Westervelt Ecological Services (WES) specializes in the restoration and conservation of wetlands, streams, and other listed species habitats in the form of conservation and mitigation banks that provide environmental mitigation and habitat services to landowners, businesses, government agencies, and land trusts throughout the state of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Our mission is to provide enduring ecological solutions for the benefit of our stakeholders and the lands we conserve.
The primary purpose of this internship is to support Westervelt Ecological Service’s Stream Design & Engineering Team with stream restoration efforts.
Position is located in Tuscaloosa, AL. The pay is $18 per hour and includes a housing stipend. Position will be available for the Summer of 2024.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist engineer in the field with the assessment and data collection of potential reference streams for generating bankfull hydraulic geometry relationships to support natural channel design
- Navigate to remote locations to assess streams
- Field evaluation of current conditions of streams
- Assessment of stream habitats
- Measurement of geomorphological features
- Collection of cross sectional and longitudinal profile data
- Development of bankfull hydraulic geometry relationships
- Production of technical documents and reports
Surveying (differential leveling) experience preferred, but not required.
Well-developed communication and people skills.
Ability to effectively work in a team environment with associates, landowners, and customers in addition to working independently.
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft programs such as Excel and Word with effective data management and organizational skills.
Statistics coursework preferred.
Ability to safely operate a 4-wheel drive pickup truck. Must have a valid driver's license.
Basic map and compass skills, land navigation skills, and ability to use handheld GPS units.
Must be highly motivated, a critical thinker, and able to work in a high pace environment.
Good physical condition and ability to perform under adverse climatic working conditions and difficult terrain. Work schedules and activities are dynamic and often involve overnight travel and long hour days. Successful applicants must enjoy being outdoors.
Applicants must be actively pursuing a degree in engineering, landscape architecture, forestry, wildlife biology, biology, environmental studies, ecology, or related field and have completed at least sophomore year. Master’s students with relevant undergraduate experience preferred.