Big Sur Ornithology Lab
Monarch Butterflies
Sudden Oak Death
Powerline Interactions
Training, Workshops, & Internships
Introduction to Bird Banding
Peter Pyle Workshop
Monarch Workshop
Internships
Consultation Services
Newsletter
Membership
Employment
Pressroom
In the News
Contact Us
Training, Workshops, and Internships
Through our Conservation Ecology Program we also offer annual workshops in bird banding and monarch monitoring. Check this page for current workshop, training, and internship information.
 Peter Pyle Advanced Aging and Sexing Workshop |
 Internships |
 Butterfly Count Training |
 Introduction to Bird Banding |
Internships
Ventana Wildlife Society offers about 10 Conservation Ecology internships per year, 6 full internships and 4 student internships through our Big Sur Ornithology Lab and Monarch Butterfly Monitoring Project. The intention of the VWS intern program is to provide college students, recent graduates and young professionals with a practicum on ornithological research, focusing on population ecology or endangered species management. This course of practical research blends the features of a field job with comprehensive education about ornithological field methods used in VWS research, as well as broader learning opportunities including workshops, nature walks, and the development and presentation of a research project. The goal of the intern program is to produce capable, professional biologists possessing a suite of skills applicable to field jobs with agencies, nonprofits, institutions, or private companies, including field methods, research design, data analysis, and effective communication of ecological information.
Internship positions may be 3, 6 or 9 months in duration. Interns receive extensive training in mist-netting and banding of passerines (MAPS protocol); area searches and point counts; and data entry and data management. Winter interns receive training in butterfly count methods and tagging. While here, interns will conduct a study project and present their findings at a staff conference. Full internships receive a stipend of $255 every 2 weeks, housing, and field transportation are provided. Student internships receive college credit, housing and transportation. No experience is necessary but preferred applicants will have a working knowledge of field ornithology and, preferably, prior banding and birding experience and the ability to identify Western birds by sight and sound. For more information about the research activities of our organization, visit the Conservation Ecology and Species Recovery pages. Please submit cover letter and resume that includes three work related references to Jessica Griffiths by e-mail at jessicagriffiths@ventanaws.org. Applications are accepted year-round with hiring mostly in the Spring and Fall.
Annual Monarch Butterfly Count Training
Accommodations: For any of you wishing to stay overnight in Big Sur, we suggest the following lodging options:
- Big Sur Campground and Cabins: 831-667-2322, located off Hwy 1
Cabin rates range from $55-$221 for a queen size bed or 1-2 people. All cabins are wooden structures, have fire pits and a picnic table. Tent cabins for $55/night have no heat and no bathroom, but come with queen size bed. All linens and towels are provided. Public bathhouse with hot showers, sinks and flush toilets. - Ripplewood Cabins: 831-667-2242, located off Hwy 1
Rates range from $75 to $135. Amenities may include queen or double bed, kitchen, deck, and fireplace. No personal checks accepted. - Glen Oaks Hotel: 831-667-2105, located off Hwy 1
Rates range from $79 to $140 depending on bed sizes. - River Inn: 800-548-3610, located off Hwy 1
Rates range from $100 to $200 depending on bed size and view. - Big Sur Lodge: 800-424-4787, located off Hwy 1 in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Rates range from $119 to $179 depending on bed size and amenities. - Big Sur Inn (Deetjen’s): 831-667-2377, located off Hwy 1
Rates range from $125 to $195 depending on bed sizes; only 20 rooms available in rustic buildings.
Campgrounds
- Andrew Molera State Park: 831-667-2316, located off Hwy 1
Campsite $9 per night (up to 4 people per site), first come first serve, no reservations. Tent camping only, .25 mile trail from parking area to campsites. Fire pits and picnic tables. Pit toilets, running outdoor faucets. This campground is within walking distance to the Big Sur Ornithology Lab, to the beach, and Big Sur River. - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: 800-444-7275, located off Hwy 1
Campsite $20 per night. Car/camper pull-in sites. Fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, running water, and hot showers. - Fernwood Campground: 831-667-2422, located off Hwy 1
Tent site $20 per weeknight. No extra fee for electric hook-up. Car pull-in sites. Fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, sinks, and hot showers. - Big Sur Campground and Cabins: 831-667-2322, located off Hwy 1
Tent sites are $25, and additional hook-up sites are available at additional costs. Car pull-in sites. Fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, sinks, and hot showers.