Overview
Title: Buffers Assessment Intern
Location: Mt. Crawford, VA
Positions Available: 1 Internship
Position Dates: June 24 – August 16 (8 weeks)
Pay Rate: $600/week and AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of 300-hour term
Status: 40 hours/week, Full-Time/Temporary
Contact: [email protected]
The primary purpose of this position is to perform site assessments and develop maintenance plans for riparian forest buffers as a part of the ACC Watersheds Corps. This intern will create a work plan for a follow up planting crew in the fall. These buffers were planted 3-15 years ago through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the Virginia Agricultural Cost-Share Program (VACS). Assessments include visual observation of invasive plant species and native tree establishment, and light tree shelter maintenance at the sites. The position will serve as an Americorps member with ACC but will also be working closely with Virginia Department of Forestry, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation District staff, the Shenandoah Alliance and private landowners. ACC will provide the Assistant access to one vehicle, laptop, and supplies needed for assessments. Housing is not provided.
This seasonal opportunity is a perfect match for students or individuals wanting to learn about natural resource management, work with private and public landowners, connect with a broad partnership of conservation professionals, and get their hands dirty while improving the landscape for water quality, wildlife habitat, and human communities. Note that it will include a lot of driving, possibly working in extreme weather conditions and traversing difficult terrain. This position will receive on the ground training in plant identification and buffer maintenance and assessment by ACC and partner staff. Interns will cover Shenandoah and page counties.
Qualifications:
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 21 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Interest in learning how to identify native and invasive plant types found in riparian habitats
Comfort communicating with rural landowners
Preferred Skills:
Computer skills, particularly in word processing and record-keeping (Microsoft Word and Excel), and familiarity with internet communication and search tools.
GIS experience is a plus, but not required.
Background in eastern plant identification
Preference given to applicants willing to lead a followup planting crew in the fall of 2024
About Appalachian Conservation Corps
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
