UCSB Natural Reserve System – Spring 2026
Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve
The Henry W. Offen NRS Undergraduate Internship celebrates the life of Dr. Offen, Chemistry Professor and Emeritus Professor at UCSB for more than 45 years. Dr. Offen served as the first Director of the UCSB Natural Reserve System (NRS), a position he held for 16 years. He understood the value of the UC Natural Reserves for research and teaching that contribute to the wise management of the earth. Dr. Offen was particularly interested in fostering students’ interests in conservation and management of the earth’s natural resources by providing opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research and management activities at the Reserves.
The Henry W. Offen UCSB Undergraduate Research Endowment was set up to honor his memory and legacy through the generous donations of family and friends. The Endowment provides an annual stipend to support the Internship. To be eligible applicants must be registered undergraduates with sophomore, junior or senior standing when they apply.
This year’s Intern will work on management projects at Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve (RMR). The Reserve is located on the coast, 130 miles north of UCSB just south of Cambria, CA. The focus of the intern’s time will be collecting data in the field on a recent forest health project to inform wise stewardship of the Reserve. Over the past year, 400+ brush piles have been burned in the Monterey Pine Forest at Rancho Marino. Long term data is being collected to follow recovery of those burn scars and how the forest has/will benefit from the treatment. The internship will also include a broad array of tasks that are involved in operating and maintaining the Reserve. These tasks will depend in part on the intern’s interests and skills. A brief final report to summarize the student’s accomplishments and experience is required at the conclusion of the internship.
Internship Details
- The Internship stipend is $1,500. Milage for two trips to RMR will be provided. Housing/camping space at the Reserve will be provided. The intern will be responsible for any additional trips and meals for all trips.
- It is anticipated that the Intern will spend about 3 weeks living at the Reserve (in accommodations provided at the RMR) sometime between June 15 and Sept. 15, 2026. The exact time can be determined based on the Intern’s and the RMR Reserve Director’s schedules. Housing could be in the cabin, tent cabin, or camping depending on Reserve use. Showers, restrooms, and kitchen facilities are available with accommodation options. The intern will need to bring a sleeping bag, linens, and all personal items during the stay.
- The Intern will be supervised by the RMR Reserve Director and Reserve staff.
- This internship is open to all UCSB students, regardless of major.
Application Procedure
Please apply via this Google Form: https://forms.gle/jiHuzywLn3G7BTKPA
Please apply by Monday 20-April-2026.
- 300 words explaining your career goals over the next 10 years and how you see participation in the UCSB NRS Offen Internship furthering your goals.
- A copy of your resume/CV, including a list of classes you have completed or are currently taking and your GPA.
- A name and email address of a faculty member, post-doctoral fellow, or graduate student you have either had as an instructor or T.A., or have worked with during your undergraduate career. We do not require letters of recommendation upfront, but may contact them if you are a finalist.
Late applications will not be accepted. We may conduct short zoom interviews with final candidates.
If you have any questions, please contact Keith Seydel, Reserve Director, Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve (nrs-ranchomarino@ucsb.edu) or Conner Philson, Executive Director, UCSB Natural Reserve System (philson@ucsb.edu).
