Ecological & Environmental Internship Program

The Cache Creek Conservancy offers internships to college and university students or recent graduates. Our internship programs usually follow the seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

Ecological and Environmental Interns assist Conservancy staff with habitat restoration for native wildlife and plants within the nature preserve and other sites along the lower Cache Creek watershed.

The internship program has three distinct special project teams. Applicants are encouraged to select a project team in their application. Project teams are listed below.

The internship is unpaid; however, credit units may be available with the support of a faculty sponsor from your major department.

Important Dates:

• Applications open – Now
• Applications close – March 19, 2023
• Acceptance letters – March 21, 2023
• Shift schedules set – March 29, 2023
• Internship begins – April 2, 2023

Skills Developed with Successful Completion

• Floral and/or faunal species identification
• Biological monitoring methods
• Information management
• Biological data analysis
• Proficiency in data entry and analysis techniques and software
• Proficiency in ArcGIS
• Application of ecological theories to restoration design
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team of peers
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Project Teams

Bird Nest Box Monitoring and Bird Habitat Enhancement Team

• Monitor nest boxes for songbirds, wood ducks, flickers, kestrels and owls per appropriate breeding seasons
• Teach and utilize bird survey techniques to track and log data and develop reporting systems on avian abundance and diversity
• Build, maintain, and install nest boxes as necessary
• Monitor bird habitats and create recommendations for habitat enhancement

Ecological Horticulture Team

• Collect seeds from seed garden and other areas of the preserve
• Maintaining seed inventory and nursery inventories
• Propagating species as needed
• Maintaining nursery tools and supplies
• Keeping areas within the urban habitat boundary weeded, irrigated and pruned as necessary
• Maintain plant lists and GIS mapping of botanical garden areas
• Conduct vegetation surveys of habitat areas in the Cache Creek watershed

Wildlife Monitoring Team

• Manage game camera program
• Track and log game camera and other wildlife data
• Game camera data analysis
• Maintain GIS maps associated with game camera program
• Field wildlife monitoring and surveying as needed
• Create seasonal habitat enhancement recommendations

Required Time Commitment

Interns will need to commit to 3 to 10 hours a week; weekends can be accommodated. (Minimum 30 hours per term)

The commitment is for one quarter/semester with the choice to continue for additional quarters/semesters. If you are graduating or have graduated, you may still apply.

How to Apply

Email your resume and a cover letter to [email protected] In your cover letter, explain why you would like to intern at the Cache Creek Conservancy and which Project Team you want. Describe how the Project Team you are choosing will provide the experience that fits with your educational and/or career goals.

Please write “Cache Creek Internship Application” in the subject line of your email. The Application period for Spring 2023 program is over. Please check back for the Fall 2023 program. The Spring term internship start date for 2023 is April 2nd.