Isle Royale - Natural Resources Tech

Natural Resource Technician Volunteer Position

Applications are now closed for the 2020 Summer Positions. Any received applications will be considered for the 2021 season.

Assess impacts of moose herbivory on terrestrial ecosystems in Isle Royale National Park. 
Funded through the Great Lakes Research and Education Center, this internship is focused on collecting and entering baseline data as part of the herbivory monitoring program. The intern will be part of a 2 person crew and will work with partners from the University of Michigan and the park’s Natural Resources Management (NRM) division to accomplish project goals. Detailed protocols have been developed by the University of Michigan team and the primary responsibility of the intern will be to carry out the monitoring protocols. The methodology has been field tested, however this will be the first full season of monitoring. The crew will be responsible for evaluating field implementation and providing feedback.

Data collection will involve travel to remote worksite by motorboat and canoe, and extensive hiking and backpacking. In addition, the monitoring crew will measure vegetation within and outside of four 50x50ft moose exclosures.  These exclosures were constructed in 1948, and have not been surveyed since the 90s.  We will collaborate with partners from Michigan Tech University, who will be measuring soil properties in summer 2018 at the exclosures. The intern will also be responsible for completing an end of the year project summary and will have the opportunity to present at an interpretive program and contribute to social media posts.

Applicants should have an excellent work ethic, passion for the outdoors, attention to detail, ability to collect high-quality data, and most importantly a positive attitude. Internship duration will be approximately 12 weeks, starting in May. Interns are expected to work 10 days on, with 4 days off, and will receive $20/day stipend. Backpacking gear is available. Travel to and from Isle Royale National Park on the Ranger III is provided.

Applicants must be in good physical condition and able to hike distances of up to 8 miles over rough terrain while carrying loads of 50 pounds or more. Biting insects or other pests such as black flies, deer flies and mosquitoes are common. Interns will be expected to work in a variety of environmental conditions; from near-freezing temperatures with rain and snow in May, to hot and humid weather in late summer.  Isle Royale National Park is a water-based park and travel by motorboat is required. Isle Royale is 99% federally-designated Wilderness with no roads, few telephones, no cell phone coverage, limited amenities and limited opportunity to travel to the mainland. Groceries and other supplies are delivered weekly or bi-weekly depending on the incumbent's specific duty station on the island.

Training opportunities will include the DOI Motorboat Operator Certification Course, a 2.5 day Vegetation ID field course, & CPR and 1st Aid.