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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

WHALE TAIL OUTREACH INTERNSHIP - 2024

Join our Shorebird Recovery Program team this summer as an intern and contribute to the conservation of the federally threatened snowy plover and endangered California least tern. You will lean about these birds, participate in their conservation and then teach the public about these special shorebirds. 

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To prepare you for this work, at the beginning of your internship you will be trained on the life history and field identification of the snowy plover and least tern, including identification of the chicks of both species and determining their age as they grow. After training you will assist with tideline surveys, help with re-spotting chicks each week and help our biologist install fencing around tideline nests as we find them.  You will utilize all of this knowledge to conduct outreach and education with the public on weekends and to make educational social media posts each week.  You will also team up with volunteers on beach shifts and attend public tabling events. This role combines fieldwork and remote computer tasks. You will also have the opportunity for one on one meetings with California Audubon staff for career mentorship and to create blog posts about your experiences.

Compensation: $16-$18/hour based on experience

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Learn about the western snowy plover and California least tern

  • Conduct roving outreach on our project beaches on weekends

  • Create educational posts on Ventura Audubon's social media

  • Help support and mentor volunteers during weekend outreach and community tabling events

  • Assist with one volunteer training workshop

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Required Skills

  • Facility with basic Microsoft Office software and standard email software, and the interest and ability to learn new software

  • Outgoing and enjoy teaching others

  • Proficient with social media platforms 

  • Experience in birding, and desire to help protect listed species

  • Ability to interact professionally with diverse individuals

  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions (wind, sand, heat, cold) and lift up to 50 pounds

  • Self-motivated, resourceful, able to follow directions and a quick learner

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Desired Skills

  • Familiarity with ESRI data field maps and Survey123

  • Ability to speak Spanish

  • Video creation for social media

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Time Commitment

  • 15-20 hours/week conducting field and remote tasks:

    • 1) Intermittent Field Time: 2-3 hours   

    • 2) Saturday and Sunday outreach field time 3-6 hours/day and 

    • 3) Remote tasks: ~4-5  hours per week; computer data entry, social media posting and occasional meeting attendance via Zoom with mentors and team members

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