Seasonal Positions – Starr Ranch Sanctuary

Upland: Field Assistants
Riparian: Riparian Invasive Species Control & Restoration Assistantship
Other Seasonal Positions: Seasonal Ornithologist
Summer Biologist-Educator Assistant

Upland Field Assistants

Description
Audubon California’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, CA solicits applicants for positions as field assistants with our invasive species control and coastal sage scrub /needlegrass grassland restoration project. This is a research-based program to control Cynara cardunculus (artichoke thistle) and other invasive species without chemicals and restore to rare native habitat. Must work well with people as part of a field crew (5) who work on mechanical and physical removal of artichoke thistle and all aspects of invasive species control and restoration including non-chemical control of other invasive species, native seed collection and planting, experimental tests of weed removal and restoration techniques, and quantitative monitoring. During fire season in the fall, field assistants will spend limited time helping with a fire watch on the Ranch. Experience in plant sampling in the field desirable. Enthusiasm for working outdoors. Opportunity to live on our 4000-acre Sanctuary. Positions start in either October (1) or November (2) or January (1) and run six months from start dates.

Qualifications
College graduates with ecological, biological, or conservation background who seek weed control, restoration and research experience. Must be enthusiastic about outdoor physical work (i.e. invasive plant control).

To Apply
Positions are announced in the spring on Texas A & M Wildlife and Fisheries and Society for Conservation job boards. Application is through a confidential Audubon career center. For information contact: sdesimone@audubon.org

Riparian Invasive Species Control & Restoration Assistantship

Description
Audubon’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, CA solicits applicants for positions (2) as riparian invasive species control and restoration assistants. Our approach is research-based and non-chemical. Assistants will do physical control of exotics in two riparian corridors on Starr Ranch. Will recruit and publicize, train, and supervise “Weed Warrior” volunteers who help with control of exotics. Will re-sample long term passive riparian restoration plots. Will initiate or continue, under guidance of the Research and Education Director, experiments or trials to test methods for enhancing native stream vegetation. Will write protocols for major projects and final reports. Must be willing to be involved occasionally with our innovative education program, “Starr Ranch Field Ecology Programs” (see www.starr-ranch.org). Must have enthusiasm for working outdoors and physical work. Opportunity to live on our 4000- acre preserve. Positions (2) are for October – May.

Qualifications
College graduate with degree in a biology, ecology, or related discipline who seeks field experience in invasive species control, quantitative monitoring and, native vegetation enhancement. Experience in plant sampling in the field highly desirable.

Seasonal Ornithologist

Description
Audubon California’s 4000-acre Starr Ranch Sanctuary in southeast Orange County, California solicits applicants for a position as Seasonal Ornithologist that extends from. mid October through early August. This position integrates long term songbird monitoring into education programs that involve kids and adults in applied avian research.

Late October – March: responsibilities include supervision of volunteers who assist with songbird banding during winter migrant monitoring (Monitoring Overwintering Survival or “MoSI”). Also will do data entry, data summary, and point counts. Will instruct fall and winter Ecology Programs, 1-2 hour field research simulations that offer groups of all ages an opportunity to experience nature hands-on as wildlife biologists and plan and instruct a week-end adult bird research camp, possibly focusing on training banding volunteers. Will help coordinate the Christmas Bird Count for a local Audubon Chapter.

April – Early August: will supervise volunteers who assist with long term songbird banding during breeding season (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship or “MAPS”). Will conduct point counts and enter and summarize data. May help coordinate volunteers and conduct surveys of target songbirds of the rare habitat, coastal sage scrub. Will instruct spring Ecology Programs and also Starr Ranch Junior Biologists, spring and summer programs for kids ages 8 – 16, who join the Starr Ranch scientific team to experience how biologists study native animals and habitats.

Opportunity to do applied bird research that is integrated into Starr Ranch land management, conservation, and education programs. We seek applicants who wish to contribute to wildland conservation through applied research as well as research-based education and who are enthusiastic, dedicated, organized, self-starting and thorough. Opportunity to live in a private cabin in an oak woodland on our 4000-acre Sanctuary.

Qualifications
Grad or undergrad degree in biology or ecology with strong ornithological background and experience. Strong background in songbird banding, ageing, and sexing as well as other bird monitoring techniques essential. Strong knowledge and interest in birds and bird watching and general natural history of animals and their habitats. Some experience in education desirable but must have enthusiasm for working with kids, adults, and families.

Summer Biologist-Educator Assistantship

Description
Audubon California’s 4000 acre Starr Ranch Sanctuary announces a summer education assistantship as part of our Starr Ranch Field Ecology Programs. Primary responsibility will be to assist instructors during our summer program for children, Starr Ranch Junior Biologists (SRJB), which emphasizes participation in ecological research. Kids participate in the scientific process through observation, exploration, and field research during a series of week long sessions. SRJB I kids explore native ecosystems and have fun with some of the techniques scientists use to study wildlife. In SRJB II, children participate in ecological research as they identify simple research questions. learn techniques for answering questions, and collect data. SRJB III is offered for older children, who camp at the Ranch and intensively study the animals and ecosystems introduced in SRJB II. Assistants must also be willing to do the work necessary to support the summer kids programs: lead nature walks; purchase, design and construct instructional materials; and help with setup and clean-up. Assistants might also be asked to help with other aspects of Ranch activities: maintenance, weed control, office work. The position runs from early June through early August.

Qualifications
College graduates in biology or ecology, with a strong interest in integrating ecological research into education. The applicant must enjoy working with children.

To Apply
Positions are announced in late winter on Texas A & M Wildlife and Fisheries and Society for Conservation job boards. Application is through a confidential Audubon career center. For information contact: sdesimone@audubon.org.