Southern California is one of five places in the world that supports Mediterranean Plant Communities. Many of the plants found in this area are unique, yet they are threatened by habitat destruction from urban encroachment and exotic species. The intern will participate in studies that will help scientists understand the changes in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area plant community.

Major Duties:

• Surveying Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Simi Hills for rare threatened and endangered species.
• Surveying Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for invasive exotic plants.
• Collecting plot based vegetation and habitat data.

Knowledge Required (in addition to the General Background requirements for all interns):

•    Familiarity with Santa Monica Mountains native plant vegetation is helpful.
•    Ability to identify plants to species using a key.
•    Familiarity with vegetation mapping and sampling techniques is desired.
•    Ability to learn to navigate using map, compass and geographic positioning equipment.
•    Basic knowledge of the MS Access relational database and the ArcView GIS system.
•    College student or recent graduate with a background in biology, botany or ecology.
•    Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, be detail-oriented and organized.
•    Good oral and written communication skills and ability to follow oral and written directions.
•    Valid driver's license is required.
•    Must have own transportation to and from worksite. Government vehicles are available for intern use within the scope of their internship.

Work Site and Conditions

• Position involves substantial amounts of walking in rough terrain such as dense chaparral or streams.
• Commitment of 12 weeks, full time, is preferred.
• Intern will work weekdays. Specific schedules will be determined based upon availability, field work coordinator schedules and project needs.

Application Instructions

To apply send letter of application with availability, resume, three references and unofficial transcript by e-mail to Sheila_braden@nps.gov or regular mail to Sheila Braden, National Park Service, 401 West Hillcrest, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, or fax (805) 370 1851 to her attention.
For additional information contact: sheila_braden@nps.gov