Agency Sponsor: Anthony Brunetti, acbrunet@ucsc.edu
If interested, email agency sponsor. This is an unpaid internship. The faculty sponsor for this internship is Elliot Campbell, jojcampb@ucsc.edu
# of Interns:
- Fall 2025: Sponsoring 2 interns enrolling in ENVS 84, 83, 183 or 183A/183B.
- Winter 2026: Sponsoring 2 interns enrolling in ENVS 84, 83, 183 or 183A/183B.
- Spring 2026: Sponsoring 2 interns enrolling in ENVS 84, 83, 183 or 183A/183B.
- Summer 2025: Sponsoring students enrolling in ENVS 84.
Agency Description:
Within the Cogeneration Shop, we hold responsibility for the cogeneration plant that supplies power to Science Hill, the central heating system, the central condensing system, as well as monitoring and operating the high-voltage grid and building management systems throughout the campus. Our team oversees the critical systems that uphold the daily functions of UCSC, offering 24/7/365 support. We provide the following:
- Operations of the central plant cogeneration facility
- Electrical generation and distribution
- Maintenance and operation of the heating plant
- Maintenance and operation of the condensing/cooling plant
- Energy management monitoring
- Building management monitoring
- Mechanical maintenance and operation of the PE pool
Intern Responsibilities:
Interns will shadow plant operators and gain firsthand insight into the day-to-day operation of a campus cogeneration (cogen) plant. This internship provides direct, hands-on exposure to plant systems and procedures, offering valuable practical experience in energy production and facility operations. Interns will develop foundational skills that are highly transferable to careers in a wide range of industries where skilled operators are essential.
Other Requirements:
- Training: Completion of required site safety orientation prior to entering plant operations areas.
- Protective Equipment: Interns must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times in designated areas, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and closed toe shoes.
- Conduct: Strict adherence to safety rules, signage, and operator instructions is mandatory. Horseplay, distractions, or use of personal electronic devices in operational zones are not permitted.
- Environment: Ability to work in industrial conditions, which may include elevated noise, heat, confined spaces, and rotating equipment.
- Awareness: Interns must maintain situational awareness and report any unsafe condition or near-miss immediately to supervisors.
- Medical: Must be able to safely navigate stairs, ladders, and uneven surfaces; reasonable accommodations will be considered.
Shifts: We are a 24 hour operation, so schedules are very flexible.
Location: UCSC Fackler Cogeneration Plant
Key Words: Energy, Freshwater Systems, Technology/Industry, Water/Marine Systems