Wildlife Conservation Intern

Position Overview and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Nutria Eradication Operations Supervisor, the selected candidate will assist in the Department's initiative aimed at controlling the Nutria population. Nutria are known for their invasive nature and significant negative impact on ecosystems, primarily being active at night and often difficult to detect in sparse populations. This role is physically demanding yet offers the rewarding experience of contributing to the preservation of California's wetlands, waterways, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. As part of a collaborative team, the intern will engage in activities to identify, locate, and capture nutria, with the overarching objective of eliminating this species from the state. Responsibilities include:

Support the Nutria Eradication Program team in assessing appropriate aquatic environments (such as wetlands, ponds, river backwaters, and sloughs) to evaluate habitat viability, ascertain access requirements, identify signs of nutria presence, and map the current spread of the nutria infestation. Survey techniques will incorporate various detection methods, including visual inspections, camera monitoring, artificial and wooden platforms, hair snares, attractants, baits, lures, and analysis of aerial imagery for habitat classification. Utilize project-specific [GIS-based] mobile applications to track and manage project resources; accurately identify wetland flora; effectively recognize potential nutria signs; analyze camera footage; distinguish nutria from other aquatic species; and, using microscopes, classify hair samples to species. Follow established project protocols and spatial assignments to efficiently cover designated management units.

Adhere to project guidelines for creating, reviewing, and updating project data, primarily through the use of a Department-issued smartphone and/or tablet. Data management will include, but is not limited to, spatial, quantitative, and qualitative information regarding trap, camera, platform, and observation sites, as well as trap and camera inspections, habitat classifications, confirmed sightings, and necropsy results.

Assist the Nutria Eradication Program team with trapping efforts in affected regions, which involves setting various types of traps, humanely euthanizing nutria, and conducting necropsies on captured animals. This includes managing trapping assignments within grid cells; understanding and adhering to protocols in adjacent cells; collecting data on the effectiveness of attractants, baits, and lures; transporting equipment, carcasses, and live specimens; accurately recording and entering necropsy data; and collecting, labeling, and organizing biological samples. Maintain, clean, and organize project equipment; prepare lures and scent-based attractants for use in surveys and trapping activities.

Working Environment

Candidates must be capable of swimming, traversing through deep mud and dense vegetation, and working on steep or uneven terrain under extreme weather conditions. Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends, is essential, as is the ability to lift up to 40 pounds and operate a State-owned vehicle. Competence in using pellet pistols or firearms in accordance with Department policy for non-enforcement personnel is required. A valid Driver's License is necessary, along with the ability to safely operate watercraft and utility vehicles, as well as tow trailers. Overnight travel may be necessary. The position is limited to 1,500 hours annually (approximately three-quarters of full-time). Manual labor and cleaning tasks will be part of the role, along with data entry responsibilities. Activities such as boating, kayaking, and wearing waders in aquatic environments are integral to the job. The primary focus of this position will be in various counties, but assignments may extend to any area affected by nutria infestation.

Special Qualifications

Candidates should be comfortable engaging with the public and collaborating with diverse individuals in a dynamic work setting. The ability to concentrate on lengthy tasks such as data entry is important, as is the willingness to handle dirt, mud, deceased animals, and biological materials, along with the necessary steps for proper equipment maintenance. A readiness to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays, and to travel for fieldwork throughout the state is essential. A commitment to routine tasks for learning purposes, along with a genuine interest and aptitude for the work, is expected. Willingness to wear a uniform is also required.