Apply by April 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM

JSWCD is offering two hands-on Monitoring Internships for Spring/Summer 2026 — and you can apply for one or BOTH. These positions offer real field experience supporting habitat restoration and invasive species monitoring across our region.

Internship Options (see below for details for each):
💧 Riparian Restoration Monitoring

• May–June 
• Estimated Hours: ~60 hours
• Stipend: $1,000 

🐛 Mediterranean Oak Borer Detection Monitoring

• May–September 
• Estimated Hours: ~120 hours
• Stipend: $2,000

Whether you're passionate about healthy waterways or protecting oak ecosystems, these internships offer meaningful environmental experience under the guidance of our Riparian Resource Conservationist.

Qualifications (for both internships)

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Passion for conservation and the mission of JSWCD.
• Interest in natural resource monitoring, field ecology, or land stewardship.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Outdoor work or volunteer experience.
• Comfort working outdoors in all weather and over uneven terrain.
• Coursework or interest in environmental science, natural resources, restoration, forestry, entomology, or related fields.
• Curiosity about conservation careers.

Interns must be able to:

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Hike uneven terrain, cross streams or fences, and work around livestock.
• Carry equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Commute independently to the Central Point office.

Both internships are based in Central Point, Oregon, with travel throughout Jackson County and nearby areas. 

💧Internship 1: Riparian Restoration Monitoring

May–June 2026
Estimated Hours: ~60 hours
Stipend: $1,000

This internship supports monitoring on active riparian restoration projects along streams adjacent to agricultural lands. Field sites include varied terrain and weather conditions. You'll help evaluate restoration outcomes by collecting vegetation and habitat data.

Responsibilities

Under supervision of the Riparian Resource Conservationist, the intern will:

• Navigate to established monitoring plots using both digital and analog maps.
• Collect vegetation data, including native and invasive plant identification.
• Estimate percent cover, assess vegetation structure, and measure canopy closure using a spherical densiometer.
• Enter and organize field data in Excel, and assist with summarizing results using charts and graphs.
• Support additional conservation monitoring tasks as needed.

Skills & Experience Gained

• Vegetation monitoring and plant identification.
• Ecological monitoring and plot establishment techniques.
• GPS‑enabled navigation and mapping tools.
• Data entry, quality control, and basic ecological data visualization.
• Experience working on private‑lands conservation projects.

A personal vehicle is not required for this internship.

🐛Internship 2: Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB) Detection Monitoring

May–September 2026
Estimated Hours: ~120 hours
Stipend: $2,000

This internship supports an Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) effort for the Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB), an invasive insect threatening local oak ecosystems across Jackson and Josephine Counties. Work takes place at high‑risk tree‑movement sites such as parks, campgrounds, transfer stations, and community areas.

Responsibilities

Under supervision of the Riparian Resource Conservationist, the intern will:

• Deploy and install MOB insect traps at pre‑selected sites.
• Navigate to trap locations using digital mapping tools and paper backup maps.
• Service traps by replacing lures and collecting insect specimens.
• Label, preserve, and document insect specimens accurately.
• Record trap conditions, GPS coordinates, and site details; complete photographic documentation.
• Summarize monitoring metrics such as trap deployment and servicing schedules.
• Support other conservation monitoring tasks as needed.

Skills & Experience Gained

• EDRR invasive species monitoring techniques.
• Insect trap installation, servicing, and collection protocols.
• GPS navigation and mobile mapping tools.
• Professional communication with landowners and partner agencies.
• Monitoring documentation and reporting skills.

A personal vehicle is required for this internship. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.

 

How to Apply

Email the following to clint.nichols@jswcd.org with the subject line “Monitoring Internship”:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Three references (include phone, email, and relationship)

In your cover letter, indicate whether you are applying for:

• Riparian Monitoring
• MOB Monitoring
• Both internships

Interviews for qualified applicants will be held April 13–17 via Zoom.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jackson Soil and Water District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. The District is an equal opportunity employer. This position will perform in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws for equal employment and other requirements of civil rights statutes.