Data Science Intern

Location: Chico, California
Status: Temporary- Full-time, Non-Exempt
Start date: February 2026, flexible

Duration: March 2 - May 29, 2026 with the possibility to extend
Reports to: Data Manager, Supervisory

Pay: $18.00-$20.00 Hourly

A thriving future for California’s environment and communities requires bold vision, creative problem-solving, and relentless determination. This is a critical decade for action and River Partners is growing our team of talented, tenacious change-makers to meet the challenge head on. Join us!

Who We Are

River Partners brings life back to California rivers. We’ve revitalized more habitat along impaired California rivers than any other entity in the western U.S., having led hundreds of projects across nearly 20,000 acres throughout California. We restore thriving native forests and ecosystems that support imperiled wildlife, improve flood safety, boost the state’s climate resilience, replenish and improve freshwater resources, create open space for communities, and build stronger local economies. Since 1998, we have pioneered an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to conservation, combining modern farming, cutting-edge science, and diverse partnerships.  

We are meeting the urgent need this decade to restore our riverways and seek passionate team members to help us grow our restoration footprint at an unprecedented pace and scale.

Why You Should Join Us 

River Partners offers competitive salaries and benefits, including comprehensive health care insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with immediate employer matching, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and other well-being benefits. We’re proud of our supportive culture and focus on work-life balance. We strive to create an environment that brings fulfillment to our team members’ personal lives by offering paid time off, an alternative work schedule, and flexible hours.

Position Description

As a Data Science Intern, you will:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and interpret complex data.
Apply statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques to generate actionable insights.
Contribute to various projects and assist in designing and optimizing data pipelines, which may include integrating remote sensing techniques into restoration monitoring and analyzing operational field data across project sites.
Develop scripts and dashboards to analyze monitoring data and provide insights into wildlife activity and vegetation patterns across restoration sites.
Gain experience with industry-standard tools and software, including Python, R, SQL, ArcGIS, etc.

Qualifications

Enrollment in the Data Science and Analytics (MSDSA) Master’s program at Chico State.
Strong analytical skills with a passion for solving real-world problems through data.
Familiarity with data analysis tools and programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, etc.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Coursework or experience in machine learning, statistical modeling, or data visualization is a plus.

Forty-hour workweeks will be expected and during the summer months River Partners works 4, 10-hour days some weeks. Housing is not provided.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

(50%) Database design and maintenance

Assist the Data Manager with:

Development of data analytics and dashboard systems (Metabase, R Shiny, etc.) for use by staff for project analysis and report writing
Integration of ArcGIS Pro with a field data collection software to ensure a streamlined workflow. Perform diagnostic and maintenance checks for multiple databases, including ArcGIS and the Natural Resources Database System.
Developing processes for integrating project management software with field collection data to track equipment use, and costs associated with seed collection and other field activities.

(25%) Workflow Optimization and Data Analysis

Increase workflow efficiency by creating processes and designing digital tools for collecting, analyzing, and presenting data.
Create templates for reports and maps to share data and other key project information with partners and funders.
Support the research component of habitat restoration projects, which may include working with various types of data and performing analyses using tools such as ArcGIS Pro, R, Python, as well as climate and habitat suitability models.
Integration of various remote sensing data techniques into the restoration monitoring process.
Create scripts for analyzing camera trap and acoustic recording unit data to better understand wildlife use of restoration sites.
Cultivate partnerships with conservation organizations, research scientists, and local, state, and federal agencies to proactively identify new spatial data products to improve restoration design and implementation.

(10%) Technical Support and Presentation

Troubleshoot workflow issues to improve efficiency across teams.
Communicate across teams to promote a collaborative and innovative work environment focused on utilizing data to improve restoration practices and enhance project outcomes.
Collaborate with the Communications team to enhance River Partners’ storytelling through incorporating creative data visualization into our media and outreach.

(15%) Special Projects

At the direction of your supervisor, choose from a provided list and complete an individual special research project related to restoration science and practice. While guidance will be provided, the project is self-directed and it will be the responsibility of the Data Scientist Intern to ensure timely completion of data collection, analysis, and creation of the presentation and report.
Cleary communicate individual research project outcomes to the organization in a final presentation and project report.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Interest in California plants, riparian ecology, hydrology, soils, wildlife, and/or in cultural uses of native plants.
Basic understanding of ecological concepts.
Ability to collaborate with diverse team members with poise and respect.
Basic understanding of statistics and experimental design.
Proficiency in MS Office applications.
Excellent verbal, analytical, organizational, and written skills, including data visualization to technical and non-technical audiences.
Integrity and ethics beyond reproach.

Compensation
The anticipated range for this position is $18.00-$20.00 per hour.

Location
This position is based in Chico.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to the link below

Applicants must be currently enrolled in Chico State’s Data Science and Analytics Master’s Program.

Careers at River Partners

For any questions regarding your application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@riverpartners.org.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until this position is filled.

Data Science Intern

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