Research Intern – MWI Stream GIS Analysis

Position Title: Research Intern – MWI Stream GIS Analysis

Reports To:   AMC GIS Scientist

Dates & Details:  Full-Time Seasonal, July 2022-August 2022 (Dates are flexible) 

Location:    Near Greenville, ME             

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (www.outdoors.org) is the oldest conservation, education and recreation organization in the United States.  The AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers and trails of the Appalachian region.  The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies, and procedures. 

Position Summary: The Research Intern will work with the GIS Scientist, AMC Research Director, and MWI (Maine Woods Initiative) team that conduct research in Maine on stream habitat and connectivity. The Research Intern will be responsible for activities including site selection, GIS analysis of stream locations and delineations, fieldwork and data collection to ground-truth stream channels, and data entry and analysis of results. This is a full-time seasonal position based at the MWI near Greenville, Maine; there is a possibility of a hybrid work schedule but preference will be given to those close to the position location. The summer research intern will work closely with MWI staff to coordinate logistics, and will be supervised remotely by the AMC GIS Scientist, with regular virtual meetings. Past research interns have used their work with AMC to develop a special or thesis project in their academic pursuits or to assist in publications, which is highly encouraged.

What you’ll do: 

• Test a novel GIS-based protocol for delineating small streams in complex terrain using ArcGIS.
• Conduct field campaigns to validate GIS delineations and refine stream length models. Field work includes day hikes on MWI lands, including on trails and bushwhacking into remote Wilderness to collect data; carrying of GPS equipment.
• Produce a presentation and brief report outlining findings
• Coordinate with other staff conducting research and fieldwork on-site
• Other duties as assigned

 What we’re looking for: 

• Enrolled in or completed Bachelor’s Degree in a science related field is preferred 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, experience with ArcGIS
• Experience and comfort in working in remote field settings, experience with outdoor/backcountry navigation. Some candidate sites are easily accessible, but it is anticipated that several study sites will be remote and require hike-in access on and off established trails. Conditions in the Maine woods can vary and exposure to the elements as well as insect pests are expected
• Resourceful and able to work well both independently and in collaboration with others
• Ability to travel to sample sites. Access to some sites and to the MWI land and AMC’s offices in Greenville require vehicle travel, partly on unpaved roads. Reliable transportation that can travel gravel roads is thus required.
• Passion for outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental advocacy
• You’re a positive influence and energy and view your role as critically important
• You bring a commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant environment for AMC employees, guests, visitors, volunteers, and other constituents
• You’re passionate about AMC’s mission!

Compensation and benefits:

Salary: $15/hour

• For field campaigns, housing on-site in rustic bunkroom or Yurt and includes staff meals
• Accrued Sick Time
• Accrued vacation time, per Maine guidelines
• Use of AMC facilities, free and discounted rates as benefitted to seasonal staff.
• 30% discount on merchandise sold at our facilities and in AMC catalogs.
• Free annual AMC membership  
• Prodeal discounts on equipment and gear 

To Apply: 

Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls please.

AMC welcomes all qualified candidates to apply and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities. 

Staff will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. The AMC will consider an exemption from the vaccine requirement if they are unable to get vaccinated due to a qualifying medical disability or a sincerely held religious objection. An accommodation or exemption from the vaccine requirement will be considered if one is available that would not pose a direct threat to others in the workplace and would not create an undue hardship for the organization.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.