Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
St. Johnsbury, VT
Continuous Forest Inventory, summer 2015
12 week summer internship
5, 8-hour day work week
Background
This position is based in the St. Johnsbury Office of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources,
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. The primary objective of the position is to establish
permanent data collection plots for Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI) in Victory State Forest and Victory
Basin Wildlife Management Area. CFI plots are a standardized monitoring system that will address the
need to better understand changes in the forest ecosystem. Data collected from CFI plots will help land
managers calculate growth rates and monitor effects of various disturbances. This system improves our
understanding of changes in the forest ecosystem due to natural events and agents, but also the effect of
management activities on species composition and annual volume growth. Observations will be used to
aid in the development and application of silvicultural treatments now and into the future. The
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation will be happy to work with educational institutions to
coordinate academic credit for the internship. A stipend may be available.
Climate Change Response Component
The USFS worked with other natural resources related partners to declare the Victory Basin Wildlife
Management Area as one of several demonstration projects that consider ideas and actions for responding
to changing climate conditions. The basin is dominated by a lowland spruce-fir forest which is an
uncommon natural community not readily found in the rest of the state. Long term standardized
monitoring with CFI will be used to integrate climate considerations into forest management planning and
activities practiced within this unique community.
Overview
Job duties will consist of performing a variety of field measurements serving both timber and wildlife
habitat management. You will develop skills in field navigation, natural resources inventory data
collection, and ecological monitoring.
Skills desired include: detail oriented, coursework in natural resources related field, demonstrated
motivation and discipline, comfort working in a team environment, enthusiasm to work outdoors in all
conditions, some field experience, readiness for remote and rugged terrain, and a current driver’s license.
While working throughout the busy summer, you’ll also have many opportunities to explore in some of
the most beautiful and remote country in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Transportation from the office to the field is provided through FPR vehicles.
Submission of Application
Should you submit an application for this job opening, you certify that all information entered
is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge. By submitting an application, you
acknowledge and understand that the State of Vermont may verify information, and that
untruthful or misleading answers are cause for rejection of this application, and/or dismissal if
employed with the State of Vermont.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women,
individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are
encouraged.
To apply, email your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to
Emily.Meacham@state.vt.us.
For more information email or call Emily at (802) 595-0169