WATERBIRD INTERNSHIP
The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking a full-time intern to assist with waterbird field studies. The internship will begin on March 2, 2020 with a 6-month commitment. The internship will be based in Milpitas, CA. The intern will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in waterbird survey techniques and data management. The intern will assist with surveys at managed ponds in support of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.southbayrestoration.org&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C803909d387244fa49f7308d7aaed9a03%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637165809785308875&sdata=YZIZcPrVtHyHBh0t4tI8fQqdy%2FEqQNZgkAh5NwNJQJw%3D&reserved=0). The intern 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://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sfbbo.org%2Favian-science.html&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C803909d387244fa49f7308d7aaed9a03%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637165809785308875&sdata=fcQSwtN8U%2BRXG%2FsPmR2FN5V7xwxp%2FEDiY3bPRHzJ3Fg%3D&reserved=0).
Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct waterbird surveys and water quality sampling at South Bay ponds
• Conduct gull counts and behavioral surveys at local landfills
• 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
• 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 $250/week will be provided. Shared housing is available at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, CA. 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, mtarjan@sfbbo.org: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). 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 February 18th. SFBBO is an EOE.