FIELD ASSISTANTS: INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL AND RESTORATION

Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Trabuco Canyon, CA

Audubon's Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, CA solicits applicants for positions as field assistants with our artichoke thistle control and grassland/coastal sage scrub restoration project. This is a research-based program to control the invasive species, Cynara cardunculus (artichoke thistle), without chemicals and restore to native habitat. Must work well with people as part of a field crew. Position entails mechanical and physical removal of artichoke thistle and all aspects of invasive species control and restoration including non-chemical control of other invasive species, native seed collection, seed and plug planting, experimental tests of weed removal and restoration techniques, and quantitative monitoring. Experience in plant sampling in the field desirable. Enthusiasm for working outdoors. Opportunity to live on our 4000 acre Sanctuary. Positions run November 2004 through May 2005 (1) or January through May 2005. (1).
Salary: $250/week plus housing (private rooms). Benefits (November through May position only)
Qualifications: College graduates with ecological, biological, or conservation background who seek invasive species control, restoration, and research experience.
To Apply: Send cover letter stating career goals, resume, and two letters of recommendation (letters can arrive separately) to: Dr. Sandy DeSimone, Director - Research and Education; Starr Ranch Sanctuary, 100 Bell Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679; sdesimone@audubon.org; (949) 858-0309; fax
(949) 858-1013.
For more information: sdesimone@audubon.org; www.starr-ranch.org