PRBO seeks an intern for its seabird monitoring project on Santa Cruz Island, California. PRBO has partnered with California’s MPA Monitoring Enterprise and The Nature Conservancy to monitor populations of seabirds breeding on the island. PRBO is currently collecting baseline data on annual population size, breeding success, diet and foraging distribution and rates of human disturbance at several sites throughout California. The data will be used to guide the adaptive management of the Seabird Protection Network and California’s Marine Life Protection Act Initiative. Full-time, seasonal, no benefits.
Duration: 1 April through 31 July, 2013, with potential for annual reappointment. This position has a schedule of two consecutive weeks on the island followed by one week off the island. This schedule is repeated throughout the field season.
Description: The intern will spend most of his/her time in the field collecting data on seabird population and breeding dynamics, diet and foraging habits, and roosting ecology. The intern will also assist the field technician with data entry and data quality checking. The intern will be working under the guidance of a PRBO field technician.
Qualifications: Candidates must have or be within one year of completing a B.S. in biology or other related field. Candidates with prior field experience are preferred. Experience driving offroad vehicles with manual transmission also preferred. Candidates must be able to work independently and in a group setting, in tough environmental conditions. Candidates with an interest in marine biology or oceanography are encouraged to apply.
Compensation: Stipend provided to cover living and travel costs. Full-time, seasonal, no benefits. Housing will be provided while on the island.
To Apply: Email resume, cover letter, and 3-5 references with phone numbers and email addresses to Julie Howar at jhowar@prbo.org. Open until filled.