Phenology Monitoring Intern

Summary:

The Phenology Monitoring Internship is designed to prepare high school students for careers in Biology and Environmental Sciences. Phenology is the study of seasonal biological events, particularly in plants and animals (for example, studying why the flowers of a plant bloom during certain times of the year and under certain conditions is phenology). High school student internship work may include studying local biological resources, collecting data from phenology monitoring and study sites, biological data entry, and analysis of data. The skills and knowledge learned from this internship include but are not limited to phenology and phenology study methods, scientific techniques, the mission and history of the National Park Service, professionalism, and public speaking. High school interns will also learn how to work as a team, how to communicate the project to others, and how to develop a career in the environmental field.

Internship Work Responsibilities include:

· Hiking to monitoring sites at the Muir House orchards (0.5-mile roundtrip)

· Working in a team environment (high school interns may work in pairs)

· Collecting plant phenology data using Nature’s Notebook app

· Learning and applying knowledge of climate change and its impact on native plants

· Applying basic biology concepts and methods in a field setting

· Helping with community outreach and education efforts

Internship Qualifications:

· Interest in Environmental/Biological Sciences or other related fields

· Strong communication skills (verbal & written); use of appropriate language

· Observant and strong attention to detail

· Ability to work independently and on a team

· Ability to walk 0.5 miles in various outdoor conditions

Internship Requirements:

· Ability to balance academic and work commitments

· Agree to and sign Volunteer Service Agreement after selected for internship

· Maintain a professional demeanor and appropriately represent the National Park Service

Hours and Commitment:

· Minimum commitment of once per week during the spring/summer

· Hiking the phenology route and collecting data takes ~1 hour