Chicken Ranch Beach Habitat Restoration Intern

SPAWN is seeking reliable and independent interns with a passion for environmental restoration to join our team. Most but not all of the work will be related to a major and exciting restoration project happening on Tomales Bay in West Marin County, California.

Project info can be found here:

https://tomalesbayfoundation.org/resources/chicken-ranch-beach-restoration/

This is a six-month position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

SPAWN is seeking reliable and independent interns with a passion for environmental restoration to join our team. Most but not all of the work will be related to a major and exciting restoration project happening on Tomales Bay in West Marin County, California.

Project info can be found here:

https://tomalesbayfoundation.org/resources/chicken-ranch-beach-restoration/

Under supervision from the Native Plant Nursery Manager and others, the Habitat Restoration Intern will assist with planning, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of habitat restoration project(s). He or she will also be involved in day-to-day nursery operations. Our nursery currently contains over 100 native species and over 5,000 individual plants, these will be used for upcoming restoration projects, revitalizing critical ecosystems.

Habitat Restoration Interns will be responsible for assisting with native plant propagation and out-plating, irrigation and watering, restoration site preparation, data collection and entry, upkeep of nursery facilities, and design and out-planting of restoration projects. Additionally, the intern will support education programs related to plant propagation and restoration, as well as volunteer recruitment and outreach.

This position is ideal for those looking to gain hands-on experience in native plant propagation, watershed conservation, and environmental restoration. Your work (40 hours/week) is compensated through accommodation in shared housing just five miles from our office, under the incredible coast redwoods. You will also have the opportunity to volunteer at the local food bank in exchange for weekly groceries.

Intern Roles & Responsibilities

• • This is a full-time position Monday-Friday (Saturdays occasionally required). Work will be primarily outdoors (all weather conditions) and may be around poison oak and ticks
  • Design and implementation of restoration projects
  • Restoration of riparian and/or estuarine habitat through planting native species, invasive species removal, watering, and site maintenance
  • Data entry and database management: collect data on plant growth and survival at restoration sites, research on propagation techniques, and restoration site monitoring
  • Day-to-day nursery management, operations, and upkeep
  • Seed collection, processing, and germination
  • Plant propagation, transplanting, pruning, irrigation and out-plating
  • Updating inventory stock, managing plant database, data collection and entry
  • Providing training and guidance for volunteers related to field restoration work and nursery operations
  • Assist with running field trips for local schools

We also encourage each intern to pursue a project of their choice! Past projects have focused on environmental education, plant propagation techniques, plant-wildlife interactions, and improving nursery operation.

Qualifications & Skills

• Fieldwork experience or education in a relevant field
• Experience in native (and exotic) plant identification and biology
• Experience in nursery operations and horticultural practices
• Interest in watershed ecology, fisheries biology, botany, and ecological restoration
• Experience in vegetation monitoring
• Experience in volunteer management
• Ability to work outside in varying terrain and weather
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and organize oneself
• Ability to use PC or Mac proficiently (Windows Office)
• Driver’s license
• Ability to project a positive image with the community
• Experience with power tools a plus

Learning Objectives

The Chicken Ranch Beach Habitat Restoration Internship will help you gain hands-on experience in field biology and restoration, skills with native and invasive plant identification, native plant propagation, restoration techniques, project management, event organization, and volunteer management. Interns will also learn about the dynamic inner workings of a non-profit, including fundraising, community development, and advocacy.