I am currently working on my second term with AmeriCorps as an editor/writer intern. Within the past two months I have already made new friends, started a regular habit of power lifting with my AmeriCorps counterpart and roommate, and began learning about the wild world of environmental coordinators and planners. It’s a tough position assembling the odds and ends of different reports from different specialists and putting together the finished product. The work involves plenty of detail orientation and data management. You must be able to apply a holistic approach to the work that comes in and the interactions with the public because you work together with wildlife biologists, foresters, conservation groups, tribes, private land owners, botanists, archaeologists, etc. People are involved with the planning process with a wide range of focus, beliefs, ideas, and responses.

 

I have been spending a huge part of this internship working with my supervisor – mostly desk work – indexing folders into a database for easier access as we push forward on with a project. I met my supervisor last year while working as the archaeological technician intern. The transition was smooth and the work load was planned out. One of the best aspects about the position aside from the information highway I have access to, are the opportunities to work in the field. I helped our range technician intern attempt to find some water troughs. We were able to get an awesome first hike in early in the season. We also helped out our archaeologist with a small project in Hells Canyon, it was exciting to see the Snake River once more.

 

It comes with a heavy heart that this blog will be my first this term and possibly my last. As of a few days ago, I was approached by another National Forest for a temporary position this summer as an archaeological technician. I’m going to miss Wallowa County and the friends I’ve made during the past year, but I’m definitely excited to continue on my career path. This is all thanks to the folks at Mt. Adams Institute, you guys rock and I appreciate everyone’s support and guidance!