Habitat Conservation InternshipAt — OC Habitats

Currently accepting applications for Spring 2022

Application deadlines:

• Winter Semester: Dec 31
• Spring Semester: Feb 28
• Summer Semester: April 30
• Fall Semester: July 31st
  **Applications will only be considered for the following term if submitted before the listed deadline.

OC Habitats™ nonprofit is offering non-paid internship opportunities to rising junior and senior college-level students who are seeking experience in habitat conservation and environmental science.  Each intern will leave with a basic knowledge of Orange County habitats and the species therein through training, research, projects, and field work (pending COVID-19 restrictions). They will gain a basic knowledge of data analysis through data entry and interpretation as well as website and social media exposure. Interns will be given the opportunity to gain public speaking experience with students, our partners, or government agencies. Various duties include helping with outreach and education programs, working on restoration projects, and making presentations to the public.

Interns will contribute to projects that meet the needs of the intern, OCH™ and the attending college/university. Each internship program will be get an overall view of our organization, will work with other staff, interns, and volunteers and have the opportunity to work on a project specific to intern's interests or strengths. Therefore, projects and exposure to different elements of OCH will vary.  The list below outlines some of the opportunities OCH™ offers. We would like to introduce topics and build upon them with interns. However, the level and depth of each category will depend on the intern and their ability to learn and take on leadership. All internships are 6 months minimum with the possibility to extend if warranted.

Education and Outreach (virtually & digitally):

Public interaction through education and outreach programs
Public speaking to primary and secondary schools as scheduled, seminars to public (all ages)
Habitat education instruction and field practice with our Nature Classes Home School programs (September – May)
Coordination and organization with partners, other non-profits, and volunteers
Collaboration with partners and their projects (Restoration and Citizen Science)

Habitat Restoration 

o   Work with restoration team on various restoration programs within Orange County

o   Learn plant and animal species specific to project habitats in order to provide background and information to our volunteer team

Habitat Monitoring

o   Basic species identification for a variety of OC habitats such as Coastal Dunes, Riparian, Wetlands, and Chaparral ecosystems/biomes

o   Monitoring of sensitive habitats and species within

o   Data entry and interpretation

Habitat and Policy Research:

o   Research on sensitive habitats and species, and government policy as related to specific topic

o   Research related to educational programs being offered, matching with CA state standards

o   Policy and environmental law research as related to specific issues in the area.

Public Relations, Marketing, and Fundraising

o   Work with team on general marketing of OCH and its projects and programs to the public and private sectors

o   Help to develop materials that promote our mission and programs

o   Work with Fundraising Team on our fundraising campaigns and programs

o   Work with our Grant Team to seek, research, and apply to grant programs that can benefit the furthering of OCH mission.

Requirements and Expectations:

• Days/Time: 10 hours per week (in office and field), as determined by OCH and intern
• Weekly reports on progress of works or projects
• Attend weekly team and individual meetings
  Length of internships: 6month program

We are seeking students who are currently studying in the field of conservation, environmental studies, ecology and evolutionary Biology, plant biology, or related field. We also encourage those that are interested in nonprofits, fundraising, public relations, education, and marketing.

Remote Learning Experience:

1. Intern is required to have a computer with internet connection with a webcam and microphone

2. Intern will communicate via email, text, call, virtual meetings (Google Meet and Zoom credentials provided by site) and in person.

3. Weekly team meetings and weekly individual meetings with supervisor, schedule is flexible. Meetings may be virtual or in person, depending on the length of meeting and availability of participants.

4. Applicants will interview virtually. If selected, supervisor will communicate next steps including video and virtual orientations, and ongoing training in the team meetings

Project management (intern specific)
Professional presentation skills (presentation preparation and execution)
Research and Project Development
Writing (Blog and Newsletter Articles)

Project management (intern specific)
Professional presentation skills (presentation preparation and execution)
Research and Project Development
Writing (Blog and Newsletter Articles)

Training:

Student will receive training in general environmental education and habitat conservation through direct work with project manager as well as seminars, research assignments and projects.
Student will meet weekly with project supervisor and attend events that are specific to OC Habitats work and the intern's project and focus.
Students can and will work with various individuals within and outside of our organization to earn valuable skills in environmental studies, ecological restoration, environmental education and teaching, business administration and more.
Some training will be academic in nature, requiring research and homework and other training will be in the field. Students will be asked to do at least one oral presentation to the public (school or general public) and guidance will be given as they prepare this presentation as well as feedback afterwards. Students will work in the field where they will get direct exposure to scientists and specific information about the habitat, plants and animals they see while in the field.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify local Orange County habitats and species that live therein.
Work on a project on their own or with others to accomplish one or more of the OCH mission and goals.
Prepare educational and outreach presentations for school-aged students and adults at a variety of educational and outreach events.
Write articles on topics related to the environment and current events as they related to the mission and goals of OCH.
Work with supervisor, peers, and partner agencies and groups to accomplish tasks of a variety of tasks including habitat restoration, environmental education and outreach programs.