The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking three interns to assist with waterbird projects. Two full-time Waterbird Interns will assist with waterbird field studies. One part-time Colonial Waterbird Intern will assist with the Colonial Waterbird Project. Please see below for details of each position.
WATERBIRD INTERNSHIPS (2) The two waterbird internships will begin in January 2019 with a 3-month commitment with the possibility for extension depending on project availability and intern performance. The internships will be based in Milpitas, CA. The interns will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in waterbird survey techniques and data management. The interns will be assisting with surveys at managed ponds in support of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (www.southbayrestoration.org). The interns may assist with additional projects in the Waterbird Program, including SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring, Colonial Waterbird Nest Monitoring, and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html). Key Responsibilities: • Conduct waterbird surveys and water quality sampling at South Bay ponds • Conduct gull counts and behavioral survey at local landfills • Work with SFBBO staff, partner agencies, and volunteers to coordinate field work • Enter, proof, and manage data collected • Assist with equipment maintenance and other SFBBO projects as assigned Required Qualifications: • Coursework toward a degree in biology, ecology, or related field • Familiarity with waterbird species of the San Francisco Bay (including shorebirds, waterfowl and gulls) • Good physical condition and enthusiasm for long days in the field • Willingness to tolerate harsh field conditions (mud, sun, dust, salt spray) • Willingness to work irregular hours including early mornings, evenings and some weekends • Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail • Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal vehicle • Ability to navigate and orient using maps • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Effective oral and written communication skills Preferred Qualifications: • Recently completed BA/BS in biology, ecology, or related field • Excellent waterbird identification skills • Off-road driving experience (SFBBO truck provided for off-road driving) • Solid computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Access and Excel • Experience conducting field work in the San Francisco Bay Compensation: Applicants should be students or recent graduates (within the last year) with a degree in wildlife biology, environmental science or a related field. This is a full-time internship position. A stipend of $125/week will be provided. Shared housing may be available at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, CA for non-residents. An SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel. SFBBO will provide most field gear, including a spotting scope. COLONIAL WATERBIRD INTERNSHIP (1) The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking a part-time intern to assist with the Colonial Waterbird Project. The internship will begin January 1, 2019 and extend through August 31, 2019. The internship will be based in Milpitas, CA, although many tasks can be completed remotely. The intern will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in data management, volunteer management, and waterbird survey techniques. The intern’s primary role will be managing volunteers, data entry, and maintaining a database for the Colonial Waterbird Monitoring Project, a citizen science project. The intern may also assist with SFBBO’s California Gull Research and Monitoring and Avian Disease Prevention programs (https://www.sfbbo.org/avian-science.html). Key Responsibilities: • Manage volunteer site assignments and respond to inquiries • Enter, proof, and manage colonial waterbird data collected by citizen scientists • Prepare short summary reports of colonial waterbird data for local organizations • Prepare training materials for citizen scientists and plan or participate in outreach events • Conduct gull counts in the field during breeding season • Assist with surveys to collect dead, diseased, and injured birds in South Bay sloughs as part of an effort to prevent avian botulism outbreaks • Work with SFBBO staff, partner agencies, and volunteers to coordinate field work • Assist with other SFBBO projects as assigned Required Qualifications: • Coursework toward a degree in biology, ecology, or related field • Solid computer skills and experience with data entry, proofing, and analysis • Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Effective oral and written communication skills • Interest in working with volunteers/citizen scientists Preferred Qualifications: • Familiarity with waterbird species of the San Francisco Bay • Experience using Microsoft Access and Excel • Experience doing fieldwork with spotting scopes • Previous participation in citizen science programs Applicants should be students or recent graduates (within the last year) with a degree in wildlife biology, environmental science or a related field. The internship is unpaid and hours can be used for volunteer or course credit if approved by your university. The internship will require 5-10 hours per week, including weekly meetings with the Program Director. Select weeks with field work (e.g. Gull Surveys in mid-May) may require up to 15 hours per week on a limited basis. If field work is performed, an SFBBO vehicle or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle will be available for pre-approved, work-related travel. SFBBO will also provide most field gear, including a spotting scope. TO APPLY Please e-mail the following materials to Dr. Max Tarjan, [email protected]: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Indicate in your cover letter whether you would like to be considered for a Waterbird Internship, the Colonial Waterbird Internship, or both. Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name. Include “Waterbird Internship” in the e-mail subject. The deadline for applications is November 30th. SFBBO is an EOE.
