Seasonal Field Assistant

The National Audubon Society is hiring Seasonal Field Assistants for a project focused on invasive species control and habitat restoration at Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, CA. The role involves physical removal of invasive plants, native seed collection, and monitoring. Candidates should have a background in ecology or conservation and enjoy outdoor work. The position starts in October 2025 for six months and includes on-site housing.
Position Summary

Audubon California’s Starr Ranch Sanctuary in Trabuco Canyon, CA, solicits applicants for positions as field assistants 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 them to rare native habitats. 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 is desirable, as is enthusiasm for working outdoors—the opportunity to live on our 4000-acre Sanctuary.

This position starts at mid or end of October 2025 and runs for six months from the start date.

This is an on–site position located in Trabuco Canyon with housing in the “main house” in private rooms for the duration of employment.

Compensation:

$18.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions
• Responsible for mechanical and physical removal of artichoke thistle and all aspects of invasive species control and restoration including non-chemical control of other invasive species
• Responsible for restoration activities including soil preparation, native seed collection and planting
• Responsible for experimental tests of weed removal and restoration techniques, and quantitative monitoring.

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

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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