Portions of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area have been impacted by past or present human activities resulting in effects such as invasion of exotic plant species, disruption of hydrology, and disruption of soil communities.  These impacts reduce the quality of affected habitats, affect visitor experiences in the park, and generally degrade the quality of park resources.  In an effort to reduce these impacts and improve resource quality in the Santa Monica Mountains, the park has instituted a strong program of ecological restoration within the Recreation Area.  Projects include exotic plant abatement, development and maintenance of a native plant nursery, threatened and endangered species management and site-specific re-vegetation and restoration projects.  The restoration ecology intern will assist in all aspects of this program including leading volunteer groups in the field, working at the native plant nursery, performing weed removal, and native plant propagation and planting.  In addition, there may be opportunities for planning, database or educational components dependent on time and particular interest of the intern.)

Major Duties:

• Assisting in the preparation and execution of volunteer restoration days
• Assisting in exotic species removal projects
• Preparation, maintenance, and monitoring of restoration projects
• Assisting in nursery work
• Collection of native plant stock
• May have opportunity for development of individual project dependent on time and particular interest of the intern.
  
  

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

• College student or recent graduate with a background in biology, botany or ecology or related field.
• Interest in restoration ecology and willingness to work in the field is required.
• Ability to identify plants of the Santa Monica Mountains is helpful.
• Familiarity with basic plant propagation, tool use and greenhouse techniques are helpful.
• 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 strenuous work in the field, including digging, carrying, and watering.  Interns must be in good physical condition.
• Commitment of 12 weeks, full time, is preferred although part-time arrangements may be made.
• Interns may work both weekdays and weekends.  Specific schedule will be determined based upon availability and project needs.

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