Public Policy Internships

Save the Beach Flats Community Garden from Small Pumpkin Productions on Vimeo.



    Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement 

  • Student Trainee (Program Analysis)

    GS-0399-02

    Full Performance Level GS-05

    Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement 

    This vacancy may be used by any BSEE Program Office, in the Sterling, VA or Washington, DC area.

    Duty Location:

    Sterling, VA or Washington, DC

    Open Date: Friday, February 9th, 2024

    Close Date: Sunday, February 18th, 2024

    This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date.

     

    BSEE-EEAA-24-FS-119(PW)

    Hyperlink to USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/775704500

     

    APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications must be submitted online using the "Apply Online" link from the job announcement in USAJOBS; please follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the announcement.  

    Remember to thoroughly review the vacancy announcement and carefully read and follow all instructions. 

    IMPORTANT:  It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder because it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed.  The Resume Builder is available at https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Resume_Builder.  


  • Beach Flats Community Garden

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    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.


  • California State Assembly Member Gail Pellerin

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    District Office Internship

    Contact: Email only for questions, lisette.jones@asm.ca.gov 
    Phone: 831-425-1503 

    Sponsoring Interns Summer 2025. Deadline for Summer 2025 Applications is May 15th at 5PM

    To learn more about how to apply: https://a28.asmdc.org/internship-program

    The Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County District Offices of Assemblymember Gail Pellerin are seeking dedicated interns. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuble experience working in a state legislator's district office. Intern must be able to work in person in one of our District Offices. 

    Interested students much have very strong writing and communication skills, the ablility to take direction, an interest in public service, and a willingness to commit to at least 8 but no more than 15 hours of work per week. 

     


  • Climate Action Network

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    Climate Action Network

    Listing can also be found 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

  • Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs

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    Science and Restoration internship

    Listing also found in the Water and Marine-Related tabs. 

    Contact: Kevin O'Connor, kevin.oconnor@sjsu.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 and restoration, 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 scientific research and monitoring of water quality treatment wetlands and local watersheds. Data analysis and management and other office work that may be needed.  They may also be involved in restoration activities including out-planting, weed control, and habitat monitoring. 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.

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  • Committee to Bridge the Gap

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    Environmental Policy Internship

    Listing can also be found under Environmental Justice tab.

    Contact: Haakon Williams,  h.williams@committeetobridgethegap.org

    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 over 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.

    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 is remote, with occasional opportunities for in-person group work sessions. Learn more about us here.


  • Eat for the Earth

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    Eat for the Earth Internship

    Listing can also be found under Environmental Justice

    Contact Person: Beth, (831) 466-3405, admin@eatfortheearth.org 

    Eat for the Earth makes it easier for people to eat more plants and less animal products to sustain all life on Earth. Many people are becoming aware that dietary choices impact the environment by contributing to the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, ocean dead zones, desertification, and many other challenges. A growing body of research demonstrates that a shift in global diets is a necessary component of any effective solution to the complete breakdown of the biosphere. Simultaneously, diet-caused chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease lead to disability and early death for the majority of people in the US. The food on our forks affects all groups, but some groups more than others. Factors such as racism and the colonization of indigenous diets create additional obstacles to good health for many marginalized groups. Eat for the Earth addresses all these concerns by working at the intersections of environmental advocacy, human health, and food justice—advocating for healthy plant-based diets that have tremendous benefits in all these areas and more. 


  • Environteers

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    Listing also found in Environmental Education and Summer tabs.

    Contact: Andrew Carman info@environteers.org Cell: (831-332-0523) 

    Are you excited about promoting environmental awareness and action? Are you eager to learn how to inspire participation in environmental protection? Environteers.org needs interns to connect the UCSC community to opportunities to engage in environmental activities. Our free resource, the Environteers Weekly Update, empowers participation by publicizing the environmental education and volunteer activities of all Santa Cruz.
    County organizations, as well as state and national groups. Interns are needed with strong interests in leveraging social and news media on campus and identifying other avenues for inviting students, faculty, and staff to utilize our resources.

    The Environteers.org website and Weekly Update e-newsletter are dedicated to making it easy to stay informed of environmental issues and to quickly and easily take action. We publicize the educational and volunteer activities of all of 100+ Santa Cruz County environmental entities as well as those of several state
    and national groups. The Update is the most useful and engaging environmental newsletter for our County. The Update always has beautiful photos, fascinating & informative articles, compelling action items, and good news, and it’s free! It is a powerful resource for all who are committed to being informed and in action protecting and restoring our environment. There are currently over 1100 subscribers in the county. The role of the intern is to connect the UCSC campus community to opportunities to engage in environmental activities by using the Environteers Weekly Update. You will not be asking your community for any money or time
    commitment. Rather you are offering a free and convenient resource for helping fulfill their need to make a difference. We need interns who are: passionate about promoting engagement in environmental action, self-motivating, and effective communicators.

    The specific tasks include:
    1. Develop social media presence on campus
    2. Working with campus media (radio, newspaper) to publicize
    Environteers
    3. Contacting instructors & professors of ES & other sciences to
    create opportunities to inform their students
    4. Working with campus entities, e.g., the Sustainability Office, Climate Coalition, Rachel Carson College, Student Volunteer Center, to foster mutual publicizing. 


  • Food Chain Radio

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    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.


  • Habitat For Humanity ReStore

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    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.


  • John Laird State Senator

  • State Senator Internship

    Sen. John Laird

    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. 

  • International Dark-Sky Association

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    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.


  • Regeneración: Pajaro Valley Climate Action

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    Planning Internship

    Listing can also be found under Environmental Justice tab.

    Contact: Nancy Faulstich and Eloy Ortiz at nancy@regenerationpajarovalley.org  eloy@regenerationpajarovalley.org

    Planning Internship

    Role of Intern: Assist with the administrative processes and social media for a two-year planning grant centered in the Pajaro Valley; edit online website, forms, and spreadsheets; send reminders to participants; grow list of e-news subscribers and followers. Depending on the candidate, may assist with content development. Students who are multilingual in Spanish and/or Mixteco are encouraged to apply.

    Objectives for one quarter internship:

      • Assist in the development of online administrative documents using Google Suite (Docs, Forms, Sheets)
      • Develop and Post 2-3 times a week on social media (Facebook and Instagram) Increase number of social media followers in one quarter by 50
      • Assist with documentation and meeting reminder phone calls and texts
      • Take photos, video, and record testimonials at events and post on website and social media
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  • Santa Cruz Farmers Market

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    Listing also found in the Agroecology and Plants 

    SCCFM Internship

    Contact: Nicole Zahm, education@santacruzfarmersmarket.org

    The Santa Cruz Community FarmersMarkets internship positions require 6 – 10 hours of work per week. The focus of these internships is to learn the basic mechanics of running farmers’ markets and to support SCCFM’s educational and community outreach projects. There are also opportunities for students with special interests and skills such as photography, research, graphic design, event planning, etc.

    Interns learn on the ground and with support from market managers and the Communication and Programs Manager. Work responsibilities include set-up and breakdown of farmersmarkets and running the information table. The information table is the market hub for the CalFresh Program (EBT/foodstamps) and other food access programs. Interns also assist with the organization and production of The Foodshed Project (FSP) and other educational event series at the markets.

    Summer interns have the opportunity to work with teen staff - graduates of the youth empowerment program “Food What?!”. Spring and summer interns may also have the opportunity to support event planning and production for the Pop-Up Breakfast Series at the Westside and Scotts Valley markets between June and August.


  • Supply Shift

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    Supply Shift Internship

    Also Under Environmental Justice & Private Business

    Contact: Tracey Brown, tbrown@supplyshift.net

    SupplyShift is seeking 1-2 motivated interns with strong writing and editing skills. The interns will work on tasks like conducting research and developing and editing marketing copy related to a variety of supply chain sustainability topics. 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. Please send your resume and a writing sample to tbrown@supplyshift.net for consideration for these positions.

  • The Warming Center

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    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.