• The Point Reyes Beach as viewed from the Point Reyes Headlands

    Point Reyes

    National Seashore California

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  • Operational Changes Took Effect on May 1

    The Lighthouse Visitor Center is now only open Fridays through Mondays. The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center will be closed through late December 2013. More »

  • 2013 Harbor Seal Pupping Season Closures

    From March 1 through June 30, the park implements closures of certain Tomales Bay beaches and Drakes Estero to water-based recreation to protect harbor seals during the pupping season. Please avoid disturbing seals to ensure a successful pupping season. More »

Volunteer: Internships: Snowy Plover

Overview
To provide data that will help evaluate the success of snowy plover management methods and contribute to the long-term survival of this threatened species.

Duties
• Conduct bi-weekly population surveys across all historic nesting sites using binoculars
• Monitor active plover nests 2-4 times per week
• Assist biologist in constructing, maintaining, and deconstructing nest exclosures and symbolic fencing
• Use a hand-held GPS unit and/or clip board in the field to record data following the guidelines outlined in the "Point Reyes National Seashore Snowy Plover Monitoring Plan"

The intern should have previous experience monitoring wildlife; ability to walk up to 10 miles on the beach in windy, cold, and/or wet conditions; and ability to carry up to 20 lbs. in a backpack for up to 10 miles on the beach.

The intern must complete the “Valid DL Self-Certification Statement.” The intern must complete the “California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System Statement Form” regarding access to confidential information. The intern is required to provide hiking boots, field clothing appropriate for windy, wet, and cold conditions.

Schedule and Time Commitment
Internship is scheduled approximately from March 8, 2010 to June 1, 2010. Intern is expected to work 40 hours/week.

Training
The intern will be provided with training in snowy plover identification, snowy plover monitoring protocols, radio protocols, data collection protocols, and basic functions of the GPS unit.

Benefits to the Intern
The intern gains experience monitoring and protecting a threatened species, studying snowy plover natural history, satisfaction in contributing to the long-term survival of the threatened snowy plover, and experience working in a national park setting. Position includes a $20/day meal allowance.

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 18.

Accommodations
Shared housing is available.

Application and Contact Information
Please send a cover letter and resume by 5 pm, Friday, January 29 via email to Lacey Hughey email and Natalie Gates email. For more information, contact Lacey Hughey at 415-464-5910 or Natalie Gates at 415-464-5189.

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Did You Know?

Harbor Seal Pup, © Sue Van Der Wal

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are present in the waters of Point Reyes year round. Every spring, approximately 7,000 harbor seals, or 20% of the mainland California breeding population, haul out on the beaches of Point Reyes. Look for them in the esteros and in Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon. More...