Conservation Internship Program
Plumas Audubon Society is proud to provide opportunities to students through our Intern Program. We invite high school and college students as well as recent graduates to participate in Plumas Audubon's summer field internship program. Interns have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field working with Audubon biologists on conservation projects in Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties in northern California. Working on these projects, students gain skills including navigating with a GPS, compass, and map; wildlife and behavioral observation skills; capture techniques; study design; data entry and mapping; communication skills; and much more. Interns receive a monthly stipend and camp near field sites for the season.
Contact us for more information on the Internship Program at [email protected].
Past Intern Experiences
"I don't know if there was a better way for me to spend my summer after graduating from college than working with the Plumas Audubon Society in the High Sierras of Northern California. Working on the Grebe and Bat Surveys, I was able to spend the beautiful clear days out kayaking on Grebe surveys or hiking out to set up sonar recording systems for the Bat Project. This opportunity allowed me to gain field experience, while offering me new and exciting challenges each day on the job. I met really wonderful, like-minded friends that summer that only added to a memorable and amazing experience I couldn't forget." -Shannon Shikles, 2016 Intern
"The internship experiences that Plumas Audubon offers are fantastic. The environment was warm and welcoming, and I really valued the emphasis on helping people learn something new to boost their resumes. I spent the summer with interesting people, in a beautiful setting, doing unique work... there just isn't anything quite like holding a Flammulated owl in your hand! I can honestly say that the experience I gained made my subsequent job search easier. Thanks, David! Thanks to our fearless crew leader, Josh! Thanks to everyone!" -Lissa Derugina, 2015 Intern
"My internship with Plumas Audubon Society was more rewarding than I ever could’ve imagined. I was constantly learning about plants and wildlife, but more importantly, about all aspects of biological fieldwork. It was inspiring to be surrounded by people that are excited and passionate about their work. My summer in California was truly unforgettable, and the relationships I formed will last a lifetime." -Emily Mickus, 2014 Intern
"After volunteering for the Plumas Audubon I was able to add more field work to broaden my resume. I got to help conduct grebe colony surveys and flammulated owl surveys. The owl surveys involved working at odd hours, strategically setting up mist-nets, extracting owls from the nets and processing them. I had a great time working with great people and am happy that I got this opportunity to volunteer!" -Jessica Clark, 2014 Intern
"What an amazing experience! I had so much fun working as an intern with the Plumas Audubon Society. I got so many different experiences: mist netting, point counts, boat and kayak surveys. These experiences have given me a chance to get hands-on with actual bird research and will be a great addition to my resume. This internship has also been a great networking opportunity, because I got the chance to meet people working in the field. It was a great learning experience and, with an awesome crew, I had fun too!" -Maddie Ore, 2014 Intern
"This summer I had the opportunity to volunteer as an intern with the Plumas Audubon Society. It was a very valuable learning experience for me, and gave me the chance to gain field work experience through Flammulated owl and Aechmophorus grebe surveys. This included kayaking on several lakes in the Feather River region, owl nest searching, and mist netting at night in order to outfit Flammulated owls with bands and geolocators. As an aspiring wildlife biologist, I really appreciated being able to experience firsthand what my chosen career would entail and work with professionals in the field. Although I strove to take classes relating to my interest in wildlife biology during high school, it was exciting to actually do fieldwork and see how the research process works. I cannot imagine a more enjoyable way to have spent my summer, and I am grateful that I had this opportunity." -Emily Leonhardt, 2013 Intern
"The internship experiences that Plumas Audubon offers are fantastic. The environment was warm and welcoming, and I really valued the emphasis on helping people learn something new to boost their resumes. I spent the summer with interesting people, in a beautiful setting, doing unique work... there just isn't anything quite like holding a Flammulated owl in your hand! I can honestly say that the experience I gained made my subsequent job search easier. Thanks, David! Thanks to our fearless crew leader, Josh! Thanks to everyone!" -Lissa Derugina, 2015 Intern
"My internship with Plumas Audubon Society was more rewarding than I ever could’ve imagined. I was constantly learning about plants and wildlife, but more importantly, about all aspects of biological fieldwork. It was inspiring to be surrounded by people that are excited and passionate about their work. My summer in California was truly unforgettable, and the relationships I formed will last a lifetime." -Emily Mickus, 2014 Intern
"After volunteering for the Plumas Audubon I was able to add more field work to broaden my resume. I got to help conduct grebe colony surveys and flammulated owl surveys. The owl surveys involved working at odd hours, strategically setting up mist-nets, extracting owls from the nets and processing them. I had a great time working with great people and am happy that I got this opportunity to volunteer!" -Jessica Clark, 2014 Intern
"What an amazing experience! I had so much fun working as an intern with the Plumas Audubon Society. I got so many different experiences: mist netting, point counts, boat and kayak surveys. These experiences have given me a chance to get hands-on with actual bird research and will be a great addition to my resume. This internship has also been a great networking opportunity, because I got the chance to meet people working in the field. It was a great learning experience and, with an awesome crew, I had fun too!" -Maddie Ore, 2014 Intern
"This summer I had the opportunity to volunteer as an intern with the Plumas Audubon Society. It was a very valuable learning experience for me, and gave me the chance to gain field work experience through Flammulated owl and Aechmophorus grebe surveys. This included kayaking on several lakes in the Feather River region, owl nest searching, and mist netting at night in order to outfit Flammulated owls with bands and geolocators. As an aspiring wildlife biologist, I really appreciated being able to experience firsthand what my chosen career would entail and work with professionals in the field. Although I strove to take classes relating to my interest in wildlife biology during high school, it was exciting to actually do fieldwork and see how the research process works. I cannot imagine a more enjoyable way to have spent my summer, and I am grateful that I had this opportunity." -Emily Leonhardt, 2013 Intern
