Submitted by Neil Tsutsui on
The UC Natural Reserve System (UCNRS) is a network of wildlands that supports efforts for university-level teaching, scientific research, and public service across California. UC Berkeley is responsible for the management of seven of these reserves, including five actively maintained field stations with ongoing research programs: Angelo Coast Range Reserve, Blue Oak Ranch Reserve, Hastings Natural History Reservation, Point Reyes Field Station, and Sagehen Creek Field Station. The goal of this project is to help shape the interface between the scientists conducting research across these lands and the communities in and around the reserves. Over the course of the semester, students will work with the Berkeley NRS Coordinator to identify exciting research projects and activities being conducted at each of these reserves. Students will then conduct interviews with project scientists and feature their work in a newsletter that will be made available through the official Berkeley NRS websites and social media pages. Students should expect to write or produce between 4-5 newsletter pieces that may be a combination of short written articles and/or video segments. You will be joining at an exciting time as you will have the opportunity to produce the first issue of what we hope will become a semesterly newsletter.
This project will allow students to interact directly with reserve managers and stewards as well as Berkeley graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and faculty who conduct research across a wide range of habitats in California. Ongoing and past projects conducted on the reserves have involved the study of human culture through archaeology, woodpecker behavior, mammal activity patterns, lizard foraging patterns, climate change responses in plant communities, fish growth and survival, insect community ecology, and many more. Students will gain unique insight into the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry as well as the ongoing challenges to the stewardship of natural lands in a rapidly changing world.
Specific duties may include:
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Interviewing scientists (on campus or at the reserves)
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Conducting background literature reviews
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Writing/producing short newsletter articles or videos
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Developing short social media posts
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Assisting with CalDay or other outreach activities involving the reserves
Students will be expected to attend weekly in-person meetings with the NRS Coordinator, however writing and background research may be conducted remotely, as needed. They also have the option to work on campus in Mulford Hall. Occasional off-campus trips to the natural reserves will also be required (which may include weekends), however travel dates will be negotiated based on student class and/or work schedules.
A background in science is helpful but not required. This project is aimed at students who are interested in gaining experience in science communication. No prior science communication experience is required, however the job will entail a considerable amount of writing. If students think they are not strong writers, this should not discourage them from applying. We seek candidates who have a love of natural history and ecology as well as a desire to communicate with scientists and the public. A familiarity with social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) and web-based tools such as Google Drive, Canva, and Wordpress will be helpful. This job may entail occasional overnight, weekend stays at the Berkeley Natural Reserves. This would require students to be comfortable with camping in remote locations. All necessary equipment will be provided and students will always be accompanied by a natural reserve staff or faculty member for these remote trips. Any off-campus transportation will be provided; students need not have their own vehicle. Students from minoritized backgrounds considering careers in public outreach, nature writing, and nature photography/videography are especially encouraged to apply. In their application letters, students are encouraged to outline how this experience might shape their long-term career goals and aspirations.