Wildlife Management Intern

The wildlife internship on the Stanislaus National Forest provides an opportunity to learn about how the Forest Service operates and manages multiple resources and uses.  The main role of the intern is to conduct surveys to determine occupancy of two sensitive species, the California spotted owl and the northern goshawk.  We survey for these species to determine if areas are occupied so that we can protect them.  Both species are large raptors associated with old forest habitat, and so are sensitive to logging and other vegetation management.  We also monitor a bald eagle nest on a lake, survey for the host plants of rare insects, conduct surveys for great grey owls, construct and maintain fences around meadows and other sensitive resources, and assist other departments in various tasks.  We provide training in survey techniques, Forest Service radios, driving backcountry roads, using map and compass and GPS, and simply observing and documenting wildlife, the most valuable skills in field work.  The work involves working all hours of the day and night and is led by an experienced crew leader, with opportunities to work independently at times.  The internship also provides opportunities to learn about western forest ecology and identification of wildlife and plants.  The landscape and work is similar to that found throughout the western forests, so experience gained here can be applied in many other areas.