Data Science Graduate Student Intern

Point Blue Conservation Science • Internship • Petaluma, CA • $25 / hour • 2d ago

Data Science Graduate Student Intern

Location: Remote/Hybrid. Point Blue's Headquarters is located in Petaluma, CA.

Position Type: Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-Exempt; 10-30 hours per week (up to 206 hours total for duration of project).

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, August 9, 2026

Start Date: Must be able to start by August 15, 2026.

Compensation and Benefits: $25.00 per hour. Benefits limited to up to 40 hours of paid CA sick leave.

Job Summary:
Point Blue Conservation Science seeks an Ecoinformatics Data Science Intern to assist with several ongoing data analysis projects that are harnessing information from the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The intern will help refine species distribution and abundance model for a select set of species across the United States. The intern will be required to document and code their work so that the models can be run annually to reflect new avian observations added to the AKN and satellite remote sensing data that become available. Additionally, the intern will help develop new analytical tools to serve as examples that AKN users can utilize and/or create for themselves.

Essential Functions:

Refine species distribution and abundance models for NASA ADALO 2.0 project
- Test adding new covariates to existing models
- Test new algorithms or modeling approaches
- Evaluate changes in predictive performance
- Develop code that can be implemented annually without user changes needed
- Document workflow
Develop new analytical approaches to replace the Analyst tool
- Scope analyses that will be used as examples
- Develop code and user interface for the new tools that could be designed and implemented by general AKN users

Supervisory Responsibility:
None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience using:

The Avian Knowledge Network (AKN)
R
Git / GitHub
Google Earth Engine
Amazon Web Services
ArcGIS or other geospatial software

Must have:

Experience working in the Point Blue Science Cloud
Experience distinguishing between and selecting avian monitoring protocols for determining what data can be aggregated for analyses
Experience documenting code following Point Blue Informatics requirements
Experience working with the United States Protected Areas Database
Accountability and ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to follow security guidelines
Ability to collaborate and work respectfully with people with a variety of perspectives.
Ability to seek, accept, and incorporate feedback is necessary.
Ability to conduct independent research and apply findings to practical projects.
Ability to manage and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Certifications and/or Licenses:

Valid California driver’s license and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance.

Preferred Education and Experience:

This position requires that the applicant is currently enrolled in a graduate college program in Data Science.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This position operates in a remote or hybrid environment between a home office and professional office setting.
Work environment is primarily indoors with the majority of time spent at a desk.
Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets.
Ability to move up to 20 pounds occasionally.
Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and calculator.

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

Must be able to start by 8/15/2026
The position has an hourly rate of $25.00 and will include up to 206 hours of work.
This position is part-time, with hours ranging from 10-30 per week.
Days and hours of work meetings are generally within Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, but specific hours will be flexible depending on the successful candidate and Point Blue’s needs.
Remote/hybrid employees should choose a work environment that is free from distractions, has a reliable internet connection, and supports the employee’s ability to dedicate their full attention to their job duties during work hours.

Point Blue is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in 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.