Natural Resource Management Assistant (2 positions) -Cabrillo National Monument,

Start/End Dates: May 19, 2025 – August 9, 2025 (12 weeks)

Mosaics in Science seeks to engage ethnically and racially diverse young professionals in natural resource careers. You must be (additional requirement):

• A U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• A student in an accredited college with a graduation date after the internship end date.
• A personal vehicle is recommended for this position.

Position Description:
Cabrillo National Monument’s (CABR) protected status and unique geographic location provide rare and invaluable coastal sage scrub habitat and rocky intertidal habitat, making it an essential haven for over 300 different landbird species. Since the park serves as a vital habitat for these birds, park staff have conducted land bird monitoring surveys for the last 9 years to understand more about their population health. Current monitoring protocols entail 5-minute observations of call, song, and visual observations recorded at 10 different sites throughout the park weekly throughout the monitoring season (March- July). We propose that the intern analyze data from the land bird monitoring program to produce a report of observed changes in land bird species and communities over time. They will use the data to compare different areas by assessing the species present and their abundance and examining how these trends may have changed over time.

Responsibilities:

• During the internship, the intern will conduct a basic analysis of land bird presence at CABR,
• Contribute to writing a 15-20 page report summarizing and analyzing land bird data collected from 2017-2025 at CABR,
• Develop a science communication presentation to be delivered to the CABR management team and the public and stakeholders as part of CABR’s “Naturally Speaking” science talk series.

Qualifications:

• Interested in utilizing the Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) after graduation.
• The desire to learn programming in R is an essential qualification for this position. Experience using R and performing data analysis is not necessary as training will be provided.
• A growth mindset is open to learning new skills and working as part of a diverse team.
• Possess strong communication and teamwork skills. Experience in science communication is desired but not required for this position.
• A strong interest in ecology, biology, or natural resources management
• Enrolled at an undergraduate institution pursuing a degree in one of the above or related fields.
• Feel comfortable working outdoors for extended periods of time and hiking up to 2 miles in mild heat (70- 90 degrees Fahrenheit) as well as light precipitation.

Interns in this program will receive 480 hours toward the Direct Hiring Authority. See below for information about:

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)
Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship. DHA status enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant. A DHA expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures. For more information, please click HERE.

EEO Statement

Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.