Ocean Internship: California Coastal

California Coastal Commission Internship

The Commission values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission of protecting and enhancing California's coast and ocean for present and future generations.

The California Coastal Commission is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to support the agency's mission to protect and enhance the coast of California for present and future generations.

The position is not strictly limited to one particular unit, and may support a range of activities based on the applicant's interests, job site, and the work available (see POTENTIAL PROJECTS below). This is a paid, part-time position with flexible hours (20 hours per week) for a period of 8 weeks, beginning June 30, 2025. If this internship meets criteria for a course project, class credit, or other educational pursuit, staff can work with the selected intern to facilitate the completion of academic requirements.

The position will be hybrid, based in either the agency's headquarters in San Francisco, in Long Beach at the South Coast District office, or in Santa Cruz at the Central Coast District Office.

The intern will be under contract with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation and California Coastal Commission based at the California Coastal Commission. The intern will be paid $22 per hour.

POTENTIAL PROJECTS may include (depending on interest, field of study, or location):

• Develop resources to increase meaningful engagement with the general public and environmental justice communities alongside the Environmental Justice Unit.
• Work with the Statewide Planning unit to support the tracking of Housing Laws that impact the coast of California. [SOUTH COAST / LONG BEACH ONLY]
• Under the direction of the Mapping Program Manager, provide support to the GIS and Mapping Team. [SAN FRANCISCO ONLY]
• Support the Tribal Liaison team to develop resources to implement the agency's Tribal Consultation Policy.
• Under the direction of Central Coast Management, compile information on unpermitted development, correspond with affected parties, and find alternatives to support compliance. [CENTRAL COAST / SANTA CRUZ ONLY]

DESIRABLE

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interest in any of the following: environmental policy, planning, environmental justice, land use planning, ocean science, and environmental policy;
• Research experience;
• Experience interacting with community organizations and or stakeholders or comfort communicating with individuals and organizations in person, over the phone, through video chat, or via email.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented;
• Ability to work well independently and participate in virtual meetings;

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Currently enrolled in a community college or university institution and working towards completing an Undergraduate degree.

The intern will work virtually, with occasional days in the selected office depending on placement and public health guidelines. This position will require access to a computer, phone and Internet. The intern may attend events, hearings, in-person meetings, or site-visits.

Final date to receive applications:
June 13, 2025

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.