Campground Wildlife Outreach and Habitat Restoration Intern - Pinnacles National Park

Length: Term of positions is 50 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk

Location: Paicines, CA

Hourly Pay: $18.75 per hour (pre-tax)

Ideal Start Date: 2/20/2023

Application Due Date: Preference given to applicants that submit applications by 1/27/2023

Title of Position: Campground Wildlife Outreach and Habitat Restoration Intern

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the National Park Service are seeking an intern who will work to improve conditions in the campground for both visitors and the wildlife. As part of our “Keep Wildlife Wild” program they will help educate the public to prevent wildlife from getting habituated to human food and address wildlife that unfortunately has already become habituated. Other goals will include helping restore wildlife habitat around the creeks that have been impacted by campers, helping protect the area from damage by invasive pigs, and assisting with various other wildlife related tasks as needed. 

·       Working with restoration staff to install signage/fencing and plant vegetation to protect sensitive riparian habitat and federally threatened California Red-legged Frogs

·       Roving the campground to educate visitors about importance/sensitivity of riparian habitats and monitor effectiveness of fencing, signage, and revegetation efforts

·      Protecting campground riparian and other habitats from exotic pig damage by monitoring and making minor repairs to pig exclusion fence

·       Interfacing directly with park visitors to educate them about preventing wildlife habituation to human food

·       Roving the campground to confirm proper food storage, educate campers, and address any unattended or improperly stored food items

·       Providing feedback to park and campground staff on Keep Wildlife Wild efforts – what is working and what needs improvement

·       Installing Keep Wildlife Wild signs on picnic tables and food storage lockers

·       Inspecting condition of educational signage and food storage lockers

·       Setting up wildlife cameras and swapping out batteries and memory cards as needed

·       Setting, baiting, and checking pig traps

·       Setting, baiting, and checking traps for native and invasive squirrels

·       Conducting invasive plant control

·       Assisting with volunteer groups

·       Entering data (MS Access, MS Excel) – requires sitting or standing for long periods

·       Participating in local community events (e.g. science fair judge, educational talks at schools)

·       Cross-training with other work groups in the park

·       Hiking solo to remote sites

·       Driving a government vehicle for official use only

·       Ability to communicate positively and effectively face-to-face with a wide variety of public audiences

·       Willingness to assist with activities that result in lethal outcomes for native and exotic wildlife

·       Willingness to work outside and hike up to 10 miles per day

·       Ability to hike off-trail in steep, rugged terrain carrying up to 40 lbs of gear/equipment

·       Ability to work safely in adverse weather conditions with potential exposure to hazards such as poison oak, biting/stinging insects, and rattlesnakes

·       Possession of a current valid driver’s license

·       Must be age 18-30

·       Must be a US Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States

·       Positive attitude and ability to work as part of a team or independently

·       Attention to detail

·       Experience communicating with the public about human-wildlife interactions

 

·       Housing may be available

·       The park staff will provide opportunities in leadership development and career exploration within the field of land management.

·       The park will provide training on park resource information, operating procedures, and safety protocols for Core duties including:

o  Wildlife monitoring

o  invasive species management

o  restoration ecology

o  endangered species

Apply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions. In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

If you have questions about this position please contact James Gassaway, jgasaway@conservationlegacy.org, Stewards Program Coordinator.