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Project Title: Tropical Forest Monitoring 

 

Project Type: In-person 

 

Duration: 32 weeks starting June 2024

 

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week

 

Location: Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry Hilo, Hawaii

 

Housing: Must be secured by the intern/fellow. A housing stipend of up to $1,000 per month will be provided.

                        

Project Background: Our Institute maintains a number of tropical forest research sites towards better understanding of tropical forest dynamics, forest recovery, and the influence of global change issues such as a changing climate, wildfires, and invasive species on these sites. In this position you will gain experience in data collection, plot design and data analysis to develop a project that is suited to your skills and interest. Your daily role will be flexible and could range from hot buggy days in a lowland tropical forest to cold and wet montane sites or measuring samples in a lab. An engaged, independent thinker with a passion for natural resources and the environment will thrive in this opportunity to grow as a professional.

 

Project Duties: 

  • Conduct forest measurements and assessment, including survival, growth and status of trees and shrubs.
  • Implement integrated weed management strategies to control invasive plant species within forest areas. 
  • Assist in greenhouse operations including planting, weeding, and monitoring. 
  • Perform data entry tasks to input field-collected data into data base systems. 
  • Implement quality control measurements to ensure accuracy and reliability of data. 
  • Conduct statistical analyses and interpretation of collected data. Prepare reports, presentations, or other materials to communicate findings. 
  • Attend weekly project meetings. 

 

Resource Assistants (RAs) will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development. (5%)

 

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Understanding or familiar with the diverse range of Hawaiian plants.
  • Experience with GPS and GIS software. 
  • Experience with collecting, processing, analyzing, interpreting data, and presenting results in reports. 
  • Experience with collecting forestry field data using standard mensuration techniques.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
  • Must be 17 years of age or older.
  • Must have a driver’s license.
  • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position OR Combination of education and experience equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 
  • Experience with GPS and GIS software. 
  • Experience with Microsoft platforms including Word, Excel, Power Point. 

 

Working Conditions: 

This position will be based at the USFS-PSW Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry office in Hilo, HI. Work environment will vary between outdoor assignments in the field and greenhouses, and indoor assignments in the laboratory and office. Offices and laboratories are adequately lighted and ventilated. Duties in the outdoors can occur in both hot dry conditions and cool wet conditions. Candidates are encouraged to research local conditions and amenities.  

 

Stipend + Benefits:

  • A biweekly stipend of $1,300 based on a 40-hour workweek. 
  • Monthly housing stipend up to $1,000 per month.
  • Monthly commuting stipend up to $50.
  • Health insurance coverage. 
  • Travel expenses paid to participate in orientation July 15, 2024 – July 19, 2024.
  • Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.). 
  • Direct Hire Authority Eligibility – after completing 960 hours, DHA status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for certain federal positions.

 

*Interns are hired as temporary employees; taxes may be withheld from wage stipends.

 

Application:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills, or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to victoria@hispanicaccess.org.

 

Applications for this position are due on Sunday, April 28, 2024, 11:59 pm (EST). Interviews are scheduled to take place between May 7 and May 9, 2024.

 

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement:

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

US Forest Service Mission:

To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

 

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission:

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.