The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking applicants for several internships for the summer season at locations throughout Western Pennsylvania. The application deadline is March 15.

Northwest Fish and Mussel Intern -- 2 openings (May-October, dates are flexible) -- Northwest Field Station is seeking interns for summer field sampling of fish and freshwater mussels in the Allegheny and French Creek watersheds.

Qualified individuals should possess or be working toward a bachelor’s degree, with experience working with macro invertebrates, fish and/or freshwater mussels preferred. SCUBA certification is strongly desired. GPS & GIS experience helpful, but not required.

Must be able to swim; be willing to work on various water vessels; spend long hours out-of-doors; and travel to different field sites with overnight stays. Positions are located at Lake Pleasant in Erie County. Housing is available and will pay an hourly wage.

County Natural Heritage Inventory Intern (2) (May 1-Sept. 30) -- Responsibilities include transporting and setting up field equipment; plant and animal specimen collection; note taking; measurement and recording of ecological data & other documentation of populations of rare plant, animal & natural communities; and navigation using map & compass and /or GPS. Successful candidate will be at least a junior majoring in an environmental course of studies.

Coursework in biology and ecology required. Field study and GIS experience very helpful. Must be able to traverse rugged terrain and spend long hours out-of-doors, and travel to field sites throughout Western Pennsylvania. Position is based in Pittsburgh and will pay an hourly wage.

Botany Intern (unpaid) (June through August) -- Description: Will assist the Botanist with field surveys and, to some extent, reporting. Will include some long days in the field working at times under adverse weather conditions. Qualifications: Strong conservation ethic. Interest in learning the native flora. Willingness to spend several consecutive days away from home on a regular basis.

Conservation Data Intern (unpaid) -- Internship dates and term length are flexible, although the Intern must be able to complete at least 160 hours of work. Assist in the management of Natural Heritage Program computer and manual files by entering information from literature, reports, field surveys, data tables; mapping locations in GIS; researching record errors; and carrying out clerical tasks as needed. Develop skills in GIS, GPS, Oracle, Access and data management.

Qualifications: Applicants should have completed at least their sophomore year majoring in environmental science, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with computers, GIS, and positioning tools such as GPS and topographic maps are strongly desired.

To apply, send resume and letter of interest, including availability dates to: Nancy Bassett, SPHR, Senior Director Human Resources, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Box R, Mill Run, PA 15464.

2/3/2006