Current Offerings

UC Santa Cruz Fort Ord Natural Reserve
Marina, Ca

 

Volunteer Internship Opportunities 

UCSC Spring Quarter

April 3 - June 9, 2023

Application Form Link: https://forms.gle/g3g7n4n5P4uZwcMa9

 

Ten Week internships start with the UCSC Spring Quarter on the week of 04/03/2023. These are volunteer positions that can be taken for credit (60 hours/2 units) through the UCSC ENVS Internship Office. The internships require transportation to UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve in Marina, Ca. which is about 45 minutes - 1 hour drive from UCSC Campus. Carpooling from UCSC Coastal Campus is available. 

 

We have limited positions available that will close when filled, apply asap! For Spring 2023, we are looking for volunteers to help with:

Plant Surveys - limited spots available on Wednesday 930-430, or Friday 8-3 

Large scale botanical survey work on UCSC FONR in Marina, CA. Applicants will work to catalog plant diversity at UCSC FONR, and help with yearly monitoring of rare plant restoration and reference areas. Some botanical identification skills are preferred. Friday shifts will also help with elementary school nature hikes on three days in the quarter. 

 

Herpetology Monitoring - Days TBD

Help FONR staff monitor coverboard and pitfall array network for herptile species, while learning identification and safe handling techniques. This position will involve lots of day long hiking around the reserve, data collection, and reptile handling on sandy reserve trails. Carpool from UCSC Coastal Science Campus to Marina may be available. 

 

Reserve Stewardship and Research Support - Days TBD

Learn job skills related to land stewardship and research support. Intern will work alongside staff on reserve cleanup, trail clearing, habitat management, light construction, research support, and other activities. This is a job shadowing position that helps teach about the type of work UCSC Reserve managers do. 

 

Small Mammal Trapping Workshop April 7-10
(This is a 4 day weekend workshop that takes place Friday April 7, 2pm - Monday April 10, 12pm.) 
Learn more about methods of biological monitoring of small mammal populations while assisting FONR staff in the setting and checking of sherman traps on the reserve. This is a four day immersive session where you will learn safe handling techniques, regulations, and more about local natural history. Camping on the reserve is available and encouraged! We have gear to borrow if you need it. We will meet mid afternoon on Friday, and finish the workshop about 12 pm on Monday. Sessions start very early ( 730 am) with lots of free time throughout the day to explore the reserve. 

 

In addition, let us know if you have ideas for independent projects. 

 

We also welcome applicants from CSUMB and community colleges, let us know your schedule and we will go from there! 

Interested undergraduates may complete the above form to apply. Please be descriptive in your responses! Availability and previous experience determine selection. The internships require transportation to UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve in Marina, Ca. which is about 45 minutes - 1 hour drive from UCSC Campus. All UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve internships require teamwork and communication. There is potential for exposure to poison oak, snakes, weather, and insects. We will be working on rugged off trail environments. 

To receive mailings about all of our opportunities, please sign up at this LINK!

Contact UCSC FONR Director Joe Miller at joemiller@ucsc.edu with any questions, hope to see you on the reserve! 

General Info

Activities and opportunities for undergraduate students take place year round at the reserve, with specific opportunities that change throughout the year based of reserve and staff needs. Activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Field Trip Facilitator/Reserve Docent
• GIS and Drone Mapping Internships
• Wildlife Camera Trapping Studies
• Small Mammal Population Monitoring
• Vegetation Surveys
• Ecological Restoration
• Land Stewardship
• K-12 Outdoor Education/Experiential learning projects
• We would also love to hear your ideas for a specific project!

Interested undergraduates may send an application in the form of an email stating which activities they are interested in, relevant coursework, internships, and a brief summary of your interest in the work. Please include a copy of your class schedule and availability. Availability and previous experience determine selection. The internships require transportation to UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve in Marina, Ca. which is about 45 minutes - 1 hour drive from UCSC Campus. All UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve internships require teamwork and communication. There is potential for exposure to poison oak, snakes, weather, and insects.

Additional Opportunities for independent research and thesis projects:

Below is a partial list of potential independent undergraduate research ideas at UCSC Fort Ord Natural Reserve. Students who work on research at UCSC FONR can be assisted by FONR staff and interns throughout their projects, if needed. Topics of interest include: Coast horned lizard populations, plant-animal interactions (rabbits, woodrats, etc), grasses, annual plants, shrubs, mosses, pollination, pre-dispersal seed predation, nitrogen fixation, stand and individual plant ageing, and ecological disturbances. If you are interested in any of these or similar, please contact Joe Miller joemiller@ucsc.edu for a more detailed list of potential projects and academic advisor options. Express which topics you may be interested. Include details about your current educational goals and any relevant experience you may have.