All internships are trainee positions. Stipends are provided to offset living costs for all projects except Southeast Farallon Island. Stipends vary between $500-$1200 per month on a project by project basis. Most projects accept applications year-round-- note start dates of the various positions. Please see descriptions of each internship below.
Deadlines/Internships Schedule:
Applications accepted year-round. Note start dates of the various positions.
PALOMARIN FIELD STATION RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
Interns needed at PRBO's Palomarin Field Station on the Marin County coast, north of San Francisco. Assistants are needed from early/mid March through July. We have been studying songbirds at the Palomarin Field Station since 1965, with special focus on the breeding ecology of Wrentits, Song Sparrows, and White-crowned Sparrows. Fieldwork includes some combination of mist-netting, banding nestlings, nest searching, habitat assessment, territory mapping, and conducting point counts surveys in coastal scrub and riparian habitats. All internships include data entry. Expect long hours in the field and office. Interns will become proficient in landbird monitoring techniques and learn about various aspects of avian ecology (e.g., hands-on and via scientific literature). Self-motivation, a sense of humor, and the desire to spend long hours in the field and office are required. Participants must be able to work independently as well as in groups. Exposure to poison oak is unavoidable. A functioning pair of binoculars is required. Some of our internships require the use of a personal vehicle, current proof of insurance, and a driver's license. Any use of personal vehicles will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate. On-site housing is provided. This is a voluntary training position that includes a stipend to offset living expenses while on the project ($700 per month, gross). Online applications preferred http://www.prbo.org/interns/ or email/mail/fax a letter of interest describing previous experience with field research, specific dates of availability and whether or not you have a vehicle, a resume, and contact information for three references (Please note if applying to other positions within PRBO) to RENEE CORMIER, PRBO, P.O. Box 1157, Bolinas, CA 94924 (415-868-0655 ext. 316; fax 415-868-9363; rcormier at prbo dot org). Click Here to learn more about the Palomarin Field Station for interns.
EASTERN SIERRA FIELD RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS - Not currently accepting applications
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PROJECT INTERNSHIPS
FIELD ASSISTANT (1-2) needed for PRBO’s Clear Creek Songbird Monitoring Project and Northeastern Avian Monitoring on Private Lands project. Primary duties include nest-searching, spot-mapping, point counting, wetland surveys, vegetation assessments, and data entry. Project dates are ~12 April – 31 July 2010 (with possible extension through August). The Clear Creek project is located along the eastern flank of the coast range in northern California, just outside of Redding, CA. Our research focuses on assessing the affects of riparian restoration on the bird community to help guide future restoration actions. The Private Lands project involves assessing the value of bird habitat on privately owned easements in the mountains NE California including Siskyou, Modoc, Shasta, and Lassen counties. The position will be based out of Redding, CA, but camping will be involved while working on the private lands project. Candidates with a strong background in bird identification by sight and sound and/or previous experience point counting and nest searching are strongly preferred. The most important qualifications are self-motivation (as most of the work will be unsupervised), good physical condition, tolerance for extreme heat, and willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds. Compensation will include $1800 - $2200/mo (depending upon experience) as well as housing. You may be required to drive your personal vehicle and will be compensated at or near the current federal rate. Email a letter of interest (include dates of availability and if you have a vehicle), resume, and contact information for three references to ALICIA YOUNG (ayoung AT prbo.org). Please note if applying to other positions within PRBO.
CENTRAL VALLEY FIELD RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
FIELD TECHNICIAN (1-2) needed by PRBO Conservation Science (prbo.org) to perform avian point count surveys in riparian forests of the Central Valley of California. This ongoing study of restored and reference habitat along the Mokelumne River seeks to evaluate the quality of the created habitat. Duties will include performing avian point counts, vegetation assessments, territory mapping, and data entry. The position requires working in some challenging conditions such as early, long hours, hot weather, and dense vegetation. Positions begin around the first week of Apr 2010 and end in mid to late Jul 2010. Experience with point counting is highly desirable. Applicants must have a car and be willing to use it to get to the sites (mileage reimbursed). Among the most important qualifications are self-motivation, the ability to spend long hours in the field, and live and work with others. Housing and a $2200/month stipend (gross) provided. The position will be based out of Lodi, CA. Email a letter of interest describing previous experience with field research, specific dates of availability, whether or not you have a vehicle, a resume, and contact information for three references to Julian Wood (EM: jwood AT prbo.org).
Field technicians (4-6) are needed for a survey of Yellow-billed Cuckoos in riparian habitat along the Sacramento River, CA (generally between Red Bluff and Colusa). The western Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a state endangered species that historically bred in riparian forests throughout the state. The goal of this project is to survey one of the remaining areas hosting nesting cuckoos to determine their population status. Duties will include conducting call-playback surveys, vegetation assessments, data entry, and some nest searching. The positions require working in some challenging conditions such as early, long hours, hot weather, and dense vegetation. Positions begin around the first week of June 2010 and end in mid to late August 2010. Applicants with a vehicle are preferred, as we will be driving to different sites each day (mileage reimbursed). Positions require experience with bird identification. It is also helpful if you have avian or wildlife surveying experience. Among the most important qualifications are self-motivation and the ability to spend long hours in the field observing birds. Through the position you will learn the call-playback survey technique, observation and data keeping skills, and gain an interesting perspective on this secretive species. Housing and a $1200-1800/mo stipend provided (gross) depending on Cuckoo experience/training. We will likely be based out of Chico, CA and possibly camping some nights. Online applications preferred http://www.prbo.org/interns/ (select Central Valley as your first choice) or email/mail a letter of interest describing previous experience with field research, specific dates of availability, whether or not you have a vehicle, a resume, and contact information for three references (Please note if applying to other positions within PRBO) to MARK DETTLING, PRBO Conservation Science, PO Box 1157 Bolinas, CA 94924 (phone 734-812-8441, mdettling@prbo.org).
SONORAN DESERT INTERNSHIPS
PRBO
Conservation Science is seeking 3-5 motivated xerophiles to assist with
all-species breeding and migratory landbird surveys throughout Sonoran
Desert Thorn Woodland habitats of the Lower Colorado River Valley. This
is a long-term study of a California Audubon Important Bird Area, with
a challenging array of Sonoran Desert residents and western Neotropical
migrants to master. Primary field duties will include point counting,
nest-searching and monitoring, and vegetation assessments. Prior bird
surveying experience a plus, and applicants must be willing to work
long hours/camp in the field. 4WD or AWD vehicle also a plus (lots of
sandy washes to survey). Housing is provided. Point counting positions
begin 1 Mar 2010, extend through 15 May 2010, and earn $1200/month. Nest searching positions begin 1 Feb 2010, extend through 31 May 2010, and earn $800-$1600/month, depending on experience. To apply, e-mail a one-page maximum cover letter briefly detailing your past experiences and future goals to CHRIS McCREEDY: cmccreedy at prbo dot org.
WETLAND ECOLOGY DIVISION INTERNSHIPS
None available at this time.
MARINE ECOLOGY DIVISION INTERNSHIPS
LABORATORY RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Needed for seabird diet studies, zooplankton research, and data-related activities at PRBO Conservation Science in Petaluma, California. Our studies determine size class and species composition of prey consumed by seabirds, and we examine krill and their relationships with seabirds and other top-predator populations in the Gulf of the Farallones. Main laboratory duties include: identifying otoliths and other fish parts from seabird regurgitated pellets and fecal samples; preparing zooplankton samples and identifying, weighing and measuring krill; and collecting species composition and size data on prey specimens dropped on seabird breeding colonies. Other duties include entering and proofing data and helping to compile information from 40 years of seabird studies on the Farallon Islands. The applicant may also have the opportunity to participate in at-sea cruises in the Gulf of the Farallones where they will assist in performing net tows, collecting hydrographic data, and conducting seabird and marine mammal surveys. Applicants should enjoy working independently and have plenty of patience for long hours spent looking through a scope to identify cryptic fish earbones, little marine bugs, and contorted, dried-up fish chips. Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior laboratory research experience. Enthusiasm for field work in wet, windy, cold conditions and an ability to identify seabirds is also a plus. Position is from 1 April 2010 through 31 March 2011. We provide housing, and a stipend of $700-$1100 per month dependent on experience. Must have your own vehicle since transportation is not provided. More information can be found at www.prbo.org. Please send a cover letter explaining interests and dates of availability, resume, and names, email addresses, and phone numbers of 3 references to Meredith Elliott (melliott@prbo.org), Staff Biologist, PRBO Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma, CA, 94954. Email applications are preferred, but hardcopies are fine. Applications accepted until position is filled.
SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND
Internships are offered year round on Southeast Farallon Island, during one of the three research seasons. The winter season (December – March) primarily involves research on breeding elephant seals, the spring / summer season (March – August) focuses on breeding seabird studies, and the fall season (August – December) focuses on migrant landbird research. All internships on Southeast Farallon Island are volunteer positions, though excellent food and housing are provided. Transportation to San Francisco is not provided. The minimum duration of internships is 6 weeks. While each season requires different duties, all interns are required to conduct rigorous fieldwork, often in poor weather. All interns will assist in maintenance of the field camp and data entry and proofing. For more information on Farallon Islands research see: /cms/157
Interested applicants should contact appropriate Farallon Biologists at least 4 months prior to their respective research season of interest. For information on winter internships contact Derek Lee (dlee at prbo dot org), for spring/summer positions contact Russ Bradley (rbradley at prbo dot org), and for fall positions contact Jim Tietz (jtietz at prbo dot org).
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM INTERNSHIPS
Education and Outreach Intern
When: September– December (some flexiblity in start and end date) Stipend: $700/mo (gross) to offset living expenses while on the project plus housing at the Palomarin Field Station will be provided.
PRBO’s Conservation Education Program brings meaningful, hands-on science experiences to hundreds of teachers and thousands of students in the classroom and at PRBO project sites each year, inspiring passion for conservation science and responsible environmental stewardship.
Internship Description: The Education and Outreach Intern will assist the Education Staff with aspects of the program including, but not limited to, interpreting bird monitoring techniques, habitat and bird conservation and general bird ecology to organized groups and visitors of all ages at field sites, classrooms, school restorations, and after-school programs, assisting with monthly bird walks, attending local festivals and events, overseeing the Visitor Center at Palomarin, and developing written materials as needed. An interest in education and interpretation, familiarity with birds, effective communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, ability to perform work in the outdoors under variable weather conditions on uneven terrain, and the use of a personal vehicle are essential, along with the ability to live cooperatively with fellow interns. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in environmental education, the ability to identify western birds, possession of a vehicle and Spanish language skills.
To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter explaining interests (1 page max.), specific dates of availability, and contact information of 3 references by July 31st to MISSY WIPF at mwipf at prbo dot org, or PRBO Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Dr. #11, Petaluma, CA 94954. Click Here to learn more about the Palomarin Field Station for interns.
