The National Park Service at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is accepting applications for one Mule Deer and Carnivore Ecology Intern to assist in field research on mule deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, CA. The project investigates the effects of habitat fragmentation, development, human recreation, and wildfire on mule deer and carnivores in this system.
Primary responsibilities are field-based and include setting and maintaining remote cameras; setting, maintaining, and baiting clover traps and box traps; searching for deer (glassing with binoculars); assisting biologists with deer and bobcat captures and deploying GPS collars; and performing VHF telemetry. Interns are expected to work closely in a small team, start early in the morning, and spend long days hiking off-trail in rugged and hot conditions. Potential hazards include poison oak, rattlesnakes, ticks, extreme heat, and others. The ideal intern is enthusiastic about field work and is able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Application Deadline: 04/29/2024
Starting Date: between 5/20/2024 and 6/13/2024
Ending Date: between 11/20/2024 and 12/12/2024
Location: Thousand Oaks, California
Major Duties (You will increase skills in, or learn to):
- Assist wildlife biologists with capturing mule deer via clover traps and free-darting.
- Assist capturing bobcats and foxes using box traps.
- Bait mule deer capture sites.
- Set and maintain traps.
- Set and maintain remote cameras.
- Scout for deer and carnivore sign
- Conduct ground-based radio telemetry (including triangulation) on mule deer, coyotes, gray foxes, and bobcats.
- Manage data collected from remote cameras. Identify, tag, and enter remote camera photos in database.
- May assist with mortality investigations.
- May also assist with some of the park’s other wildlife studies including other carnivore projects, roadway projects, stream surveys for amphibians and pitfall trapping for terrestrial herps.
Compensation
- A stipend of $40 per workday is available, paid through an NPS partner organization.
- Intern will be paid monthly.
- Full-time interns are eligible for shared housing.
Qualifications
- Must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Completed or in-progress college degree.
- Educational interest and experience in wildlife ecology or management, biology, ecology, environmental studies, or related field.
- Must have previous field experience.
- Previous wildlife experience is desirable including experience with ungulates, wildlife captures, radio telemetry, navigating off-trail with a GPS, and mortality investigations.
- Comfortable working in rough terrain and hiking 5-10 miles per day while carrying 40+ pounds. Conditions are off-trail, dense vegetation, and very hot (90+ F).
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a small team, be detail-oriented and organized, and follow safe working practices.
- Good communication skills and ability to follow oral or written directions.
- Valid driver's license is required, previous off-road/4x4 driving experience is preferred.
- Must have own transportation to and from worksite. Government vehicles are available for intern use within the scope of the internship.
- Background check and/or fingerprint check may be required.
Work Site and Conditions:
- Substantial amounts of hiking alone in rough terrain, such as dense chaparral, abundant poison oak, rocky streams, and steep mountains.
- Hiking and carrying heavy equipment in very hot conditions (90+ F)
- Minimum commitment of 6 months, full-time (40 hours/week). Internship is projected to start May 22nd, 2023, but may start slightly earlier/later. Work schedule may include weekdays, weekends, nights, and holidays.
How to apply:
Submit the following documents to Jeff Brown at jeffrey_brown@nps.gov.
(PLEASE SUBMIT DOCUMENTS AS A SINGLE PDF)
- Letter of intent, that includes previous experience as relates to the position, how the position will benefit your career, the dates you are available, your understanding that this internship is unpaid except for the stipend, and that you have your own vehicle for transportation to and from the work site.
- Resume (up to 2 pages)
- College transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
- Three reference contacts (Include email and phone)
- Please include “mule deer ecology internship application” in the email subject line
Application Deadline: 04/29/2024
For additional questions contact Jeff Brown at jeffrey_brown@nps.gov .
