Restoration Biology Internship Job Details

Organizational Summary:

River Partners is a state-wide private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Chico, California, whose mission is to create wildlife habitat for the benefit of people and the environment.  River Partners is a leader in the design and implementation of riparian restoration projects that target wildlife habitat along most of the major rivers in the Central Valley of California. Since 1998, over 6,200 acres have been restored with over 1,000,000 native trees along the unique ecosystems that surround the banks of rivers and streams. 

Position:

This six-week temporary position reports to the biology staff in River Partner’s Modesto office.  Most days will be spent at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge near Vernalis.  Transportation to and from the site will be the responsibility of the intern. 

Skills and Qualifications:

The successful candidate should:

• Possess the enthusiasm and drive to assist River Partners in fulfilling its mission.
• Enjoy working with diverse people and organizations to get things done.
• Creatively solve problems and learn new skills. 
• Possess knowledge of California plants, riparian ecology, hydrology, soils and /or wildlife.
• Possess a valid California Driver’s License with no restrictions and be able to lift 40 pounds
• Be able to work both on a team and independently.
• Demonstrate good organizational skills, ability to work under multiple deadlines, and flexibility to handle changing priorities.  Must be able to remain dedicated and focused on multiple tasks.
• Competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and other programs. 
• Have experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing field data. 
• Be able to communicate in basic Spanish preferred, but not required.

Specific duties include:

• Walking for extended periods through agricultural fields and newly restored habitat areas
• Collecting data on plant growth, survival, and plant cover using standard field tools such as range poles and densiometers
• Creating and filling out datasheets to ensure collected data is entered accurately and logged appropriately
• Entering data into spreadsheets and databases on desktop computers
• Checking data for errors and omissions
• Locating field markers using GPS receivers and aerial maps
• Driving a small truck on levee and dirt roads
• Taking photographs at designated locations
• Working closely with another intern on a daily basis
• Reporting to biology staff and field staff regularly

Compensation:

Interns will be paid $10 per hour and will work approximately 40 hours per week.