Starr Ranch Field Assistant
About The Position
Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary is a 4,000-acre nature preserve in Orange County that protects oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and other important habitats for birds and wildlife. The Senior Field Assistant will support Starr Ranch’s invasive species control and habitat restoration work, spending part of their time working independently to remove invasive plants and part of their time as part of a restoration crew. The position includes hands-on, non-chemical invasive species control, native seed collection and planting, and habitat monitoring, with an opportunity to live on the Sanctuary. This is a research-based project to control various invasive species without chemicals and restore to rare native habitat.
Requirements
- Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
- Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
- Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resources, conservation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Six months of experience conducting outdoor fieldwork
- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including hiking several miles per day, working on uneven terrain, lifting up to 40–50 pounds, kneeling, bending, and using hand tools.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect and record data.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record (if driving is required).
- Shared housing is provided on-site. Willingness to live in shared housing on-site
- Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Word.
Responsibilities
- Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
- Responsible for mechanical and physical removal of invasive species and all aspects of invasive species control and restoration including non-chemical control of other invasive species
- Responsible for restoration activities including soil preparation, native seed collection and planting
- Responsible for experimental tests of weed removal and restoration techniques, and quantitative monitoring.
- Conduct field work in steep, rugged terrain under varying weather conditions, including high temperatures and exposure to sun, insects, poison oak, and wildlife.
- Operate and maintain hand tools and restoration equipment safely.
- Assist with native seed processing, storage, and nursery activities as needed.
- Maintain field equipment, vehicles, and supplies.
- Participate in team meetings, training, and safety briefings.
- Assist with volunteer or visitor engagement when appropriate.
- Perform other conservation, research, and land stewardship duties as assigned.
- Occasional weekend work may be required.
- Create social media posts and videos demonstrating conservation activities and climate resiliency.
- Lead 2-3 outdoor community events and projects
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
