Field Assistants

Non-chemical Invasive Species Control and Restoration

Starr Ranch Sanctuary

Trabuco Canyon, CA

Audubon California's Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, CA solicits applicants for a newly opened position as field assistant with our innovative invasive species control and coastal sage scrub and native grassland restoration project. This is a research-based project to control Cynara cardunculus (artichoke thistle) and other invasive species without chemicals and restore to rare native habitat. Must work well with people as part of a field crew (5), composed of a full time Field Supervisor and four seasonal Field Assistants, who perform 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 and planting, and quantitative monitoring. Experience in outdoor physical work and plant sampling in the field desirable as is enthusiasm for working outdoors. Opportunity to live on our 4000-acre Sanctuary. Current newly opened position (1) was meant to start October 21 2024 but newly opened position starts as soon as possible and will run six months from start date.

Salary: $720/week plus housing (private rooms in an historic building) 

Qualifications: College graduates with ecological, biological, or conservation background who seek invasive plant species control, restoration and monitoring experience. Must be enthusiastic about outdoor physical work (i.e. invasive plant control).

To Apply: Soon the job will be posted on the confidential Audubon career center https://audubon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Audubon.  Until then please send a cover letter stating career goals and a CV that includes contact information for 2-3 references to Dr. Sandy DeSimone at sandy.desimone@audubon.org. The most qualified candidates will be contacted for a phone interview. For questions, please contact Dr. DeSimone at sandy.desimone@audubon.org.

For more information: sandy.desimone@audubon.org; www.starr-ranch.org  https://www.facebook.com/audubonstarrranch