Conservation Biology Intern
About the Position: The Conservation Biology Intern’s responsibilities include identifying and collecting plants in the field following plant survey/collection protocols, GIS mapping, researching and preparing written summaries of local species, and collecting and organizing data in spreadsheets and databases. Work duties will provide training in a broad range of natural resource management techniques, environmental analysis, habitats, and tools. The expected start date of this position is late October/early November 2022.
About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 65,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 26 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position!
Benefits: This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, which will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 6-12 month period. This is a non-benefited position.
Basic Requirements: Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months). Current students are desirable and encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have a background in botany, biology, ecology, or another related field; and experience with field survey techniques. This natural resource-focused internship requires the ability to identify plants (and common wildlife) of California as well as the skill of interpreting scientific reports and writing summaries. Experience with ArcGIS software and mapping natural resources with GPS equipment are a plus. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California driver’s license is required.
Working Conditions: This position will be divided between at-home, office work, and field visits to survey, map, and collect field data. This position will operate in the Natural Resources Department at Midpen offices in Los Altos, California. Work will include field visits to survey, map, and collect field data. Fieldwork is conducted in rural or mountainous District open space areas, which may involve working alone in wildland areas and traversing rough, difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak and dense vegetation. Hours per week may range from 12 – 24 when school is in session and up to 40 hours when not. It is expected that at least 1 day per week will be in the field with the remaining time split between the office and/or home.
Application deadline is September 11, 2022. Applicants with the most relevant experience and qualifications suitable for the position will be contacted for an interview.
The following application items are required to be considered*:
1. Fully completed CalOpps employment application
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
4. Supplemental question responses
*Incomplete CalOpps employment applications, or applications without the required application items listed here, will not be considered for the position.
Virtual Interviews are planned for Monday, September 26, 2022. We suggest planning your calendar accordingly.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources Department at 650.691.1200.
Put your passion for Open Space to work!