Do you have a passion for Biology? Being active and outdoors in beautiful Colorado? How about learning and conducting scientific assessments? If combining these to work as a member of a professional team and gain technical expertise sound good, then an internship with ERO Resources Corporation (ERO) is for you. ERO is an environmental consulting firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and we are seeking a Natural Resource Intern for spring/summer 2023.
At ERO, we are a team of natural and cultural resource consultants with offices in Denver, Durango, and Hotchkiss, Colorado. Our expertise in science and planning provides an approach to the environment that balances development with natural resource and environmental protection. Did we mention ERO is DBE, MWBE, and SBE certified in Colorado?
Position Overview
As an Intern, you will learn to apply technical skills in ecology and wildlife biology and to complete tasks safely and efficiently. Interns will gain experience in the environmental consulting industry and exposure to environmental regulations, permit applications, and document preparation.
Under the immediate supervision of the project manager or senior staff, interns will work in the natural resources department on tasks related to fieldwork and reporting. Interns will assist in the data collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific information for, wetland delineations, natural resource assessments, and other natural resource‐related fieldwork. Additional duties include assisting with literature research, organization, and database entry. Depending on experience, interns may also prepare sections of draft reports and write social media posts.
Interns must be able to work variable hours, long days, early mornings, holidays, and weekends as the workload dictates. Overtime is likely during periods of extensive fieldwork. Interns must have reliable transportation for travel to and from project sites, with project‐related mileage reimbursed at IRS mileage rates. The number of hours per week will vary from 24 to 40+. A hybrid work schedule may be available based on field work and business needs.
Professionalism, integrity, and comfort working with people are of the utmost importance as this position requires regular contact with team members in the field, office, and virtually, as needed. Applicants for this position are expected to capable of performing tasks described below.
Expected Pre‐Field Duties (approximately 10% of time)
· Assist in equipment organization, loading equipment and preparation for fieldwork as requested.
· Review scope of services with Project Manager so duties are clearly understood.
Expected Field Duties (approximately 75% of time)
Interns will assist with all tasks during in‐field site documentation, as directed, including but not limited to:
· Collect digital and spatial data with phones, tablets, digital cameras, and GPS.
· Complete field forms: wetland delineation, raptor survey, or other forms as needed.
· Dig soil pits up to two feet deep using a shovel.
· Hike and survey with a backpack over rough terrain, and work in adverse weather conditions.
· Use binoculars to survey for songbirds or raptors and document their activity.
· Collect and identify vegetation and mark aerial photographs with vegetation community boundaries, noxious weeds, wildlife, or other sensitive natural resources.
· Follow Safety Plan and Guidelines.
Expected Post‐Field Duties (approximately 15% of time)
· Unload and properly maintain field equipment.
· Upload/scan all field data into the appropriate server files daily.
· Assist with completion of resource documentation on appropriate forms and maps.
· Assist with reports as requested. This may include writing natural resource assessments, wetland delineations, or pre‐construction notifications.
· Work with GIS staff to modify and create figures for reports.
Physical Requirements
Project areas may be located at high elevations in rugged terrain but are mainly in the Denver Front Range. Applicants must be physically capable and possess the skills necessary to perform all aspects of fieldwork including strenuous hiking with a heavy backpack in rugged terrain up to 10 miles a day. Must be able to lift 30‐50 pounds. Work may also include periods of sedentary work including sitting/standing and use of a computer.
Minimum qualifications:
· Pursuing or received a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, environmental science, ecological restoration, range science, natural resource planning, or similar discipline.
· Completed Junior level course work towards a degree in the desired discipline that includes plant and wildlife identification or coursework, is preferable.
· Familiarity with tablets, digital data entry, Microsoft Office Suite products and Adobe Acrobat.
· General basic knowledge of botany, wildlife, and wetland delineations.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required for remote fieldwork.
· Willingness to learn and ask questions
Expectations
The internship will run April 2023 to the end of September 2023; however, employment may be extended beyond the field season if mutually agreeable. Salary range is $17.29‐$22.00/hour dependent on experience/education. This is a non‐exempt position overtime will be compensated accordingly.
Qualified applicants, please email a cover letter and resume (PDF) describing your education and experience to opportunities@eroresources.com with NR Intern – Denver in the subject line. Only potential candidates will be contacted for interviews.
For more information about ERO, please visit our website at www.eroresources.com.
ERO participates in e‐verify and pre‐employment background screening services. ERO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans to apply