Habitat Restoration Intern

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Position Summary

Do you want to work on meaningful and impactful environmental programs? Are you looking for an internship that makes a difference in conservation? If this sounds exciting, the National Audubon Society’s internship may be great for you. 

This paid 6-month internship will run from approximately November to May. This internship is a temporary role and is paid at a rate of $20 - $21 per hour, scheduled for twenty hours per week. The Restoration Intern would conduct various restoration-related activities, centered on reaching long-term goals outlined in the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program Habitat Management Plan for Bobcat Ranch. Goals include but are not limited to increasing riparian vegetation in key areas to benefit bird focal species and reducing non-native invasive species grazing and other weed control methods. Restoration projects will contribute to Bobcat Ranch’s ability to serve as a demonstration site under Audubon’s Conservation Ranching Program, showcasing resilient and regenerative conservation ranching methods. The intern will gain technical restoration skills; an understanding of basic ranch management; increased understanding of rangeland and fire ecology; and outreach, engagement and volunteer management experience. The position will be supervised by the Bobcat Ranch Manager and will interact with programmatic staff on the Conservation Ranching Program and Working Lands team.

This position is located at Audubon’s Bobcat Ranch in Winters, CA with some travel to Audubon’s Sacramento office and occasionally throughout Northern CA.

Compensation:

$20.00 - $21.00 / hour

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives

During the internship, you will work with the ranch staff to:

• Monitoring current plantings, irrigating, removing cages/tubes

• Installation of new plantings, including caging, tubes, mulch, and irrigation  

• Planning logistics around volunteer field days and tours

• Coordinating volunteer workdays for restoration projects

• Setting up fencing around critical habitat to protect plantings

• Setting up and monitoring bird boxes

• Monitoring oak recruitment and oak establishment

• Participating in tours and other special events, as appropriate

Internship Benefits

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Plant community ecology

• Restoration techniques

• Community engagement

• Bird conservation on private land

• Rangeland management/regenerative agriculture

Intern Schedule
The program will occur during regular working hours from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. With occasional events on weekends. Specific schedule will be negotiated with Ranch Manager upon acceptance.

Projected Start Date

November 15, 2025, and projected end date is May 15, 2026.

Qualifications and Experience

• Must possess excellent organizational skills, communication skills, and the ability to multi-task.

• Experience working with volunteers or other members of the public.

• Experience working outside in land management or restoration, preferred.

• Interest in the mission, values, and programs of the National Audubon Society.

• Demonstrated coursework or career path in botany, ecology, conservation, land management or related field.

• Ability to work outside in variable conditions and in rugged terrain and lift at least 50lbs.

• Self-directed, hard worker.

• Experience operating basic machinery (mower, weed-whacker, power tools, etc.) and 4WD, preferred.

• 3+ years of undergraduate coursework. Undergraduate senior or post/graduate student preferred.

• Experience with basic Microsoft computer programs: ArcGIS preferred.

• A current driver’s license or state-issued ID; reliable transportation.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.