Ecological Data Collection for Virtual Fence Project
Primary Topic:
Natural Resources
Other Topics:
Agriculture
Internship Overview:
This position fills a need to collect data as part of a multi-year project, started in 2022, that looks at the efficacy of using Virtual Fence on extensive and rugged rangelands. Virtual Fence is a relatively new technology that enables cattle management without installing physical fences. Cattle are outfitted with GPS collars that deliver a signal to the animal, and ranchers and managers can draw fence boundaries using a map interface. Our project is one of the largest trials in the country, with 3,000 collars, and 7 rancher collaborators.
The Intern would assist as a technician on the field crew, collecting ecological data to assess the impact of the technology on rangelands. The Intern would work in the field near Eagle, CO, and be directly supervised by the Eagle County Conservation District lead technician. They would work in teams of 2-3.
Sampling will include standard soil, vegetation, and location metrics. Given the nature of the field experience, applicants must demonstrate their ability to work outdoors under inclement conditions. Applicants with interest in soils, botany, range science and/or wildlife habitat are preferred. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a career in wildlife, range, or natural resource management, and interested in cattle management on public and private rangelands. You will gain direct experience working with land management agencies, ranchers and individuals on a collaborative project.
This is an awesome opportunity to spend the summer in beautiful and remote locations in the central mountains and gain invaluable experiences as a field technician in collaboration with the Eagle County Conservation District.
The Intern would assist as a technician on the field crew, collecting ecological data to assess the impact of the technology on rangelands. The Intern would work in the field near Eagle, CO, and be directly supervised by the Eagle County Conservation District lead technician. They would work in teams of 2-3.
Sampling will include standard soil, vegetation, and location metrics. Given the nature of the field experience, applicants must demonstrate their ability to work outdoors under inclement conditions. Applicants with interest in soils, botany, range science and/or wildlife habitat are preferred. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a career in wildlife, range, or natural resource management, and interested in cattle management on public and private rangelands. You will gain direct experience working with land management agencies, ranchers and individuals on a collaborative project.
This is an awesome opportunity to spend the summer in beautiful and remote locations in the central mountains and gain invaluable experiences as a field technician in collaboration with the Eagle County Conservation District.
Goals, Scope and Objectives:
Specific goals of this internship are to: 1. Collect vegetation trend and use data in collaboration with the Eagle county Conservation District, the Bureau of Land Management and Natural Resources Conservation Service , and CSU Extension; 2. Gain valuable, applied experience in field work as well and interagency collaboration on land management, 3. Participate in the 3rd year of data collection part of a 3-year observational study. Using virtual fence (Vence) that can help evaluate the technology for use in our region.
With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?
The intern will work primarily with the Eagle County Conservation District. Through the Conservation District, they also may interact with the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and involved ranchers. The project is for the benefit of all these stakeholders, but this specific position will work primarily with the Conservation District.
What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?
The Intern will be able to independently collect standard rangeland monitoring metrics, including Line-Point Intercept, Utilization, Production, and more.
The Intern will know how to organize logistics when collecting field data.
The Intern will gain an understanding of land management agencies and the various partners involved in grazing management typical on western rangelands.
The Intern will gain real-world monitoring and management, as well as application of new technology for grazing management.
The Intern will know how to organize logistics when collecting field data.
The Intern will gain an understanding of land management agencies and the various partners involved in grazing management typical on western rangelands.
The Intern will gain real-world monitoring and management, as well as application of new technology for grazing management.
