Public Policy Internships
Save the Beach Flats Community Garden from Small Pumpkin Productions on Vimeo.
350.org
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Pauline Seales, paulineseales120@gmail.com
Tasks include
- Organizing local events, preparing flyers, posters, website materials and community outreach.
- Assisting with education projects in schools, after school programs and events such as “Welcome Back Monarchs” Festival.
- Helping set up web site on “Word Press”
- General social media help
- Contacting local media about possible articles on current student projects
Adventure Sports Journal
Listing also found in the Environmental Education tab.
Contact: Cathy Chesson, cathy@adventuresportsjournal.com
Adventure Sports Journal is California's original outdoor sports magazine, and it was founded right here in Santa Cruz. We cover all human powered sports and believe that getting people to enjoy nature through outdoor sports is a great way to create future environmental stewards. We are always in the need for help with data entry, web updates, working ASJ events, social media posts and video blogs are also needed. There are also opportunities to get published on our website and possibly in the pages of our magazine. Check out their website !
Bag Speak & Bagito
Listing also foud in the Environmental Education tab.
Contact: Mitch Barlas mitch@bagspeak.org, Taylor McLoughlin tsmcloug@gmail.com
BagSpeak internship duties may include:
- Research on relevant environmental issues for K-12 students (centering on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and personal responsibility for our planet).
- Creating lessons and activities on environmental topics for K-12 teachers.
- Assisting with outreach, communication and marketing (i.e. contacting schools to gauge interest, answering questions and assiting participating teachers, writing blog and press release postings).
- Reaching out to potential corporate and business partners to inquire about collaboration opportunities and sponsorship/grant interests, and grant writing.
Bagito reusable shopping bags were created by Power2Sustain to help provide funding for its programs. Bagitos are full-sized, micro-stuffable shopping bags designed to hang on a key ring. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of Bagitos go to the Power2Sustain project.
Bagito internship duties may include:
- Sales lead generation, contact acquisition, initial outreach and follow-up.
- Promotional event tabling, including the Wednesday downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market.
- Marketing and public relations; accounting data entry, analysis and report building.
- Business modeling and forecasting; exploring partnership opportunities with other companies.
- General office tasks.
For more information please visit here!
Garden Internship
Listing also found in the Agroecology and Plants and Environmental Justice tab.
Contact: Michelle Glowa, michelle.glowa@gmail.com; (301) 908-0641
In this internship students will work with the Beach Flats Community Garden in several capacities. The garden, which has flourished for over 21 years, is located in Santa Cruz in the historically Latino community of Beach Flats lying at the base of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. It is a space of food production for local consumption contributing to food security and continuation of agroecological traditions and passing along of knowledges from gardeners who have immigrated from Mexico and El Salvador. In addition the garden provides .44 acres of green space in the most densely populated neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Currently the garden is under threat of having to move or complete eviction. Through interviews and participant observation, students will work with researchers to understand how the garden is perceived by the community, what gardeners and allies are doing to advocate for the garden, and how the city of Santa Cruz is trying to resolve this issue.
State Senator Internship
Contact: Rachel Bickert, rachel.bickert@sen.ca.gov
The Santa Cruz District Office of State Senator William Monning is seeking dedicated interns. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuable experience working in a state legislator’s district office.
Intern Responsibilities:
- General Office Tasks: Compiling news clips, opening and sorting mail, answering phones, creating certificates of recognition and greeting and directing constituents.
- Constituent Correspondence: Researching various policy and local issues and constructing response letters to constituents.
- Constituent Casework: Contacting liaisons with state agencies to resolve a wide variety of constituent requests and issues.
- Legislative Research: Researching, summarizing and briefing staff on various policy or budget issues and conducting outreach to stakeholders.
Rural West Internship Program
Listing also found in the Summer and Environmental Justice tab.
Contact: Gisela, Gisela@calruralhousing.org
The Internship Program is a one-year paid Internship designed to increase the staff diversity within the Affordable Housing and Community Development field, and assist in meeting the diverse needs of the communities served throughout the rural West, including its emerging areas. This includes recruiting, training and retaining ethnically diverse students who may not otherwise know about the field. We specifically target underrepresented People of Color, who come from low-income rural backgrounds and reflect rural West’s diverse cultural and linguistic demographics. We give high priority to students completing their junior year or entering their last academic year at four year universities so that upon graduating from college, they may be able to be employed in entry level professional positions in the field
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND CURRENT INTERNS BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION!
Outreach Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact Person: Rick Longinotti, longinotti@baymoon.com
The Campaign for Sustainable Transportation is an all-volunteer group advocating for environmental justice in transportation. The current campaign is to educate the public about the benefits of public investment in transit and active transportation (bicycling & walking) rather than investing in widening Highway 1. Currently, Metro transit is planning deep cuts in service due to financial deficits. In the next few months the County Regional Transportation Commission will be finalizing the priorities in a transportation sales tax measure for the November ballot. So the focus is to get public support for sustainable and socially equitable priorities in that ballot measure. Interns will join group members in circulating a petition for sustainable transportation on campus and in the community, meeting with community leaders, setting up presentations for community groups, speaking to classes on campus and developing written materials for outreach to students.
Moss Landing Marine Labs Internship
Listing also found in the Conservation and Water and Marine-Related tabs.
Contact Person: Cara Clark, cclark@mlml.calstate.edu
The Central Coast Wetlands Group is an affiliate research group at Moss Landing Marine Labs focused on the study, preservation, and restoration of wetlands. We work closely with regional and state partners to improve wetland science communication between researchers, resource managers and policy makers. We do this through on the ground research, the development and dissemination of tools and materials, and through organizing and hosting meetings and symposia that bring groups of people together to increase dialogue.
We are interested in hosting interns with the right fit for our organization. We seek an intern who is self-motivated, has clear goals, and has a sound scientific background. Due to these requirements, we prefer students who have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate courses.
The intern would assist with restoration activities including native plant propagation and out-planting, weed control, and monitoring. They may also be involved in scientific research and monitoring of water quality treatment wetlands and local watersheds. There is also data analysis and management and other office work that may be needed. The balance of these various duties would depend on the season and the need, as well as the abilities and interest of the intern.
Our office is located in Moss Landing, CA, about half an hour south of Santa Cruz. The intern would have to provide their own transportation to Moss Landing.
Research and Policy Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Drew Glover, dglover@cityofsantacruz.com
Council member Drew Glover is looking for motivated college students who are interested in creating dynamic groups (3 or more) to address environmental policies important to both students and constituents. Each team member contributes using the skill in which they excel while gaining hands on experience in areas where they wish to improve. You and your team will conduct research, write and analyze reports, and craft presentations for City Council meetings. The ideal candidate is interested in a career in local government and/or obtaining a theoretical and practical understanding of local environmental policies. The goal is to create or change ordinances, passing legislation, gaining knowledge on policy creation, and increasing public awareness/education. Areas of focus can go beyond Environmental Policy. Relevant topics may integrate with: Housing, Public Safety, Waste Management, Budget Analysis, Transportation, and Water policy. The City of Santa Cruz offers an outstanding environment for learning, professional growth, and community involvement. After completion, a letter of recommendation and an evaluation report can be available upon request.
Education Intern
Listing also found in Environmental Education tab.
Contact: Mollie Behn, mbehn@coastal-watershed.org
The Coastal Watershed Council works in public elementary, middle and high schools throughout Santa Cruz County to involve teachers and students in sustainability education. Education Program Inters will support the Education Coordinator in developing and teaching lessons to K-12 students about 1) watersheds 2) human activity impacting the health of our watersheds such as stormwater runoff, trash disposal, pollution, among other 3) water quality monitoring 4) sources of water and water conservation 5) sustainable practices such as reducing/reusing/recycling/repairing and composting and 6) climate change. Training and support are offered on the lessons and activities, working with students, group management and teaching techniques. There is both school/field time and office time for this internship.
Environmental Policy Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Taylor Altenbern, committeetobridgethegap@gmail.com
Committee to Bridge the Gap is a non-profit environmental and nuclear policy organization focusing on issues of environmental justice, government transparency, superfund site remediation, and nuclear decommissioning, disarmament, safety and waste disposal. For nearly half a century, Committee to Bridge the Gap has been fighting—and winning—environmental battles that have local, national and international impact.
Our work is aimed at exposing and correcting the shortcuts taken by polluters and the government agencies which oversee them, and the unholy alliance which exists between them.
Students will engage in hands-on research in teams with experienced environmental policy staff. Collaboration between CBG and other organizations, policymakers, and established journalists is frequent. Students will learn the nitty-gritty of actually affecting environmental policy and make real contributions to the environment at the same time.
Current projects include research and policy work on behalf of environmental justice communities in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Central Valley which are burdened with toxic contamination.
Eat for the Earth Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice
Contact Person: Beth, beth@wholenessworks.com
Eat for the Earth makes it easier for people to eat more plants and less animal products to sustain the habitability of our earth. The movement was launched in Santa Cruz in January, 2019, and is gaining traction locally was well as outside of our local area. We accomplish our objective by engaging in systems change projects in partnership with institutions such as government, education, media, corporations, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations. Each project is designed to implement policies and/or practices that increase plant consumption and decrease animal product consumption. As we work with our partners in the development and implementation of these projects, we create models that are replicable in diverse settings. In order to maximize our effectiveness and reach, we provide tools and support for activist groups in communities around the world to establish similar activities in partnership with their local institutions.
Bike Smart
Listing also found in Environmental Education and Environmental Justice tab.
Contact: Kira Ticus, kticus@ecoact.org (831)515-1338
Bike Smart! Youth Bicycle Safety Program conducts bicycle safety trainings for Santa Cruz and Monterey County youth. We offer classroom Presentations, hands on bicycle skills Obstacle Courses (aka "Rodeos") and Community Rides (on street training), as well as bicycle safety Education Outreach Booths. Our programs are carried out at schools, community centers and events. Bike Smart! is a Safe Routes to School program of Ecology Action, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting and providing sustainable transportation services to Santa Cruz County residents and businesses. Its other programs include: Bike to Work/School, Bike Week, Active4Me, Walk Smart and Zero Interest Bike Loan Program.
Check out the website.
Green Business Internship
Listing also found in the Summer tab.
Contact: Brooke Wright, volunteer@ecoact.org
Ecology Action Green Business Program is actively working to create more sustainable businesses and communities in Santa Cruz. For Winter Quarter 2019 they are looking for 2-3 dedicated interns interested in actively working towards creating a more eco friendly Santa Cruz
Mission Statement: Ecology Action helps to create more sustainable businesses, communities and economies by helping people act now.
Objectives: To help businesses that have signed up with the California Green Business Program to become certified as a Green Business. This involves being assigned to a business and being their point person forany support needed.
For more information check out their website!
Ecological Rights Foundation
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Fredric Evenson, ecorights@earthlink.net
Ecological Rights Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting California’s coastal environment through research, education and the enforcement of environmental laws. For this internship we are seeking students with interests in environmental studies, environmental law, biology, education, boating, social media and non-profit management. Interns should have strong research, writing and communication skills.
If intereseted, please visit here for more info.
The Ecological Farming Association
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Ken Dickerson; info@ecofarm.com; (831)763-2112
EFA is looking for a Program Intern to assist EFA’s Program Coordinator. The ideal candidate will be able to juggle multiple projects at once and to meet high standards of accuracy and timeliness. This position is tasked in particular with coordinating Scholarships and Fellowships for the EcoFarm Conference, but will have a hand in many other aspects of the conference planning as well. EcoFarm is the oldest and largest agricultural event in the West. The position will be involved in organizing and helping to shape various aspects of this year’s Conference, including but not limited to: assisting with outreach and follow-up by phone and/or email, creating and entering into databases, and other special project support for the conference. Hours are flexible, but preference will be given to someone who can commit to 10-15 hours per week, and who is able to adjust their hours according to the need to meet EFA deadlines.
Visit our website for more information.
Food Chain Radio
Listing also found in Agroecology and Plants tab.
Contact: Michael Olson; mo@ksco.com; (831)566-4209
Food Chain Radio, for those who are interested in environmental journalism, is a nationally-syndicated newstalk program that brings the issues of agriculture, food and environment to the table for discussion. Having broadcast over 750 shows, the Food Chain has established a dedicated audience of interested listeners throughout the world.
For more information please visit the website.
Social Media Intern
Listing also found in Alternative Energy tab.
Contact: Allie Willson, volunteer@habitatmontereybay.org
Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay operates ReStore Santa Cruz, located on the Westside of Santa Cruz on Swift St. ReStores are retail outlets that sell donated furniture, appliances and building materials. The store is open to the public and all proceeds help build affordable homes in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. We are looking for someone to continue to bring customers and donors into the store and increase exposure throughout Santa Cruz County.
HillTromper
Contact: Traci Hukill (831)601-7690
Hilltromper is an outdoor recreation website. We seek to get people outdoors and connected with nature by presenting places to go and things to do in a fun and friendly format. We emphasize good stewardship, volunteerism, inclusiveness and community. We also include a good deal of environmental news and nature/science writing on our site.
Every Hilltromper intern spends several hours per week maintaining the calendar of events, a great training ground for developing speed and accuracy in writing. For the first eight weeks I endeavor to expose the intern to the various journalistic forms in an organized progression of two-week modules, giving the intern a chance to practice the lessons in subsequent weeks. We allow interns to develop individual specialties according to interest. One might specialize in rock climbing and mountain biking blogs while another focuses on profiles of native plant species. A third may find nirvana in writing articles about local effects of climate change.
For more information please visit their website.
KZSC Radio Internship
Contact: Keith Rozendal, rozendal@ucsc.edu
We will train you in all aspects related to broadcast and online audio reporting on local environmental issues.You will report on issues affecting the natural environment around the Monterey Bay for “This Just In from Outdoors,” KZSC’s weekly environmental news report broadcasting every Friday evening since 2014.We produce news and profiles of Monterey Bay environmentalists, scientists, natural wonders and natural hazards. We also produce audio nature walks! We cover scientific studies of our special natural surroundings, we also cover the food system and agriculture, local land use, and positive solutions to local environmental issues.
Architecture Internship
Contact: Marilyn Crenshaw, TheGreenArchitect@gmail.com
Local Architect Marilyn Crenshaw has been working in the ecological architecture business in the Santa Cruz area for 40 years. Looking for Disciplined self study independent study partially unsupervised super passionate enthusiastic researcher self reliant student. Must be search savvy to try many different possibilities of key words searching on internet plus attend as many green conferences or local gov't public meetings as possible. During the internship student shall keep a weekly excel sheet timecard outlining the exact research or work student has done and email this to the architect as part of weekly communication. Architect will be available by phone, Skype, internet/email, &/or in-person to communicate w/ student weekly & as needed. Architect will not approve internship units or provide evaluation until student has completed all intended work.
Architecture Internship
Contact: Mark Primack; mark@markprimack.com; (831)426-9340
Skills employed would include primarily research and archiving and possibly CAD drafting and website and presentation design. Areas of engagement may include environmental and housing justice, sustainable urbanism, urban agriculture and tourism studies, Architectural projects may include accessory dwelling units and the new home on Pogonip for the Homeless Garden Project.
Internship with Assemblymember Mark Stone
Contact: Andrea Eberle; andrea.eberle@asm.ca.gov; 831-425-1503
The Santa Cruz District Office of Assemblymember Mark Stone is seeking dedicated interns. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuable experience working in a state legislator’s district office.
Intern Responsibilities:
- General Office Tasks: Compiling news clips, opening and sorting mail, answering phones, creating certificates of recognition and greeting and directing constituents.
- Constituent Correspondence: Researching various policy and local issues and constructing response letters to constituents.
- Constituent Casework: Contacting liaisons with state agencies to resolve a wide variety of constituent requests and issues.
- Legislative Research: Researching, summarizing and briefing staff on various policy or budget issues and conducting outreach to stakeholders.
Ocean Champions
Listing also found in Water and Marine-Related tab.
Contact: hr@oceanchampions.org; (831) 462-2550
The Ocean Conservation Intern Position is designed to introduce college-level individuals to working in the non-profit political sector of ocean conservation. The intern will be exposed to a broad range of legislative work in support of Ocean Champions’ mission.
This work will include:
- Research for and development of position papers and other critical media for use in campaigns to move and pass critical ocean-focused legislation
- Monitoring and reporting progress around Ocean Champions’ priority legislation, to include engaging other oceanfocused non-profits collaborating on these issues
- Assisting with communications efforts across a range of platforms including web pages, email blasts and social media such as Facebook
For more information visit our website!
Nonprofit Internship
Listing also found in the Summer and Environmental Justice tab.
Contact: Nancy Solorio at Nancy@ourcityforest.org
Our City Forest (OCF) is an award - winning environmental nonprofit supporting South Bay neighborhoods, schools, businesses, agencies and parks with a variety of greening projects. In addition to providing resources and technical assistance for planting and caring for trees, OCF runs a cultivation nursery and an Americorps service and job training program. Its mission is to cultivate a green and healthy Silicon Valley by engaging community members in the appreciation, protection, growth and maintenance of our urban ecosystem, especially its urban forest.
Social Media Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Nancy Faulstich at nancy@regenerationpajarovalley.org
Role of Intern: Increase social media presence and media coverage; grow list of e-news subscribers and followers. Depending on the candidate, may assist with website development.
Objectives for one quarter internship:
- Post 3 times a week on social media (Facebook and Instagram) Increase number of social media followers in one quarter by 50
- Assist with management of e-news list subscribers and production of minimum of 3 e- newsletters
- Take photos at Regeneración events and post on website and social media
10-Unit or Senior Internship
Listing also found in Agroecology and Plants, For-Profit Business, and Water & Marine-Related tabs
Contact Person: David Shaw, santacruzpermaculture@gmail.com
Santa Cruz Permaculture provides community development, land stewardship, holistic education, and eco-social design services for a thriving, just and sustainable world. I am looking to sponsor senior internships with qualified students interested in learning and practicing permaculture design in our community. This will include “dirt time” with gardening and land stewardship, as well as “social entrepreneurship” skills needed to run a successful business or non-profit organization. Interns will learn practical skills for personal and professional development that are applicable in a wide variety of fields.
Specific projects will vary based on the interns passion and skills. Projects may include:
- Land-based restoration including installation and maintenance of resilient food and water systems at both urban and rural scales. This is a primary way that the interns will learn and contribute.
- Attendance and support for the Santa Cruz Permaculture Design Course, and other workshops
- Hosting community forums to learn about issues of social justice and sustainability, and to create a stronger group of people for getting things done
- Creation of a Santa Cruz Bioregional Directory, a yellow pages of sustainable solutions
- Creation of a Santa Cruz Permaculture course website with course notes, videos, articles, etc.
- Social documentation including: writing a monthly eNewsletter, making Facebook posts, taking photos and videos
Check out these videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=155hMJC7GMw) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7i1H358zrM) to get an idea of what you can do!
This is a 6-month internship, 5 units per quarter offered twice a year (fall/winter and spring/summer)
2-Unit Internship
Listing also found in Agroecology and Plants, For-Profit Business, and Water & Marine-Related tabs
Contact Person: David Shaw, santacruzpermaculture@gmail.com
Santa Cruz Permaculture provides community development, land stewardship, holistic education, and eco-social design services for a thriving, just, and sustainable world. See www.santacruzpermaculture.com for details about the organization.
* Help Create a Bioregional Directory for Santa Cruz! *
Imagine a “green pages” for the greater Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay area that helps people connect with local organizations and businesses, and identify ways to make our community more sustainable. A beta version is live at santacruzbioregionaldirectory.wikispaces.com and we want your help making the first major draft.
You’ll learn about a wide range of organizations and sustainable practices in your own backyard, and make a real contribution towards the future of our community. Furthermore, we hope that our bioregional directory will provide a template for other communities world-wide.
The internship primarily includes researching local organizations, and creating entries in our wiki that include text, photos and videos. It may also include taking photographs and making videos related to permaculture as needed as well as helping promote the directory. Occasionally this position may also contribute to the Santa Cruz Permaculture blog.
This is a 1-quarter 2-unit internship offered every quarter. Please see our other listing for the 6-month 10-unit internship offered twice a year (fall/winter, and spring/summer).
Licensee Internship
Listing also found in the Water & Marine-Related tab.
Contact: Trey Highton, info@savethewaves.org
Save The Waves Coalition is a global nonprofit organization that utilizes protected areas, economics, and strategic campaigns to preserve and protect coastal ecosystems and communities. This position will be part of a small, ambitious, and fun team based in Davenport. The right applicant for this job will be enthusiastic about troubleshooting development issues with a website, including but not limited to: custom donation form development, format changes, tutorials and best practices, and helping find creative solutions to website related communications.
The primary roles of this position will be:
- Create and maintain a clean database of potential licensees at academic institutions and environmental organizations throughout the country, organized by region, with a goal of 150 institutions and contacts.
- Support FF Director and CM in bringing other licensees online as they become known. Ensure they receive licensee content, provide payment to STW, and have questions answered in a timely fashion.
Supply Shift Internship
Contact: James Barsimantov; jbarsimantov@ecoshift.com; (831) 234-8894
This is an opportunity for a current student to immerse themselves in social and environmental change within the business world. The student would be involved with various tasks including, data management, implementing client needs, testing new features, and graphic design. SupplyShift is looking for an intern who has had work or internship experience, preferably in sustainability or information management fields. The ideal intern has strong analytical skills and is interested in striving to make a positive change with large corporations. An internship at Supplyshift will give a student the opportunity to gain real world business management skills from daily organization to commonly used software tools, from practicing information security to communicating cross-culturally with organizations around the globe.
Homelessness Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Brent Adams, compassionman@hotmail.com
Warming Center Program is a coldest/wettest nights’ homeless emergency shelter. We only open when weather forecasts drop below an activation threshold. We’re seeking someone who will work with the director during the cold-weather shelter season. The intern will help with temperature-forecast program activation and volunteer coordination as well as other supportive administrative duties.
Waste Reduction & Reuse with GO Box
Listing also found in the For-Profit Business tab.
Contact: Paul Liotsakis, paul@goboxsfbay.com; (415)-626-8723
Waste Reduction & Reuse with GO Box is an innovative new green service providing reusable take-out containers to Bay Area food vendors and their customers. With GO Box, your meal is served in a durable, reusable and BPA-Free container. GO Box is a new way to conveniently and safely reduce waste associated with single-use, disposable to-go containers. More GO Box containers mean less trash and cost savings for food vendors.
Internship duration negotiable with a minimum of two months. Open to exploring school credit for student. Pay is $125/month with bonus upon successful funding of the campaign. Time commitment is a minimum of 16hrs/week.
For more info please visit the website.
350.org
Adventure Sports Journal
Bag Speak & Bagito
Beach Flats Community Garden
Bill Monning State Senator
California Coalition for Rural Housing
Campaign for Sustainable Transportation
Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs
City Council Member Drew Glover
Coastal Watershed Council
Committee to Bridge the Gap
Eat for the Earth
Ecology Action
Ecological Rights Foundation
Ecofarm
Food Chain Radio
Habitat For Humanity ReStore
Hilltromper
KZSC Radio
Marilyn Crenshaw Architect
Mark Primack
Mark Stone State Assembly
Ocean Champions
Our City Forest
Regeneración: Pajaro Valley Climate Action
Santa Cruz Permaculture
Save The Waves
Supply Shift
The Warming Center
Waste Reduction & Reuse with GO Box
