Job Description

Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas, CA.
To Apply: Check our Available Positions section!

Since 1966, we have been training early-career conservation scientists at the Palomarin Field Station through intensive field-based positions as part of a long-term ecological monitoring program focused on studying the impact of environmental change on birds. These immersive apprenticeships teach landbird research techniques and data-driven solutions to conservation challenges. Apprentices completing our program leave with a comprehensive knowledge base, including the ability to design and implement conservation research, communicate research to the public, and ensure data are incorporated effectively into data management systems and resource management planning efforts. This position has a strong emphasis on mist-netting and bird banding. Apprentices will run long-term mist netting stations ~5-6 days per week (number of days of banding varies by month and is weather dependent). The position includes early mornings and long hours in the field, followed by data entry and verification. A typical field day starts before sunrise and involves hiking 5-7 miles; the terrain has some incline and can be uneven. Apprentices will typically work 5 days per week (~40-48 hours), with two occasionally non-consecutive days off per week; however, inclement field weather (e.g. rain, wind) may result in only one day off per week (and occasional 35-50 hour work weeks). Overtime pay applies (for days > 8 hours and weeks > 40 hours).

Palomarin’s Training Program has a global influence, having prepared over 700 people from over 20 countries for careers in academic research, applied conservation, natural resource management, and beyond. We recognize that increasing racial, gender, cultural, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion factors at Point Blue and in our partnerships is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. We are actively engaging in a process to create lasting organizational change. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Apprentices learn key concepts and skills in the following six areas:

• Field methods in ecological and conservation research with emphasis on mist netting and bird banding of songbirds
• Understanding the scientific process and the role of natural history observation in guiding meaningful research and conservation
• Critical thinking and evaluation of research and conservation
• Climate-smart conservation
• Best practices in science interpretation
• Skills in data management and data integrity

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