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Jobs and Opportunities

For current ENVS students who are interested in internships for credit, please check out our internship website or contact esintern@ucsc.edu.

Want to join our mailing list to receive more ENVS jobs, awards, scholarships, and other opportunity updates? Please sign up here. 

Are you a staff, faculty, student, or employer hoping to post opportunities? Send them to us at envsadvi@ucsc.edu. 

NOTE (as of 4/11/2023): The content on this page is not up-to-date! We are hoping to update it soon, but for now, please use it as more of a general resource to give you ideas...you will see that most of the deadlines and dates listed are several years past. 

  1. Events
  2. Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
  3. Jobs and Paid Internships
  4. Scholarships and Awards
  5. Opportunities Abroad
  6. Fellowships
  7. Graduate School Programs

    Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

  • California Native Garden Foundation Internship

    For the past 20 years, California Native Garden Foundation in San Jose has hosted college interns from institutions throughout California as well as internationally. This year, obviously, is unusual; the world will be a different place when this is over, and we have an opportunity to create cities where humans can live more sustainably by restoring local ecosystems, growing our own food, and reconnecting children with nature. 

    Students who may be interested in helping us put together an array of pilot programs through our partnership with San Jose City College are encouraged to apply. This summer, in addition to our usual activities, we are building curriculum for new certification and degree programs in ecological fields including:

    • Nature Immersion Early Childhood Education
    • Outdoor STEAM Education for K-8th grade
    • Regenerative Organic Agriculture (ROA) 
    • Ecological Engineering
    • Local Ecology
    • Ecological Urban Landscaping, with a special emphasis on designing and maintaining teaching gardens, based on our ELSEE model (https://cngf.org/elsee/) 
    • Plant-based Culinary Arts

    There will be opportunities for hands-on learning at our gardens and urban ROA farm (outdoors, which is much safer, while maintaining social distancing), as well as online internships for students who live further, or are unable to meet in person.  

    We are also looking for soil science majors who will help us to set up research projects; plant biologists, and community organizers. As our program is expanding, we expect that some of these internship positions could lead to career opportunities with our program in the near future. 

    Contact to learn more, or go here to apply. (If faculty are interested in volunteering as mentors on these projects, we’d love to hear from them as well!)

     

  • UCSC Student Environmental Center Opportunities

    The Student Environmental Center (SEC) is a student-run, student-led activist organization on campus dedicated to institutionalizing sustainability and environmental justice at UCSC through projects and events that educate and empower students. 
    We are seeking volunteers and 2- or 5- unit interns for the Spring quarter and beyond! Interning and working with the SEC will be remote and an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on skills like leadership, facilitation, project planning, critical thinking, etc., which employers will be looking for after graduation. Interns will also be able to create meaningful and lasting change on campus all while learning outside of the lecture hall and earning college credits! 
    So get involved with us today! Reach out to sec-group@ucsc.edu for questions, inquiries, and ways to get involved. 

  • Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) Council Openings

    CSC is a student-run funding body that allocates grant money to organizations working on sustainability projects. The CSC is currently looking for council members that can participate for the entire academic year. Council members are stewards for the Campus Sustainability Programs Fee that all UCSC undergraduate students pay in their tuition. As a member of the council you will learn the Principles of Democratic Budgeting, Sustainability & Climate Justices, and the Student Agency Model. Volunteering on the council also gives students an opportunity to develop their professional skills, including time management, budget management, interpersonal communication, and networking.

    CSC looks forward to working with you to build a more sustainable future, even in these challenging times. Please feel free to reach out to csc@ucsc.edu if you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview.

     

  • Middlebrook Center for Urban Sustainability

    The Middlebrook Center is a non-profit organization in downtown San Jose that focuses on sustainable food production and urban ecosystem restoration. We use native plants and Regenerative Organic Agriculture to create healthy, productive, and efficient agro-ecosystems. We are involved in solutions for climate change through youth education programs.  

    We currently have several open internship positions that may interest students in your department. Current internship openings include:

    • Ecological Landscaping (paid)
    • Regenerative Organic Urban Agriculture
    • Early Childhood Education and Nature Immersion
    • Plant-Based Culinary Arts
    • Sustainable Engineering
    • Sustainable Art
    • Social Media and Community Outreach
    • Events Coordinator

    More information is available here. Applications can be found here.

    In addition to interns, we are looking for research collaboration opportunities with students and faculty who share our interests in soil science, nature immersion education, urban agriculture, and native plant communities. We have a unique garden in downtown San Jose, where we have, over the past two decades, used native plants to regenerate urban ecology. 

    If you have any questions about our work, research, or student internships, please contact us at cngf.org@gmail.com.

     

     

  • Graduating Seniors: Full Time Organizing Opportunity with CALPIRG

    Students are often at the forefront of movements to build a better future for our country. Whether or not those students make real progress depends on whether they are organized, have the skills to be effective and a strategic plan to get things done.  For almost 50 years the Student PIRGs have gotten results, by recruiting, training and working alongside student activists on campaigns that make a difference.

    The Student PIRGs set out to increase youth voter turnout last Fall and organized youth mobilization campaigns in states across the country. Our efforts recruited more than 2,000 student leaders that helped make over 390,000 GOTV contacts to make sure students were heard on Election Day. We have also helped the University of California system make a commitment to 100% Renewable Electricity, and worked to pass local and statewide bans to phase out the use of single use plastics. Our chapters on campuses across the country  will continue to provide the resources students need to tackle climate change, protect public health, revitalize our democracy, feed the hungry and more. 

    If you are ready to make a difference after graduation- apply now. Take your first step for a career in advocacy by applying for a full-time position!

    Our Organizers provide students the training and resources needed to become movement leaders by recruiting volunteers, training potential leaders to take on more responsibility and doing campaign work themselves.  

    Responsibilities include: 

    • Inspiring and recruiting hundreds of students to take action on important issues.

    • Training students to be effective social change leaders so they can run strategic campaigns, using skills like organizing news conferences, building strong coalitions, generating grassroots support, and coordinating lobby days.

    • Building a strong, sustainable, student-funded, and student-run organization on campus by fundraising, building relationships with key players on campus, and building our brand. 

    • Building relationships with other student groups, faculty and administrators.

    • Working alongside students to win real reforms for the public.

    • Running a citizen outreach office during the summer, where you’ll recruit and lead a team of canvassers to fundraise for important issues.

    Apply today at jobs.StudentPIRGs.org 

     

  • Serve with FoodCorps: paid opportunities to connect kids to healthy food

    FoodCorps is an AmeriCorps program that connects kids to healthy food in schools so that they can reach their full potential. Our Service Members are placed within one or two schools within a community, and focus on leading hands-on gardening and nutrition lessons with elementary-aged students, supporting positive behavior in cafeterias, and supporting the school community in building a culture of health.

    Where we serve: There are opportunities to serve throughout the state; we are looking to find 30 passionate and motivated individuals to serve in schools across the Bay Area, as well as in San Diego County, Ventura County, San Bernardino County, and Los Angeles.

    More info: Folks can find more information about the program and where we serve and a full position description at those links. 

    How to apply: Those who are interested in serving can apply online through our website. We will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates on a rolling basis throughout the spring.

     

  • County of Santa Cruz: Environmental Health Specialist

    If you are seeking exciting new opportunities, the County of Santa Cruz has exciting opportunities available in an Environmental Health. Do you have experience with inspecting and investigating environmental health conditions? Are you experienced in educating the public concerning environmental health and safety? If so read on!

    We have current vacancies in the Consumer Protection Program.

    Environmental Health Specialist I: $5,775 - 7,524 

    Environmental Health Specialist II: $6,280 - 8,202 

    Environmental Health Specialist III: $7,129 - 9,025

    Special Requirements/Conditions: License Requirements: Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Environmental Health Specialist issued by the California State Department of Health Services. Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.

    For more information on the positions and requirements and to APPLY online please go to our website www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

     

     

  • Job Openings with the Community Water Center

    The Community Water Center is a great organization working towards community-based solutions for water justice throughout California.  

    Communications Manager - Sacramento Office
    The bilingual (English and Spanish) Communications Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing media relations, organizational communications (eblasts, web presence, social media), and supporting CWC’s fundraising efforts. The Communications Manager is a full-time position based out of our Sacramento office and will report to the Director of Strategic Partnerships. This position will work closely with CWC’s Policy Director and the Executive Director, as well as other CWC staff, community members, ally organizations and agencies, and various interns.

    Community Organizer - Visalia Office
    The Community Organizer position is a regular, full-time, exempt employee position that will be primarily responsible for conducting CWC’s organizing and base-building work in communities in the San Joaquin Valley. This position will report directly to the CWC Director of Organizing and will work closely with other CWC staff, community partners and allies.

    Water Leadership Strategist - Visalia or Sacramento Office
    The Water Leadership Strategist is primarily responsible for coordinating the Community Water Leaders Network (CWLN) and supporting efforts to build regional power. CWLN is a network of 22 elected representatives from city councils, county board of supervisors, local water boards, public utilities districts, community service districts, school boards who have made a commitment to securing safe, clean and affordable water for their communities. The network is designed to support local elected decision makers by connecting leaders to each other for peer support and mentorship, providing accurate information and water expertise, and by sharing information on opportunities to secure safe and affordable drinking water.

    The application details are located on their website. 

     

     

  • Scholarships for Environmental & Horticulture-related projects!

    The Garden Club of America is offering tons of scholarships for qualified students seeking funding for study or research in the areas of: 

    • Botany
    • Coastal Wetland Studies
    • Conservation
    • Desert Studies
    • Ecology
    • Garden History & Design
    • Horticulture
    • International Study
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Native Bird Habitat
    • Native Plant Studies
    • Pollinator Research
    • Public Horticulture
    • Urban Forestry

    Application details and deadlines available on Garden Club of America website. If you have any questions, please contact scholarshipapplications@gcamerica.org.

     

     

    • Opportunities Abroad

  • UCDC Program

    UCDC offers eligible undergraduate students an exciting opportunity to combine course work, exciting field research, and unparalleled internship experience during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Typically, students live in residence during the program in Washington DC, but this year the program will be remote through Spring 2021. Students from any major can gain valuable on-the-job experience with professionals and experts in fields that interest them. From NASA, to the Nation Institutes of Health, to the Smithsonian, to the Capitol, students have the chance to test-drive a career, build their portfolio or resume, and make valuable industry contacts that can be essential to landing the ideal job upon graduation.
     
    UCDC’s mission is to provide the highest quality experiential learning program for UC undergraduates by offering professional development and internship opportunities that help inform students' transition from study to professional practice.
     
    Students from all majors have the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience with professionals and experts in fields that interest them. From working on Capitol Hill or in a government agency to interning for a major media outlet, a nonprofit organization, or a cultural institution like the Smithsonian.

  • Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, USA (WWOOF-USA)

    WWOOF invites students to complete their coursework from an organic farm, while learning practical skills alongside a farmer, discovering how to grow food & meeting new people!

    Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, USA (WWOOF-USA) is a cultural and educational on-farm experience that students can use for an:
    • Internship
    • Distance learning opportunity (complete online classes from a farm!)
    • Hands-on training to gain practical skills

    The program is open year-round to all students. Spring and summer 2021 opportunities are posted now on over 1,700 farms across the USA. WWOOF host farmers have health and safety protocols in place to host students today.

    Student visitors, or "WWOOFers," spend about half of each day helping on a host farm while learning about organic agriculture and sustainability. They receive free room and board during their visit – with no money exchanged between host farmers and WWOOFers. No previous experience is required as WWOOF is a learning opportunity.

    The length of stay is flexible from a day or weekend on a local farm, up to a week, full semester or even longer. Host farms are located in all 50 states. 

    WWOOF-USA is a non-profit organization and the only expense to members is $40 for a one-year membership. We are offering a $10 student membership discount for current students. Register as a WWOOFer and enter the coupon code: SPRING21 during checkout. 

     

  • UCEAP Study Environmental Sciences Abroad

    UCEAP offers over 75 programs worldwide for environmental science majors! UCEAP partners with top universities around the world and several of these institutions are consistently ranked among the world’s best universities for environmental sciences.

    UCEAP is highlighting programs in England, Singapore, Spain, Barbados, and Sweden. Explore more programs in environmental sciences.

    Are you curious about more places where you can study environmental sciences abroad? Check out this short video highlighting programs with a strong sustainability and environmental studies focus, excellent course offerings, and unique opportunities.

    Adventure awaits! Review your next steps and join thousands of UC students who study abroad each year.

     

  • Wildlands Studies Field Programs

    Wildlands Studies programs provide students with course credit and the unique opportunity to complement their in-class work with firsthand field studies while engaging with active researchers and conservation professionals. Students will leave our programs with extensive knowledge about field research techniques, a solid sense of how to move forward in their academic and professional careers, and the start of their own professional network, essential in obtaining future employment. 

    We are actively accepting applications for our outdoor environmental study programs. A UC student favorite, hundreds of past UC students can attest to the rigor and depth of our programs. Our programs provide students with applied field research techniques, access to local scientists, wildlife monitoring, biological assessments, camping, and hiking. 

    Winter 2022 programs are available in Hawaii, Ecuador, Belize, and Thailand. 

    More information is available on the Wildlands Studies website.

     

  • California Ecology and Conservation Field Quarter

    California Ecology and Conservation brings together 27 undergraduates from across the UC system for seven weeks of intensive learning at NRS reserves. Experienced field instructors help undergraduates transform into scientists. Students complete a series of increasingly independent research studies while learning to notice natural patterns, frame questions into feasible research projects, and practice standard field techniques. At the conclusion of each project, students analyze their data and present their findings in oral presentations and written reports. Students hone their research, public speaking, and scientific writing skills with constant practice and feedback. All the while, students gain a working familiarity with California’s diverse ecosystems.

    All UC undergraduates who have a 2.5+ GPA, are in good standing with their home campus, and have successfully completed an introductory biology course are eligible to apply.

    This program is offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. More information is available on the course website. 

    Applications for the Summer 2022 NRS California Ecology and Conservation Field Quarter can be found here. They will be due February 11, 2021. 

    We are also seeking TAs; this position is ideal for graduate students late in their careers who are looking to gain more teaching and mentoring experience pay and hours are as a normal TAship. However, you would need to stay with the course for its 50-day duration. To apply, please contact Krikor Andonian at kandonia@ucsc.edu.

     

    • Fellowships

  • 2021 RAY Diversity Fellowship

    The RAY Diversity Fellowship is a two-year (1 year with 1-year renewal), full-time position with partner conservation and clean energy organizations with the goal of increasing and facilitating environmentally-related career pathways for emerging leaders of color. 

    Interested applicants may join upcoming informational webinar series to ask questions, learn more about the application process, and hear from a current RAY Fellow. 

    Applications for the 2021 cycle are open and descriptions of Fellowship positions will be added on a rolling basis through March. We anticipate scientific and policy research and communications specific positions among others this year. Visit our website at http://www.rayfellowship.org/apply for application instructions and deadlines. 

     

    • Graduate School Programs

  • College of Charleston Environmental and Sustainability Studies Graduate Program

    The Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies program (EVSS) is a 2 year program that prepares students to deal with the complex nature of environmental issues through an interdisciplinary approach that capitalizes on the unique faculty and research strengths of The Graduate School of the College of Charleston. The faculty contributes through policy sciences, mathematics and the natural and physical science areas of biology, geology and physics.

    In addition, we offer a concurrent degree with the Master of Public Administration Program. The concurrent program can be completed in about 3 years and will prepare you for the challenges of a career in the environmental field. Courses examine the development and implementation of public policy responses to environmental issues.

    If you're interested in the College of Charleston's Environmental and Sustainability Studies program and Marine Biology program but are not sure which masters degree is the right fit for you, click here to learn about some key program differences.

    Spring: Final Deadline Decemeber 1st

    More application information is avaiable here. 

    For any questions, please email Lucy Davis (click here to e-mail), Program Coordinator.

    There will be webinars for prospective students on November 9th at 4pm, January 19th at 4pm, February 22nd at 4pm, and March 24th at 4pm. Register here.