Agroecology Intern, Resource Conservation District at UCSC Center Agroecology

Call for Applications:

Climate Resilient Monterey Bay Internship with Resource Conservation District Monterey County –Agroecology Intern Summer 2026

The California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF) has received $71.1M in grant funds from NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge through the Inflation Reduction Act to implement high-priority climate adaptation actions in the Monterey Bay coastal area.

One key grant goal is building enduring capacity through workforce development and regional collaboration. To achieve this, the Climate Resilient Monterey Bay Workforce (CRMB) Development Program, facilitated by the Center for Agroecology, connects UCSC undergraduate students with paid internships that advance climate resilience. The program aims to develop a 21st-century workforce that is climate literate, informed by climate resilience, and skilled at addressing challenges.

Interns will gain valuable professional experience, strengthening their practical and applied skills while exploring potential career paths.

Location: Various locations in Monterey County, California

Duration
:
June 22 - August 28, 2026 (10-week Summer Session)
- Note:

TBD prior to start date; weekly hours and timeline are negotiable/flexible according to host and participant needs

Hours
: 20 hours/week (total 200 hours) at the internship + 2 hours/week (total 20 hours) of coursework

Mentorship
:
Regular check-ins and support from Laura Murphy and/or Kasey Butler

Housing:Housing will NOT be provided over the summer. Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations.

Pay/Compensation: Students will receive up to $4,000 in scholarships for their participation (depending on financial aid package). Payments will be distributed as scholarships through the Financial Aid office in summer. The student can work with the Financial Aid office to maximize the amount of their award.

Deadline for receipt of all materials: 11:59 PM on April 17, 2026.

Internship Activities (80%): Programmatic focus areas (depending on intern’s interest and availability of work projects)

• Option 1 - small-scale farmer conservation technical assistance:
  Work closely with RCDMC Agroecology Team to take soil nitrate quick tests in farmers' fields, assess irrigation efficiency, install soil moisture sensors, input farmer data into Crop Manage program, and other activities as needed.
• Option 2 - pollinator habitat implementation and maintenance:
  Assist with the establishment and maintenance of California native plant pollinator habitat in public spaces, community and demonstration gardens, and on farms. Engage with other non-profit community partner organizations to conduct outreach and education related to habitat conservation/restoration and natural resource conservation management topics, and support volunteer-based projects in urban gardens

ENVS 192 (10%):
Enroll in ENVS 192 (10 credits; tuition-free) for summer session. Complete assignments including readings, work plans, and progress reports.

Climate Resilient Monterey Bay Workforce Development Program (10%):
Attend two cohort meetings and one multi-campus event during the summer.

• Tools and techniques for irrigation management decision-making
• Tools and techniques for crop nutrient management decision-making
• Use of Crop Manage software
• California native plant species identification
• BMPs for soil health management

• UCSC undergraduate students who will be enrolled in Fall 2026 (not graduating in Spring or Summer 2026)
• Students must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents
• Students must provide…