Ten week internships coincided with the UCSC Fall Quarter from 09/26 to 12/6/2024. Internships are volunteer positions, and 2 unit course credit may be offered to UCSC Students through the ENVS Internship Program. CSU Monterey Bay and community College students are all encouraged to apply as well.
Read the following descriptions and fill out the form below to apply!
Rare Plant Restoration and Stewardship Internship
Location: Marina, CA and UCSC Campus in Santa Cruz, Ca
Must be available on at least one of the following days for the entire Fall quarter:
Wednesdays 8am-3pm 10/2- 12/4/2024
Thursdays 10am-5pm 9/26 – 12/5/2024
Fridays 8am-3pm 9/27 – 12/6/2024
During the first 5 weeks interns will help with seed collecting, site preparation, and general land stewardship on UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve in Marina, CA. Carpool in reserve vehicle leaves and returns from UCSC Coastal Biology Campus. Restoration interns will then spend the last half of the Fall quarter on UCSC Main Campus, working in greenhouses to transplant seedlings of endangered Sand Gilia (Gilia tenuiflora, ssp. arenaria). Interns may also learn the process of managing vegetation along trails, using various equipment, reserve vehicles, and tools. Interns will help with reserve cleanups (illegal campsites), general maintenance, and potential light construction duties. Interns may also help with maintenance of long term research sites and equipment such at pitfall arrays, fog collectors, etc..
This is a great introduction to habitat restoration, Fort Ord natural history, and the UC Natural Reserves in general. Experience is nice, but not required. Applicants should be prepared to pay attention to detail, be accountable for their work, and help achieve group goals in a fun and relaxing outdoor and greenhouse atmosphere!
Rideshare in a reserve vehicle is included for the restoration related work in Marina, CA. Carpool leaves Santa Cruz from the UCSC Coastal Biology Campus every morning, and returns there in the afternoon. During greenhouse work in the second part of the internship, work will take place in UCSC Greenhouses on Science Hill/Central Campus in Santa Cruz and you will be responsible for your own transportation there.
Research Support and Land Stewardship
Location: UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve, Marina, CA
Must be available on Wednesdays 8am-3pm 10/2- 12/4/2024
Interns will work to support rare plant ecology research through plant measurements, use of GPS, GIS, and field measurement tools. Interns will learn the process of managing vegetation along trails, using various equipment, reserve vehicles, and tools. Interns will help with reserve cleanups (illegal campsites), general maintenance, and potential light construction duties. Interns may also help with maintenance of long term research sites and equipment such at pitfall arrays, fog collectors, etc..
Reserve staff will highlight safety and good stewardship practices. Work is physically demanding and dirty; with potential contact with poison oak, insects, and wildlife (rattlesnakes).
This is a good opportunity to learn about the reserve and explore the area while completing important work that benefits reserve visitors and researchers.
Additional independent opportunities – Let us know about your independent project ideas! In the form below, list which of these you are interested in, why you are uniquely qualified, and we will contact you individually about potential selection and scheduling.
UCSC Interns may enroll for 2 units credit through the ENVS Internship Office.
Due to the nature of the work and commuting logistics, we generally need an intern to have a whole day available. Shifts are 6 hours long, not including commute time. A reserve carpool vehicle is available for commuting from UCSC Coastal Biology Campus to UCSC FONR.
Interested undergraduates may complete the following form to apply:
https://forms.gle/5ZGa2dZfLfGDVUJG7
Please be descriptive in your responses! Availability and previous experience determine selection. The internships require transportation to UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve in Marina, Ca. which is about 45 minutes – 1 hour drive from UCSC Campus. All UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve internships require teamwork and communication. There is potential for exposure to poison oak, snakes, weather, and insects. Drivers License is preferred for these positions. Team members may use a reserve carpool vehicle to commute from UCSC Coastal Biology Campus to UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve in Marina, CA.
Contact Director Joe Miller with any questions at joemiller@ucsc.edu.