Conservation Science Bird Banding Apprenticeships at the Palomarin Field Station

Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas, CA.

Duration: Early-to-mid March through mid-to-late August 2026.

Deadline to Apply:  December 23, 2025                                                                     

Position Type: Full-time Apprenticeships (3-4)

Since 1966, we have been training early-career conservation scientists at the Palomarin Field Station through intensive field-based positions as part of a long-term ecological monitoring program focused on studying the impact of environmental change on birds. These immersive apprenticeships teach landbird research techniques, with a strong emphasis on mist-netting and bird banding. Apprentices also gain extensive experience communicating research to the public and conducting data management. Apprentices leave with a broad knowledge base about conservation research, through paper discussions and exposure to presentations.

The position includes early mornings and long hours in the field running long-term mist netting stations, followed by data entry and sometimes other tasks. A typical field day starts around sunrise and involves hiking 5-7 miles; the terrain has some incline and can be uneven. Apprentices typically work 5 days per week (~40-48 hours; including weekends), with two typically-non-consecutive days off per week, but this may vary based on weather (4-6 day / 35-50 hour work weeks). Overtime pay applies (for days > 8 hours and weeks > 40 regular time hours). Positions last 5.5-6 months and apprentices are needed for the full duration, with opportunity to potentially extend up to a few weeks. Local housing is provided at the field station at a rental rate set by the Department of Labor, see below.

Palomarin’s training program has a global influence, having prepared over 750 people for careers in academic research, applied conservation, natural resource management, and beyond. We recognize that increasing racial, gender, cultural, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion factors at Point Blue and in our partnerships is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. We are actively engaging in a process to create lasting organizational change. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Compensation: Apprentices will be paid $19.20 per hour (rate subject to change due to 2026 salary planning), plus overtime, minus a deductible for housing (determined by the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service: current rate is $65.59/week or $131.18/bi-weekly paycheck). Benefits limited to up to 40 hours of sick pay.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position entails ~80% field work and ~20% office and other work. Apprentices will receive training for all essential responsibilities.

• Conduct fieldwork related to ecological and conservation research with an emphasis on mist netting and bird banding of songbirds. Other fieldwork includes other types of bird surveys, weather data collection, and plant-phenology monitoring; and may also include soil surveys and other types of vegetation sampling, as needed.
• Conduct science interpretation to varying age groups and demographics at banding stations.
• Conduct data entry and management.
• Learn about, through weekly meetings and paper discussions, topics including the role of natural history observation in guiding meaningful research and conservation,  critical thinking and evaluation of research and conservation, and climate-smart conservation.
• Carry out an independent or group capstone project, working with a mentor, through which they demonstrate a synthesis of knowledge gained through the apprenticeship.
• Assist staff in upkeep of the field station, trails, and banding equipment.
• Perform special projects and research as assigned.

Qualifications: Desired applicants will have a strong interest in birds and conservation, desire to learn or improve upon skills in bird banding, and the motivation to spend long hours in the field and office. Successful applicants will have an openness to learn and to share knowledge and skills with others. Participants must be able to work independently as well as in groups, and to live effectively in a communal environment; apprentices will work closely with fellow crew members and live in a communal setting (e.g., shared bunkrooms, communal kitchen). We desire applicants with an openness to take in and share knowledge and skills, the ability to listen carefully and execute detailed written and verbal instructions,  and a willingness to hear new perspectives, especially when communicating and interacting effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.

Preference may be given to candidates with some work or educational experience in applied conservation, natural resources management, habitat restoration, natural sciences, biology, ecology, ornithology, botany, agronomy, agriculture, wildlife management, traditional ecological knowledge, or related work. We typically hire a team with a mix of banding experience, from none to some.

Exposure to poison oak is unavoidable. A vehicle is not required for all positions, but some selected applicants will need a valid driver's license, a personal vehicle, current proof of insurance, and a favorable driving history; Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle report for insurance purposes, after hiring. Any use of a personal vehicle for field work will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate. Ability to hike uneven terrain while carrying gear and a backpack, stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, and other physical activities, and ability to lift up to 40 pounds and complete strenuous physical tasks. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions such as rain, heat, wind, and hot and cold temperatures.

Point Blue is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.