Land Stewardship Practicum (currently not available)

Land Stewardship Practicum

The Land Stewardship Practicum program, offered by Story County Conservation (SCC), will provide hands-on experience conducting land management in prairie, wetland, savanna, and woodland habitats. Participants in the program will work with the Natural Resources Specialist and staff to restore, enhance, create, and protect natural areas in the Story County park system. The practicum program (offered during the spring and fall semesters) is one semester in length. The internship may or may not be taken for college course credit. For course number, instructor, number of credits, etc., which vary with each school, see your advisor. This is a graded course, based on performance.

Work Description

Land Stewardship interns will gain experience conducting some of the following management practices: Invasive species removal, shrub removal, oak savanna and prairie restoration, stream bank stabilization, and prairie planting. The work entails daily outdoor physical labor for extended periods of time in all weather conditions.

Program Objectives

The objective of the Land Stewardship Internship is to provide hands-on experience in some of, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Learn to use chainsaws and power tools
• Identify local invasive species
• Learn invasive species control methods
• Acquire basic prescribed fire skills (no certifications are offered)
• Learn basic land stewardship techniques
• Build lasting relationships with conservation professionals
• Interns will complete a project such as an invasive species inventory and control plan for a county park, or a component of a park management plan.

Compensation

Participants receive no financial payment during the internship.

Skills/Qualifications

The internship is available to students attending an Iowa college or university.

Transportation

Participants are required to provide their own transportation to Hickory Grove Park. Occasionally, participants may be required to provide their own transportation to work sites.

Requirements

• Participants will be expected to work at least one full day per week (approximately eight hours per work day). This internship is not available on Tuesdays.
• All applicants with Story County Conservation Board will be required to submit their driving record prior to acceptance as a Land Stewardship intern.
• Interns are required to purchase and wear steel-toed safety footwear, all other safety equipment will be provided.

Application Process

Complete applications include the following items:

• Completed application form
• Copy of tentative class schedule
• Cover letter explaining how the internship would be beneficial toward a career in natural resource management
• Copy of driving record

Applicants should send materials to:
Land Stewardship Internship Program
Story County Conservation
56461 180th Street
Ames, Iowa 50010-9451

Application deadline for the spring semester is the last Friday in December. Application deadline for the fall semester is the first Friday in May.

Downloadable Documents

Internship Job Description (PDF)

Land Stewardship Internship Application (PDF)

For more information, contact Story County Conservation (515) 232-2516