AMK Ranch, Grand Teton National Park

Two Summer Resource Internship Positions Available 

1) Grizzly Bear Research and Management intern: Yellowstone NP implemented a grizzly Bear Management Area (BMA) program in 1983 that emphasized habitat protection in backcountry areas to improve visitor safety and the conservation of grizzly bears. Since then, visitation has increased substantially and the grizzly bear population has expanded in size and range, including throughout Grand Teton NP. Grand Teton NP does not currently have a BMA program, but given the increasing visitation, and the changes in the distribution and abundance of grizzly bears, the current and potential BMAs in both parks need to be evaluated, identified, and/or adapted. Thus, the Grand Teton NP seeks an intern to assist in a project that aims to:

● Assess whether visitor safety objectives are accomplished by the BMA program;

● Assess whether the BMA program increases habitat effectiveness by reducing disturbance to grizzly bears; and

● Identify whether areas exist in Grand Teton NP that meet criteria for establishment of a BMA program.

The intern should have a background in large carnivore ecology and management, with an emphasis on grizzly bears, and have prior field experience in the GYE. To successfully pursue the objectives of this internship, the intern should be self-motivated and enjoy working independently and safely, but also function well in a team. For more information or to apply, email dave_gustine@nps.gov.

2) Sagebrush Restoration Research Intern: Grand Teton’s Branch of Ecology and Vegetation Management is seeking an intern in the summer of 2020 to:

● Collect data in intact and restored sagebrush plant communities, identifying plants to species.

● Collect environmental data potentially including soils and weather. Some data may be compiled from other data sources such as existing weather stations. Collect measurements of plant functional traits.

● Manage data collected, compiling into master datasets ready for analysis.

● Prepare preliminary summaries of findings.

The position is best suited for an intern with a background in plant identification and ecology; it may be of special interest to students interested in land management. The successful candidate must be able to work all day in heat and sun for multiple days at a time; be friendly with other staff and the public; and work well in small groups. The intern should be detail-oriented, accurately recording and managing data. A graduate level or higher level undergraduate student is preferred. For more information or to apply, email laura_jones@nps.gov.

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ALL applicants must be U.S. citizens, a student in the spring or summer 2020 semesters and be continuing in an academic program during fall 2020. Applicants should be able to work independently once provided direction and training. A current driver’s license and good driving record are also necessary. Housing for these (8- to 10-week) positions will be provided at the University of Wyoming-National Park Service Research Center at the historic AMK Ranch on the shore of Jackson Lake in view of the beautiful Teton Range, along with a $2,500 stipend. Start and end dates are flexible but are expected to be between late-May and early September, 2020.

How to apply: Interested students should submit a resume, names and contact information for three references, their expected graduation date, and a short statement of interest and skills related to the internship(s) with Grand Teton National Park via email to the appropriate contact listed above by 5:00 PM (MST) on March 1, 2020. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received so early application is encouraged.

More information about Grand Teton National Park can be found at http://www.nps.gov.

Diverse students and students with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.