Sea Otter Tracking Internship Opportunity

Organization:  U.S. Geological Survey & UC Santa Cruz

Location:  San Luis Obispo County, CA, United States

We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist research staff with field observations and data collection of wild sea otters in San Luis Obispo County, California.

Specific duties include: visiting locations throughout the study area by vehicle in order to record data on location, behavior, and reproductive status of tagged study animals.  Otters will be located using VHF radio telemetry, and identified using binoculars and high powered spotting telescopes.  Re-sights for every study animal will be obtained each day, weather permitting.

We are looking for well qualified applicants to work as full time interns.  This requires a commitment to a full time schedule (5 days/wk) for a minimum period of 3 consecutive months.  Internships are unpaid, but provide an opportunity to learn advanced tracking techniques using radio telemetry, while also gaining valuable experience in collecting a variety of geo-spatial and behavioral data.  Our field station is in Cambria, CA, and lodging requirements can be arrange if needed.

Prerequisites:  Knowledge and/or experience such as attained through upper division coursework towards a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science) or work as a qualified biological technician

 Requirements:

 1. Working knowledge of field equipment including binoculars, compass, high-powered spotting scopes, and GPS

2. Experience with field data collection and data entry 

3. Strong attention to detail  and ability to work well independently and as part of a team

4. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills 

5. Ability to conduct strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions

6. Interns must posses a valid driver’s license

7. Interns and volunteers must have their own car and be willing to use it to travel to/from the field site.

8. As communication is essential while working in the field, interns must possess a cell phone

9.      Minimum 3 month commitment of approximately 40 hrs/wk.

For more information and to apply, please email: jtomoleoni@usgs.gov and provide a current resume/c.v. and cover letter.