RIPARIAN INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL & RESTORATION ASSISTANTS
Audubon California’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Trabuco Canyon, CA
Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, CA solicits applicants for positions (two, one remaining) as riparian invasive species control and restoration
assistants (interns). Our approach is research-based and nonchemical. The internship is designed in part to give experience in project planning; data collection, management, and summary; and report writing.
Assistants will map some perennial invasive species in our major riparian corridor and remove other targeted invasive species. They will collect and plant
seeds of native herbaceous species and cuttings of native woody species. Will initiate or continue, under guidance of the research and education director, trials to test methods for controlling invasive species without chemicals and for restoration of native
stream vegetation. Will resample long-term passive riparian restoration plots. Will recruit, train, and supervise “Weed Warrior” volunteers who help with control of invasive plant species. Riparian assistants will continue baseline monitoring of 300 acres
of oak woodland on Starr Ranch and surveys to detect tree pests and diseases in the riparian corridor. May work on our long term phenology project that uses volunteers to monitor year round response of birds, butterflies, and plants to the changing climate
and drought. Will update protocols or work plans for major projects and complete final reports then give a talk on projects to staff and guests at the end of the season. Must be willing to be involved occasionally with our innovative education program, “Starr
Ranch Field Ecology Programs” (see www.starr-ranch.org). Must have enthusiasm for working outdoors and willingness to do physical invasive species removal. Opportunity to live on our 4000 acre preserve. Positions (two, one remaining) are for October 15,
2018 through May 24, 2019.
Salary: $440/week plus housing (private rooms).
Qualifications: College graduates with degree in biology, ecology, or related discipline who seek field experience in invasive species control, quantitative monitoring and, native vegetation restoration.
Ability to work independently. Experience in plant sampling in the field highly desirable.
To Apply: Please go to the confidential Audubon career center to start the application process:
https://careers-audubon.icims.com.
You will use this link to send your résumé and a cover letter addressed to Dr. Sandy DeSimone stating career goals. Two references are required: letters of recommendation can be sent by references to: Dr. Sandy
DeSimone, Director, Research and Education; sdesimone@audubon.org; fax (949) 858-1013. In some cases, Dr. DeSimone will try to contact references, so please send contact information in your application materials. The most qualified candidates will have a phone
interview. For questions contact Dr. DeSimone at sdesimone@audubon.org or 949-858-0309.
For more information:
sdesimone@audubon.org; www.starr-ranch.org
Sandy DeSimone, Ph.D.
Director, Research & Education
Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary
100 Bell Canyon Rd
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
949-858-0309
https://www.facebook.com/audubonstarrranch