Starr Ranch Field Assistant

National Audubon Society, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site shared housing

Living on sanctuary

Job summary

Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary offers a 6-month internship focusing on invasive species control, habitat restoration, and field monitoring. The role includes hands-on, non-chemical weed control, native seed work, and the opportunity to live on the sanctuary.

The position requires six months of outdoor fieldwork, physical stamina, and a valid driver's license. Shared housing is provided on-site, with a 40-hour work week and typical Monday–Friday schedule, starting Oct 2026 and ending Apr 2027.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resources, conservation, or related field.
• Six months of outdoor fieldwork experience.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including hiking long distances and lifting up to 40–50 pounds.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
• Mechanical and physical removal of invasive species and restoration activities.
• Soil preparation, native seed collection and planting.
• Conduct field monitoring and data collection.
• Assist with native seed processing and nursery activities.
• Lead or assist with community events and outreach as appropriate.

Skills

Teamwork

Data collection

Fieldwork

Physical stamina

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resources, conservation, or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary is a 4,000-acre nature preserve in Orange County that protects oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, grasslands, and other important habitats for birds and wildlife. The Senior Field Assistant will support Starr Ranch’s invasive species control and habitat restoration work, spending part of their time working independently to remove invasive plants and part of their time as part of a restoration crew. The position includes hands-on, non-chemical invasive species control, native seed collection and planting, and habitat monitoring, with an opportunity to live on the Sanctuary. This is a research-based project to control various invasive species without chemicals and restore to rare native habitat.

Internship Details

• Length of Internship: 6 months
• Hours per week: 40 hours per week
• Intern Schedule: Typical schedule is Monday to Friday, special programs might require some weekends
• Projected Start Date/End Date: October 2026 – April 2027
• This is an on-site position located at Audubon’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary.

Compensation: $23.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Responsible for mechanical and physical removal of invasive species and all aspects of invasive species control and restoration including non-chemical control of other invasive species
• Responsible for restoration activities including soil preparation, native seed collection and planting
• Responsible for experimental tests of weed removal and restoration techniques, and quantitative monitoring.
• Conduct field work in steep, rugged terrain under varying weather conditions, including high temperatures and exposure to sun, insects, poison oak, and wildlife.
• Operate and maintain hand tools and restoration equipment safely.
• Assist with native seed processing, storage, and nursery activities as needed.
• Maintain field equipment, vehicles, and supplies.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and safety briefings.
• Assist with volunteer or visitor engagement when appropriate.
• Perform other conservation, research, and land stewardship duties as assigned.
• Occasional weekend work may be required.
• Create social media posts and videos demonstrating conservation activities and climate resiliency.
• Lead 2-3 outdoor community events and projects

Qualifications and Experience

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resources, conservation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Six months of experience conducting outdoor fieldwork
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including hiking several miles per day, working on uneven terrain, lifting up to 40–50 pounds, kneeling, bending, and using hand tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect and record data.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record (if driving is required).
• Shared housing is provided on-site.
• Willingness to live in shared housing on-site
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Word.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.