MPA Watch Internship with SB Channelkeeper

Organization: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper

Position: MPA Watch Program Intern (current UCSB undergraduates only)

Schedule: flexible, 20-25 hrs/month, September – June 2022 (summer optional)

Compensation: $13/hr plus mileage reimbursement

Start Date: As soon as possible

MPA Watch is a citizen science monitoring program that trains volunteers to observe and collect data about coastal and marine resource use inside and outside marine protected areas (MPAs). Volunteers use standardized protocols to collect relevant, scientifically rigorous, and broadly accessible data.
Data are used to inform the management, enforcement, and science of California’s marine protected areas, and allow us to track how the public uses coastal areas.

Primary Duties:
– Data entry (approximately 10 hours/month)
– Conducting weekly MPA Watch surveys at local beaches including Campus Point, Naples (10 miles from
campus), Gaviota State Beach (26 miles from campus)
– Providing assistance and training of volunteers during monitoring events
– Conducting additional monitoring activities as necessary
– Assisting with MPA Watch outreach

Additional tasks may include:
– Conducting occasional presentations for students
– Assisting with Channelkeeper outreach and fundraising events
– Assisting with other Channelkeeper events such as creek/beach cleanups

Requirements:
– Ability to work highly independently in the office and in the field
– Attention to detail and reliability
– Willingness/ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
– Ability to conduct fieldwork on beaches, which may include carrying equipment (up to 15 lbs), hiking up
to 2 miles over uneven, difficult terrain through sandy, wet, muddy, and overgrown areas.
– Willingness to conduct 10 hours per month of data entry work
– Ability to interact with and lead volunteers during training and monitoring events

Desirable Qualifications:
– Only available to current UCSB undergraduate students due to funding
– Analytical background in environmental science, biology or other related field (especially related to
marine science or water quality).
– Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
– Experience conducting environmental education
– Experience interacting with and leading groups
– Knowledge of environmental policy

Please submit cover letter and resume to Penny Owens at penny@sbck.org or 714 Bond Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.

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