Position Description
Restoration interns will gain experience in hands-on habitat restoration and community-based service projects. Typical activities include boots-on-the-ground habitat restoration through removal of invasive plants, habitat monitoring, and promoting community involvement and understanding of native habitat restoration. This internship focuses on terrestrial habitats, and does not include marine environments.

This position involves daily physical work. Applicants must be able to work outdoors in uneven terrain for several hours at a time, as well as lift and carry up to 50 pounds when needed.

Requirements

• Applicants must have or be enrolled in a related degree to be considered.
• Knowledge of California native flora recommended, but not required.
• 200 hours total minimum: 10-15 hr/week commitment.
• Due to seasonal conditions, restoration activities typically take place in the early morning. Applicants with availability between Tuesday through Saturday in the morning hours (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM) are preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leading volunteer groups in invasive plant removal, trash removal or other restoration activities.
• Removal of invasive weeds with hand tools and herbicides.
• Strategic brush removal for fire prevention.
• Trail maintenance with use of gas-powered mowers and trimmers.
• Occasional vegetation surveys, and GPS mapping as needed.
• Occasional data entry including creation of graphs and figures as needed.
• Assist in development of outreach materials as needed.

Position Description
Education interns will gain experience in development and implementation of informal and formal science education programs. Activities include leading guided tours of the Bolsa Chica wetlands, assisting with Interpretive Center exhibits, community outreach events, service events, and informal school and camp programs, when applicable. Education interns are also responsible for drafting and scheduling posts for the Conservancy’s social media presence.

Requirements

• Applicants must have or be enrolled in a related degree to be considered.
• Must be available to work at least one Saturday per month.
• Ongoing, 250 hour minimum.

Primary Responsibilities
Intern responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Regularly interacting and interfacing with the public, usually children, in an informal educational setting.
• Leading guided hikes of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve to visiting groups.
• Assisting and/or leading participation in public outreach activities at various fairs, festivals, and other locales.
• Developing educational curricula for educational programs.
• (Summer) Assist with the Conservancy’s Summer Curiosity Camp program.

Position Description
This position will provide interpretive experience to guests about our animal ambassadors as well as assist with feeding and maintenance of animal ambassadors. This position will also assist in bird and other animal surveys monthly, as well as entering and validating data. Ideal candidate is interested in pursuing organismal biology, zoology, ornithology or related degree, and is comfortable speaking to a small crowd.

Requirements

• Applicants must have or be enrolled in a related degree to be considered. Bird identification experience is strongly encouraged.
• Ongoing, 200 hour minimum.
• Must have at least two days of availability per week, Saturday or Sunday + 1 weekday preferred. Must be able to attend one of the following animal survey days monthly: 2nd Friday, 3rd Friday, or 2nd Sunday. Each of these survey shifts is an early morning shift.
• This position requires your own vehicle or reliable transportation to survey sites.

Primary Responsibilities
Intern responsibilities will distributed accordingly:

• ~25% providing interpretive information to guests about animal ambassadors, monitoring programs, native species etc., including assisting with educational programs as needed.
• ~25% providing husbandry to live animal ambassadors including snakes, lizards, aquarium fish. This will include feeding frozen mice to snakes, live crickets to reptiles, and frozen fish and shellfish to aquarium fish. Occasional aquarium upkeep.
• ~20% assisting with avian species and other animal surveys.
• ~10% Lead volunteers as needed.
• ~10% Data entry and quality control, including the creation of graphs, tables and figures when needed.
• ~10% Creation of outreach and interpretive materials (flyers, presentations, social media etc.)

Position Description:
We are seeking enthusiastic and dependable Summer Camp Interns to support our dynamic day camp programs. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with children, thrive in an active outdoor environment, and are eager to contribute to meaningful educational experiences.

Summer Camp Interns will assist in leading and supporting a variety of engaging camp activities, including games, hands-on learning experiences, outdoor exploration, crafts, and group-based challenges. Interns will work closely with camp staff to create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all participants.

This is a hands-on, engaging role that provides valuable experience in youth education, program facilitation, and environmental learning in a fun day camp setting.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist in the supervision and engagement of campers throughout the day.
• Support the facilitation of structured activities, games, and educational programming.
• Help lead group transitions and maintain camper organization and participation.
• Encourage positive behavior, teamwork, and inclusion among campers.
• Ensure camper safety by following all program guidelines and procedures.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and preparation of materials for activities.
• Communicate effectively with staff and support team coordination as needed.

Qualifications:

• Interest in working with children in an outdoor, educational setting.
• Energetic, reliable, and team-oriented attitude.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain attentive, flexible, and proactive in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn and take direction from camp leadership.

Preferred (but not required):

• Experience working with youth, camps, or educational programs.
• CPR/First Aid certification.