Duration: 10-12 weeks, 40 hours per week in Oskaloosa, Iowa (Mahaska County)
Pay: $12.50 per hour
Qualifications: Open to any students currently enrolled in college or recent graduate majoring in a field of study related to agriculture, conservation, engineering, construction trades, GIS, communications, public relations, urban planning, or environmental sciences.
Duties: The Intern will assist the local Soil and Water Conservation District* and Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality Mines and Minerals Bureau** with duties including, but not limited to:
- Working with local landowners and partners to develop interest in and commitment to implementation of conservation programs and activities
- Field site visits and data collection to document Abandoned Mine Land (AML) coal mine sites
- Water quality monitoring through the collection of water quality samples
- Soil health assessment and testing through observation and soil sampling
- Use of GPS and GIS training to document findings
- Assist field office staff with the development of conservation plans and implementation of conservation practices such as terraces, filter strips, water and sediment control basins, grassed waterways, conservation cover seedings, etc.
Work environment: This position includes both office and field work. Successful candidates will work as part of a local team as well as independently, be able to traverse rough terrain on foot, spend time outdoors in the summer months, be able to work with the public including landowners and customers, use GPS/GIS tools, work in extreme temperature or inclement weather as required, work around large equipment, and complete work in a timely manner. A valid driver’s license is required.
Reporting: The Intern will report to the District Conservationist on a day-to-day basis. In addition, the Intern will file progress reports with the Soil and Water Conservation District and Division of Soil Conservation & Water Quality. A background check of the student will be required. The student Intern will also make a formal presentation at the end of their internship to report on their experience and work completed over the summer. The student is expected to coordinate the planning of this meeting and present findings to interested conservation partners.
Deadline to apply: Applications must be received (not postmarked) by 12:00 noon on Friday, February 12, 2021
Application Process – Email a cover letter and resume to deborah.morgan-lennie@ia.nacdnet.net or send by postal mail to:
Mahaska County SWCD
2503 Todd Street
Oskaloosa, IA 52577