description:
General Purpose of Job:
This 10-week position is intended to provide valuable support for the Working Forest Fund, which owns and manages 250,000 acres of forestland for throughout the U.S. for sustainable timber harvest, wildlife habitat protection, and low-impact public access. This position is designed to provide valuable experience in the management and protection of working forestland throughout the United States for recent graduates or currently enrolled students from a natural resource management bachelor’s or master’s degree program. We anticipate hiring the successful candidate for May 2019 – August 2019 (dates are flexible).
Essential Functions:
Assist the Working Forest Fund in the management of the existing ownership, acquisition of additional forestland, and disposition of protected tracts. Additional job duties may include any or all of the following depending on actual program needs and the applicant’s individual strengths and interests. Opportunity to complete a research project may be possible.
Forest Inventory — maintain/improving forest inventory databases for the current ownership as well as analysis of forest inventory information for potential acquisitions including growth and yield modeling and forest operation scheduling
GIS Analysis — maintain and improve GIS information for the current ownership and potential acquisitions
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis — analyze current and projected revenues (including timber harvest revenue, recreational leases, and mitigation) and expenses to assist strategic planning
Forest Certification — assist in the review and development of forest management activities, plans, and policies to maintain The Conservation Fund’s dual Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification
Cost-Share Assistance — identify and prioritize state and federal programs designed to assist silviculture and conservation practices
Gain experience with the day to day activities related to managing conservation related forestland.
Additionally it is anticipated that there will two to four days of out-of-state travel to other TCF forests to provide assistance with field projects in those locations and gain familiarity with forest management practices in other region.
Qualifications:
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
It is required that the candidate (at a minimum):
Be enrolled in or graduating from a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in natural resource management.
Ability to navigate and work safely in forested conditions.
Motivated individual, eager to learn and to contribute as opportunities arise.
Strong work ethic and time management skills.
Good communication skills
Computer and basic statistical analysis skills including ArcGIS, MS Excel and Access
A commitment to conservation.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Driver’s license and clean driving record.
Physical/Mental Requirements: This position will regularly require the ability to safely travel to and perform field tasks at distant work sites in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and sometimes in difficult and hazardous terrain.
Miscellaneous:
The Conservation Fund, a Non Profit Corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or practice in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.
Salary: Hourly
Seasonal, Temporary, Internship