Ecological and Environmental Internship Program

www.cachecreekconservancy.org [email protected] 530.661.1070 Ecological and Environmental Internship Program Ecological and Environmental Internship The Ecological and Environmental Interns will assist Cache Creek Conservancy staff with habitat restoration for native wildlife and plants within the nature preserve and other sites along the lower Cache Creek watershed. The Internship program is made up of three distinct special project teams which applicants select participation in during the application process. Project teams are listed on page two of this document. This internship is unpaid; however, credit units may be available with the support of a faculty sponsor from your major department. About Cache Creek Conservancy The Cache Creek Conservancy is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1996 and dedicated to restoration, preservation, and education of the Cache Creek watershed. The focus of the Conservancy’s work has been riparian restoration along a fourteen mile stretch of the Lower Cache Creek as mentioned in the Yolo County’s Cache Creek Resources Management Plan. The Conservancy operates from and manages the Jan T. Lowrey Cache Creek Nature Preserve. Required Time Commitment ● The summer 2023 internship term is from July 9th to September 7th. We can also accommodate individual schedules on a case-by-case basis. ● 3 to 10 hours a week; weekends can be accommodated. ● One quarter/semester with choice to continue for additional quarters/semesters. * If you are graduating or have graduated you may still apply. Skills developed with successful completion ● Floral and/or faunal species identification ● Biological monitoring methods ● Information management ● Biological data analysis ● Proficiency in data entry and analysis techniques and software, including ArcGIS ● Application of ecological theories to restoration design ● Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team of peers ● Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions www.cachecreekconservancy.org [email protected] 530.661.1070 Application Requirements Email your resume and a cover letter explaining why you would like to intern at the Cache Creek Conservancy and how the project team you are choosing to participate in will provide the experience that fits with your educational and/or career goals. Please write “Cache Creek Internship Application” in the subject line of your email. Applications must be submitted by June 18, 2023. The project teams and their responsibilities are as follows: ● Bird Nest Box Monitoring and Bird Habitat Enhancement Team ○ Monitor nest boxes for songbirds, wood ducks, flickers, kestrels and owls per appropriate breeding seasons ○ Learn and utilize bird survey techniques to track and log data and develop reporting systems on avian abundance and diversity ○ Build, maintain, and install nest boxes as necessary ○ Monitor bird habitats and create recommendations for habitat enhancement ● Ecological Horticulture Team ○ Collect seeds from seed garden and other areas of the preserve ○ Maintaining seed inventory and nursery inventories ○ Propagating species as needed ○ Maintaining nursery tools and supplies ○ Keeping areas within the urban habitat boundary weeded, irrigated and pruned as necessary ○ Maintain plant lists and GIS mapping of botanical garden areas ○ Conduct vegetation surveys of habitat areas in the Cache Creek Watershed ● Wildlife Monitoring Team ○ Manage game camera program ○ Track and log game camera and other wildlife data ○ Game camera data analysis ○ Maintain GIS maps associated with game camera program ○ Field wildlife monitoring and surveying as needed ○ Create seasonal habitat enhancement recommendations