2026 Science Illustration Apprentice

Point Blue Conservation Science • Petaluma, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This science illustration apprenticeship focuses on bringing peer-reviewed scientific publications to life. The apprentice will be provided with a curated selection of key publications and facilitated access to staff authors and associated field sites. The overarching goal is to merge art and science to increase engagement in conservation concepts and actions. This role aims to provide an early-career scientific illustrator with meaningful knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences in conservation science. Learning goals include exploring how to represent ecological studies and conservation efforts through illustration, enhancing skills to engage target audiences in conservation science goals through inspiring illustration work, and practicing the process of creating and successfully completing a science illustration project in collaboration with a team of communications, science, and other conservation staff. The apprenticeship is 8 weeks long, from late June through late August 2026.

Requirements

• Early career science illustrator with 2 to 5 years of experience practicing science illustration.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a science/nature illustration program or consistent science illustration work.
• Strong interest in engaging people in conservation issues and solutions (e.g., climate change, pollution, energy use, nature-based solutions, habitat restoration).
• Ability to work in the U.S. (Point Blue is unable to offer visa sponsorship).
• Must have their own transportation to Petaluma Headquarters and field sites around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and/or desire to incorporate social justice into projects.
• Multilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Bring peer-reviewed scientific publications to life through illustration.
• Collaborate with staff authors and associated field sites.
• Represent ecological studies and conservation efforts through illustration.
• Engage target audiences in conservation science goals through illustration.
• Create and complete a science illustration project in collaboration with a team.
• Participate in orientation and devise a work plan with the supervisor.
• Conduct research and field immersion with program staff.
• Present project concepts to staff.
• Refine and review projects with staff.
• Prepare for and deliver a final presentation.
• Manage file delivery and management.
• Participate in an exit interview and other wrap-up tasks.

Benefits

• Paid $19.70 per hour.
• Reimbursement for transportation using a personal vehicle to field sites (within 20 miles of field sites) at the federal rate.
• Availability of binoculars and scope to borrow.
• Housing available at a shared field house in Petaluma ($65.59 per week or $131.18 bi-weekly, deducted from paychecks).
• Up to $600 available for art supplies and printing costs.
• Up to 40 hours of paid sick time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree