Natural Resources Intern

About the Position: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) is seeking three interns in the Natural Resources Department. Under the guidance of our professional biological staff, these subject-matter focused internships will provide training in a broad range of common natural resource management techniques and environmental analyses.  Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months).  The expected start date for these positions is April 2025.

Wildlife Intern

• The responsibilities of the intern will include surveying for and identifying wildlife species in the field, managing wildlife camera data, monitoring structures that support wildlife activity, GIS mapping, providing biological monitoring and species awareness training for consultants and contractors, assisting with research and consultant work, collecting and organizing data on spreadsheets and in databases, and drafting a guide to special status pollinators. Requires the ability to identify common California wildlife as well as skills in writing scientific reports and data management. Experience with independent fieldwork in remote areas and identification of common wildlife species is preferred. Bilingual and public engagement skills, and experience with wildlife camera equipment are a plus.

Water Resources Intern

• The responsibilities of the intern will focus on a single, long-term aquatic habitat monitoring project. Additional smaller projects may be assigned in other natural resource subject areas. Responsibilities will include organizing field work, collecting, managing, and analyzing field data, GIS mapping, water quality monitoring, research and preparing summaries, and maintaining field equipment Requires an understanding of the ecological principles of wetlands, ponds, or streams, strong written communication skills, and the ability to collect, organize, and interpret data. Experience with data analysis in Microsoft Excel is desirable. Experience with independent field work in remote areas and environmental surveys is preferred.

Rangeland Intern

• The responsibilities of the intern include assisting with basic rangeland monitoring and resource inventory, identifying and collecting plants in the field following plant survey/collection protocols, GIS mapping, researching and preparing written summaries of local species, and collecting and organizing data in spreadsheets and databases. Requires education or training in identifying plants (and common wildlife) of California as well as the skill of interpreting scientific reports and writing summaries. Bilingual and public engagement, experience with ArcGIS software and mapping natural resources with GPS equipment are a plus.

About Midpen: Midpen helps plants, animals and people thrive throughout the greater Santa Cruz Mountains region by preserving a greenbelt of more than 70,000 acres of public open space with 250 miles of trails in 27 extraordinary preserves, permanently protected for natural resource conservation and ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen is a public agency with a focused mission that guides our work, and where every employee makes an impact. If you are looking for an outstanding opportunity to contribute to the legacy of open space protection, natural resource restoration and outdoor recreation, working with an incredible team of like-minded colleagues, we invite you to apply for this position! For more information please visit our Intern Program Brochure and check out the Working for Midpen video on our Employment Opportunities page.

Basic Requirements: Current enrollment in a post-secondary education (e.g., associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree) program in a relevant field or a recent graduate. Internships are open to applications from current students or recent graduates (within the last 12 months). Successful candidates will have a background in biology, ecology, environmental studies or another related field; and some experience with field survey techniques. Experience with ArcGIS software and mapping natural resources with GPS equipment are a plus. Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required.

Working Conditions/Schedule: This position will be divided between remote office work, on-site office work and field visits to survey, map, and collect field data. This position will operate in the Natural Resources Department at Midpen offices in Los Altos, California. Fieldwork is conducted in rural or mountainous Midpen open space areas, which may involve working alone in wildland areas and traversing rough, difficult terrain sometimes with poison oak, ticks and dense vegetation. Work may take place during inclement weather conditions. The selected individual will be required to work a minimum of three days on-site per week, and work may vary between field and office work. This is a temporary position working 20 – 40 hours per week, which will extend up to a total of 950 hours over a 6-9 month period (school schedules can be accommodated). This is a non-benefited position.

Virtual Interviews are planned for the following dates: (Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual schedules.)

• Three separate interviews (one for each focus area) are scheduled to be held the week of February 24th.

At Midpen, we believe open space is for all. Our public lands are shared spaces provided for the community by the community. All people, regardless of background, deserve respect, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging. Midpen welcomes all people to enjoy the public open space preserves we hold in trust, supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of our region.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department at 650-691-1200. 

 Put your passion for Open Space to work!