Eco Team Summer Intern
About The Position
The EcoTeam Summer Internship is designed to provide hands-on, interdisciplinary training in applied ecology and restoration science. Interns will contribute directly to active research and conservation projects while building foundational field and laboratory skills. This temporary position is being offered at 20 hours per week, for 8-10 weeks, between June and September 2026 and reports to the EcoTeam Principal Investigators. Fieldwork may occur at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Elings Park, and other regional restoration sites. Some weekend participation may be required depending on project needs.
Requirements
- Work independently and collaboratively in field and lab settings
- Follow instructions and complete tasks with attention to detail
- Perform physically demanding outdoor work, including: Stand, walk, dig, and haul materials for extended periods, Lift and carry up to 40 pounds, Work in variable outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, sun, insects, poison oak exposure)
- Sit for extended periods (up to ~2 hours) using microscopes or computers
- Communicate effectively with staff, interns, and collaborators
- Strong curiosity about ecology, conservation, and restoration science
- Reliability, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic
- Good manual dexterity and visual acuity for handling small specimens
- A reliable means of transportation to the Garden and nearby field sites
- Enthusiasm for the mission of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Nice To Haves
- Coursework or experience in ecology, biology, environmental science, or related fields
- Familiarity with California native plants, insects, or restoration practices
- Experience with lab work, microscopy, or field sampling
- Interest in science communication or outreach
- A good sense of humor and a strong stomach for field conditions
Responsibilities
- Assist with fire ecology experiments, including sample dissection and plant trait measurement (e.g., fuel moisture, mass, leaf area, stem traits, water potential)
- Contribute to the development of plant flammability tools, including literature review and species data entry
- Sort invertebrate samples from soil and plant litter preserved in ethanol
- Identify insects and other invertebrates to order level (e.g., beetles, flies, ants, wasps)
- Photograph specimens using microscopy and focus stacking techniques
- Enter ecological data and help maintain research datasets
- Support science communication efforts, including educational and outreach content for EcoTeam projects
- Potential GIS or spatial data support, depending on project needs
- Participate in habitat restoration, including native plant installation and maintenance
- Remove invasive species using hand tools, sheet mulching, tarping, and related methods
- Assist with pollinator and invertebrate sampling in restoration sites
- Conduct plant monitoring, including survival, growth, and diversity assessments
- Support Elings Park and other site-based ecology projects (e.g., vegetation surveys, maintenance, and restoration support)
- Assist with seasonal field events such as bloom counts and seed monitoring
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
