Birding Intern

Description: 

The Mono Lake Committee is a 16,000-member non-profit citizens’ group dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem; educating the public about Mono Lake and the impacts on the environment of excessive water use; and promoting cooperative solutions that meet real water needs without transferring environmental problems to other areas.  

The Birding Intern position is similar to the Mono Lake Intern position with a special emphasis on leading interpretive bird walks, assisting with the Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua, and supporting existing research projects. As the Birding Intern, you will work closely with other Mono Lake Interns leading interpretive education programs, staffing the Information Center & Bookstore, and working in the Mono Lake Committee office.   

As the Birding Intern your duties will typically include: 

• leading interpretive programs and supporting existing bird research projects (~50%)  

• staffing the Information Center & Bookstore (~35%) 

• working in the Mono Lake Committee office to support the organization’s work to protect and restore Mono Lake (~15%)  

The Birding Intern position is ideal for bird enthusiasts wanting to further their interpretive, communication, and guiding skills and gain experience in environmental non-profit work. 

In this role you will: 

• Lead weekly morning bird walks along the northwest shore of Mono Lake and Lundy Canyon. 

• Provide interpretive environmental education programs at Mono Lake, including guided canoe tours on Mono Lake and walking tours of the South Tufa area. 

• Assist with the annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua. 

• Assist with bird research at Mono Lake as job schedule allows. 

• Staff the Information Center & Bookstore. This includes: 

     • communicating the Mono Lake Committee’s mission and promoting Mono Lake Committee memberships 

     • completing retail sales using our point-of-sale cash and credit card register system 

     • providing visitors with detailed and accurate information about the region, Mono Lake ecology, and the current status of Mono Lake protection and restoration  

     • ensuring the store is neat and well stocked at all times and sanitizing the store, restroom, and outdoor picnic and reception areas. 

• Other duties include assisting with program reservations, answering phones, fulfilling information requests via phone, mail, and email, assisting with Mono Lake Committee membership projects and recruitment, event planning, social media, writing assignments, and other office and field tasks needed to support operations and mission. 

• Additional duties and projects may be assigned based on skills, interest, initiative, and organization needs. Because of COVID-19, duties and assignments may change unexpectedly, and additional flexibility is appreciated. 

Qualifications: 

• Basic knowledge of birds and field identification through experience and/or education. 

• Strong communications skills, both written and verbal. 

• Strong work ethic and a positive and collaborative attitude. 

• Desire to learn more about how a successful non-profit operates. 

• Ability to be flexible under a changing schedule. 

• Commitment to following the Committee’s COVID-19 protocol, which includes being vaccinated. 

• A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required (contact us with any questions). 

• Must pass a background check to confirm you do not have any criminal violations relevant to working with youth. 

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive training on Mono Basin ecology, California water policy, environmental interpretation, retail operations, canoe safety, and more. 

• First Aid and CPR certification training. 

• Paid time off for observed holidays that occur during employment. 

• Mileage is paid for all job-related travel from place of work in personal vehicle. 

• Affordable shared housing within walking distance of the office in Lee Vining. 

• Employee discount on merchandise in the Information Center & Bookstore. 

Additional information: 

The Birding Intern position is temporary, lasting from four to six months. The Birding Intern works 40 hours per week with two consecutive days off. 

Shared housing is available through the Committee at $300/month (sorry, no pets). 

We provide comprehensive training to develop a thorough understanding of the Mono Basin and the Mono Lake Committee in order to be able to fulfill job duties. 

The Mono Basin is composed of sagebrush steppe, pinyon-juniper, and Jeffrey pine forest plant communities, 46,000 acres of Mono Lake, numerous 12,000+ foot Sierra peaks, and plug-dome volcanoes. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore is in the town of Lee Vining (population 400, elevation 6,780'), on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park near Mono Lake. The town is located adjacent to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and the Ansel Adams and Hoover wilderness areas. Lee Vining is situated along Highway 395, 30 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, California and 110 miles south of Carson City, Nevada. 

Application process: 

If you meet more than 75% of the qualifications of this description, we support your application.  

The Mono Lake Committee values a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees and volunteers feel respected and appreciated. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments.  

Applications will be accepted starting January 1, 2024. To apply, send a cover letter and resume via email to Ryan Garrett, Education Director, at ryan@monolake.org. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. For more information, contact Ryan at (760) 647-6386 x113 or go to monolake.org/jobs.