Point Blue Conservation Science (formerly PRBO Conservation Science) is seeking an intern to train with scientists in both our San Francisco Bay and Sierra groups, based in Petaluma and Chester, CA. Point Blue has been working in San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada for over two decades and has become an engaged partner, working with many local and regional organizations with a goal of restoration of, and making forward-thinking management recommendations for, tidal marsh and meadow habitat.
The Sierra to the Sea Climate-Smart Restoration Internship is focused on gaining practical knowledge of climate adaptation strategies and acquiring the skills to implement, assess and promote those strategies in tidal marsh and meadow habitats. The internship will involve 2-3 months in San Francisco Bay followed by 2-3 months in the Sierra Nevada. The San Francisco Bay portion will focus on the ecology and restoration of tidal wetland habitats including in-the-field training, learning about climate-smart restoration strategies, and understanding and using Point Blue’s online data management and conservation planning tools. In the Sierra, the internship will focus on the ecology and restoration of montane meadow habitats, the headwaters of the Bay. Here the intern will receive further training on identifying, surveying, and nest searching for bird species that breed in montane meadows, as well as exposure to our local partners and interaction with a large and active group of seasonal field biologists. The internship will also include training on giving effective presentations, facilitating collaborative meetings, communicating about climate change, and other skills necessary to develop, implement and promote effective conservation solutions. Interns will learn key concepts and skills in the following areas: • Field methods in ecological and conservation research with emphasis on point counts, nest monitoring and territory mapping of songbirds • Understanding the scientific process and the role of natural history observation in guiding meaningful research and conservation • Critical thinking and evaluation of research and conservation • Climate-smart conservation • Best practices in science interpretation • Skills and advances in data management and data integrity At the end of the internship, interns will demonstrate synthesis of their new knowledge by completing a final project. QUALIFICATIONS: Self-motivation, a sense of humor, and the desire to spend long hours in the field and office are required. Ideal candidates will have a background in ecology, environmental studies, or related (college graduate or equivalent preferred); with a willingness to work with partners, a desire to improve upon professional skills needed to facilitate conservation action, and a desire to help develop and improve upon Point Blue’s existing tools, which land managers will use to apply climate-smart practices on the ground. Participants must be able to work independently as well as in groups. A functioning pair of binoculars is required. These internships will require the use of a personal vehicle, current proof of insurance, a driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Any use of personal vehicles will be reimbursed at a standard per-mile rate. Participants must be at least 21 years of age. DURATION: 4-5 months, from about March 16 to August 7 COMPENSATION: This is a voluntary training position that includes a stipend to offset living expenses while on the project ($800 per month, gross) and communal housing is provided. TO APPLY: Please send an email containing the following items: a letter of interest (describing why you’d like this internship, previous experience with field research, dates of availability, and whether or not you have a vehicle); a resume; and contact information for three references to Megan Elrod (mel...@pointblue.org) and Brent Campos (bcam...@pointblue.org). Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.
