2026 Jasper Ridge Stewardship Interns Program
Stewardship Intern
The Stewardship Intern Program is an opportunity for Stanford students to work at Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve ('Ootchamin 'Ooyakma) to further develop existing skills in ecology, natural history and field work, while learning about research, education and outreach and stewardship under the mentorship of a diverse team of scientists.
The interns will join the team and work with Jasper Ridge staff, fellow interns, faculty and docents to support expanding stewardship efforts at JRBP for land management, protecting biodiversity, and developing resilience in response to climate change. The role will include a mix of field and office work. Field work responsibilities will include working outdoors in a team to collect data related to wildfire resiliency and watershed restoration. Data measurements and samples collected will include: diversity and abundance of vegetation in multiple native ecosystems (oak woodland, chaparral, and grasslands), characterizing vegetative fuels, soil and vegetation moisture, water samples, camera trap data, and animal burrows. Office responsibilities will include mentor-guided literature review and synthesis, data entry, mapping, brief presentations, and organization of field equipment.
Interns will learn to work with increased independence through the summer, gain experience working in a biological preserve setting, and develop an understanding of how research, education, and stewardship are interconnected. Interns will be encouraged to complete and present an independent project related to research, education, or stewardship under the mentorship of Jasper Ridge staff, faculty, and docents. Overall, the outcomes of this internship will directly support land management and stewardship efforts at Jasper Ridge, and interns may have the opportunity to continue their involvement in long-term research. The Stewardship Interns are partially funded by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.
Learn more about the Steward Intern Program alumni and their projects!
- Working outdoors on projects related to wildfire resiliency and watershed restoration
- Collect data using ecological methods and protocols
- Learn the biodiversity of oak woodland, chaparral, and grasslands ecosystems
- Characterizing vegetative fuels, soil and vegetation moisture, water samples, camera trap data, and animal burrows
- Office work literature review and synthesis, data entry, mapping, brief presentations, and organization of field equipment.
Eligibility
- The Stewardship Intern program is intended for Stanford undergraduate and co-term MS or MA students. Co-term MS or MA students may be supported only if their undergraduate degree will not be conferred before the conclusion of the project.
- This internship is in-person and it requires the agreed term commitments. (see above)
Work Hours / Duration
The internship program extends from Winter quarter to the end of Summer quarter of 2026. Interns are expected to work on-site at Jasper Ridge with flexibility. Summer Quarter: 32 hours per week (10-weeks)
Preferred Skills and Physical Requirements
- The ideal candidates will have experience staying organized and be comfortable doing a mix of field and office work (sometimes under hot summer conditions and starting early to avoid extreme heat).
- Previous field experience is not required but interns should feel comfortable working outside with potential exposure to heat, poison oak, and ticks. If requested, interns can be provided field gear such as boots, coveralls, reusable water bottles, etc.
- Mobility on rough trails and rough terrain with no trails Ability to carry/lift/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds
- Frequent standing, walking, sitting, grasping lightly/fine manipulation, performing desk-based computer tasks
- Ability to present information and communicate with others.
Stipend Amount
- Stipends are awarded at $7500 for the agreed term commitments, paid the first week of the internship.
- Housing is not provided during the summer quarter, so eligible students must have secure housing on campus or be able to commute to Jasper Ridge. (Consider opinions for on-campus housing through programs such as R&DE)
- Interns may use personal vehicles to travel to Jasper Ridge (approximately 4 miles from campus) or may use a Jasper Ridge vehicle to travel between campus and the preserve when vehicles are available (a valid driver license and approval by Stanford University is required).
Application Process and Deadlines
- Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 27, 2025 at 5 pm PT.
- Please submit your completed application via the google form (see link below).
- Top candidates will be invited for a 45-minute Zoom interview during the week of March 9, 2026
- Final candidates will be informed of selection by Friday, March 13, 2026
Application
Please use this Google Form to submit your application.
