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.
Terrestrial Ecology Division Internships
Deadlines/Internships Schedule:
Applications accepted year-round. Note start dates of the various positions.
PALOMARIN FIELD STATION RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
Interns needed year-round at PRBO's Palomarin Field Station on the Marin County coast, north of San Francisco. We have been studying songbirds at the Palomarin Field Station since 1965, with special focus on the demographics of Wrentits, Song Sparrows, and White-crowned Sparrows. Intern positions are primarily for nest searching and territory mapping (in spring/summer) or for mist-netting and banding (year-round) in coastal scrub and riparian habitats. Responsibilities may also include habitat assessment, conducting area searches and point counts, and public outreach. 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. Interns must commit to a full “season” as follows: breeding season (Mar-Jul), fall migration (Aug-Nov), winter (Nov-Mar). 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 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 also note if applying to other positions within PRBO) to RENEE CORMIER, (415-868-0655 ext. 316; rcormier at prbo dot org) and DIANA HUMPLE (415-868-0655 ext. 386; dhumple@prbo.org) PRBO, P.O. Box 1157, Bolinas, CA 94924.
Click Here to learn more about the Palomarin Field Station for interns.
EASTERN SIERRA FIELD RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
POINT COUNTER needed by PRBO Conservation Science’s Eastern Sierra Program to conduct multi-species point counts in and around the Mono Basin in the Eastern Sierra, CA. Work starts in May and ends the first week of July with potential to go through mid August if desired. Work includes avian point count surveys and associated vegetation surveys as well as data entry. Transects are in Pinyon Pine, Riparian and Aspen habitat. Candidates with a strong background in western bird identification by sight and sound and previous experience point counting are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will be able to follow standardized protocols, work both independently and closely with others, collect and record meticulous data and have a passion for birds. Some training will be provided. Point Counters must have a field worthy vehicle and a valid drivers license and be eager to work long days in the field. Point Counters will be paid $1000-$2000 DOE, and reimbursed per-mile transportation costs. Shared bunk-style housing will be provided in Lee Vining, CA. To apply, send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to RYAN BURNETT (EM: rburnett AT prbo dot org; phone 530-258-2869). Please include dates of availability and vehicle type in your cover letter.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PROJECT INTERNSHIPS
None available at this time.
CENTRAL VALLEY FIELD RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS
None available at this time.
SONORAN DESERT INTERNSHIPS
None available at this time.
WETLAND ECOLOGY DIVISION INTERNSHIPS
None available at this time.
MARINE ECOLOGY DIVISION INTERNSHIPS
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 and 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
Position FILLED for 2010
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.
