Public Policy Internships
Save the Beach Flats Community Garden from Small Pumpkin Productions on Vimeo.
Climate Action Network
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 !
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. Students will work to host events with the gardeners such as movie showings, educational days, and planting/harvest celebrations. Spanish is required.
State Senator Internship
Contact: Senator.Laird@senate.ca.gov
The Santa Cruz District Office of State Senator John Laird 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.
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.
Environmental Policy Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice Tab
Contact: Haakon Williams, hwillieyams@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 and Los Angeles that are burdened with toxic contamination, and research and advocacy work on federal issues relating to high-level nuclear waste. This internship will continue to be remote for the time being. Learn more about us here.
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.
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. For more information look here or here!
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.
Santa Cruz Chapter
Available Fall and Spring quarter only
Contact: Lisa Heschong, (916) 396-6357, lisa@heschong.com
Students will interview and work with Santa Cruz city staff and elected officials to test and improve California light pollution codes. Must have GIS analysis skills and ability to attend some evening community meetings. This is a 2 quarter project commitment.
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: 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
2-Unit Internship
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.
Sunrise Movement Santa Cruz
Contact: Alhad Dighe, 408-637-6555
sunrisemovementsantacruz@gmail.com
Sunrise Movement is an American youth-led political movement coordinated
by Sunrise, a 501 political action organization that advocates political action
on climate change. Students will do policy research, plan events, coordinate social media, and create a climate centered ciriculum to share with the public.
Supply Shift Internship
Also Under Environmental Justice & Private Business
Not Available Until Spring 2022
Contact: Brianna McCain, bmccain@supplyshift.net
SupplyShift is seeking 1-2 motivated interns with strong analytical and Excel skills to work with its implementation staff on two projects next year during winter and spring quarters, possibly longer. Interns have the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks related to assisting customer implementation and support teams, testing new features, and managing their support center articles. The internship requires at least 10 hours a week on an ongoing basis. The internship will begin as credit based, and could convert to a paid position after the first quarter. Course credit can be arranged with the Environmental Studies Internship Office.
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.
Climate Action Network
Adventure Sports Journal
Beach Flats Community Garden
John Laird State Senator
Campaign for Sustainable Transportation
Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs
Committee to Bridge the Gap
Eat for the Earth
Ecological Rights Foundation
Food Chain Radio
Habitat For Humanity ReStore
International Dark-Sky Association
KZSC Radio
Mark Primack
Mark Stone State Assembly
Ocean Champions
Our City Forest
Regeneración: Pajaro Valley Climate Action
Save The Waves
Sunrise Movement Santa Cruz
Supply Shift
The Warming Center
