Ecological & Environmental Internship Program
2023 Fall Internship Program is Now OPEN for Applications.
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 –September 14, 2023
- Acceptances sent – September 18, 2023
- Internship begins – October 1, 2023
- Internship ends – December 14, 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 explaining why you would like to intern at the Cache Creek Conservancy and how the project team you are choosing to participate in will provide the experience that fits with your educational and/or career goals.
Email your completed application to [email protected]. Please write “Cache Creek Internship Application” in the subject line of your email. Applications must be submitted by September 14th, 2023.