Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)
Department of Parks, Montgomery County
Parkland managed by the Montgomery County Department of Parks makes up more than 10% of the County's
land and serves as the county's "backyard", providing safe and green outdoor spaces, fun, educational programs
and events, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Our mission is to protect and interpret our valuable
natural and cultural resources; balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation; offer a variety
of enjoyable recreational activities that encourage healthy lifestyles; and provide clean, safe, and accessible
places for leisure-time activities.
The Montgomery County Department of Parks seeks either a graduate or undergraduate level Natural Resource
Intern in the Resource Analysis Section of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division to help manage the
stewardship of 457 miles of streams, 26,000 acres of forest and more than 500 lakes, ponds, and stormwater
management facilities and devices in the 38,000 acre park system. The successful candidate will have interest
and/or knowledge in one or more of the following fields; aquatic ecology, fisheries, entomology, biological
monitoring, stream restoration, land use planning, and/or GIS.
JOB TITLE: Natural Resource Intern
LOCATION: Park Planning & Stewardship Division, Resource Analysis Section
Parkside Headquarters
9500 Brunett Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20901
TIME: Schedule to be worked out with supervisor, but core hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
DATES: May through August 2016
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Resource Analysis Section staff plans and coordinates an inter-agency effort to inventory and monitor the
aquatic macro-invertebrates, fish and aquatic habitats in Montgomery County Park streams, ponds, and lakes in
support of the Countywide Stream Protection Strategy, Watershed Restoration Plans, Area and Park Master
Plans, Operation & Use Plans and special projects. Staff review and track environmental projects (e.g. stream
restoration, stormwater management facilities, wetland creation, etc.) being designed by external agencies to
be constructed and/or retrofitted on parkland. They are involved in the review of plans from the concept phase
through final design to ensure that environmental impacts are limited and consistent with the Department of
Parks’ mission regarding natural resource stewardship. Staff works to carry out the Department’s National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program to ensure that the Department stays in compliance
with the state and federal NPDES regulations and coordinates with Federal, State and local agencies on
watershed restoration efforts affecting County parkland.
The Resource Analysis Section also provides GIS capability to create, store, retrieve and analyze, accurate, up-to-
date GIS data on natural and cultural resources in parks. Sensitive areas are mapped for all park projects during
the earliest stages of the planning and development process. GIS mapping efforts facilitate maintenance,
management and public safety.
The Natural Resource Intern will work directly with Resource Analysis staff, and will be asked to complete
independent assignments over the duration of the program. Project assignments are dependent on the current
needs of the Section and the education, experience, and interests of the candidate. General office work may
include the use of GIS applications for mapping projects and analysis of resources, special projects related to
biological monitoring data collection, and/or investigations of existing or potential impacts to parkland
In addition to general office work, possible projects include collecting and identifying fish in the field; collecting
and identifying herpetofauna in the field; performing habitat evaluations; and measuring water quality
parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity) in the field. The Natural Resource Intern will be provided with
the opportunity to work alongside specialists implementing a variety of stream restoration, stormwater
management, and GIS projects and initiatives.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
1. Collecting and recording data in the field, either under direct supervision or independently.
2. Working with staff to identify an independent project that will be completed over the course of the
summer.
3. Present to Park staff and directorate on an independent project.
4. Attend Summer MBSS training for biological monitoring.
5. Assist with special projects as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Background or interest in ecology, fisheries, benthic macroinvertebrates, entomology, GIS, stream
restoration, stormwater management and/or natural resource management.
2. Ability to follow directions, pay attention to details, and work within deadlines.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Position will be filled at either the undergraduate (Intern I, pay rate $12.28/hr.) or graduate (Intern II,
pay rate $15.25/hr.) level, dependent upon experience.
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform tasks necessary for project completion.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, as well as to work cooperatively with other staff.
4. Be willing to commit to a pre-arranged schedule.
5. Be able to work under somewhat arduous field conditions (walk significant distances, carry equipment,
work in fast-flowing water).
6. May drive Commission vehicle upon successful completion of Defensive Driving training.
TRAINING:
Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided by staff.
Specific project requirements will be discussed with supervisory staff members. Field equipment and techniques
will be demonstrated by the project supervisor.
TO APPLY: By May 6, 2016, please send resume and cover letter to:
Amanda Matheny, Senior Natural Resources Specialist
Amanda.Matheny@montgomeryparks.org
