Snowy Plover Intern

The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) is seeking one intern to assist with Western Snowy Plover field studies. Western Snowy Plovers are federally threatened shorebirds, and in the South San Francisco Bay, they nest primarily in salt panne provided by dry former salt production ponds. The internship will run from March 28 through August 31, 2022 and will be based out of Milpitas, CA. The intern will be expected to work two days per week for eight hours per day while their university is in session and at least three days per week for 8 hours per day during the summer months. Based upon project needs, up to five days per week may be required in the summer. The intern will receive training and mentorship from SFBBO staff and will develop their skills in plover survey and nest-monitoring techniques, data management and bird identification. 

As part of the internship, you will survey plover nesting areas using a spotting scope and binoculars, re-sight color band combinations, and conduct avian predator surveys. This work will allow you to gain the experience needed to be added to SFBBO’s 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit for Snowy Plovers. In addition to field work, you will enter, proof, and manage data collected.

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate/graduate student (or recently graduated) pursuing a degree in wildlife biology, environmental science or related field
• Basic bird identification skills
• Strong work ethic, organizational skills and attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record and a reliable personal vehicle
• Good physical condition and enthusiasm for long days in the field, often starting at sunrise
• Willingness to tolerate harsh field conditions (cold mornings, warm afternoons, mud, sun, dust)
• Patience for sighting cryptically-colored birds at great distance using binoculars/spotting scopes
• Ability to launch and safely operate a kayak
• Ability to navigate using maps on smart phone application
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced bird identification skills
• Off-road driving experience (SFBBO vehicle provided for off-road driving on levees)
• First aid certification
• Solid computer skills, including working knowledge of MS Office Suite

Compensation: The intern will be paid at an hourly rate of $15.65. This internship does not guarantee employment afterwards, and housing is not provided. An SFBBO vehicle, or reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle, will be available for pre-approved, internship-related travel during work hours. SFBBO will supply all survey equipment, including a pair of binoculars, spotting scope, tripod, and window mount.

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume with three references (names, email addresses and phone numbers) to Program Director Ben Pearl at bpearl@sfbbo.org.

In your cover letter, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc.). We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. SFBBO is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. Research has shown that women and people from marginalized communities apply to roles when they meet 100% of the job requirements, versus male applicants who apply if they meet an average of 60% of the requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply so we can determine whether it’s a good fit.

Please include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and state your last name in the file name. The deadline for applications is February 28.  For more information about SFBBO, please visit www.sfbbo.org.