Wildfire Resilience & Community Programs InternAt — Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council
The Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council (SMMFSC) is seeking interns to support wildfire preparedness, community resilience, education, and organizational initiatives. Depending on the student's skills and academic interests, projects may include community outreach, research, GIS and mapping, data collection and analysis, communications and digital content, program coordination, grant research, event support, and wildfire preparedness initiatives. Students will work alongside SMMFSC professionals and community partners while gaining practical experience in nonprofit operations, environmental resilience, public safety, and community engagement. Opportunities may include both office/remote project work and participation in community events or field activities.
Students will gain practical experience in wildfire preparedness, community resilience, nonprofit operations, and community engagement. They will develop professional skills in research, data analysis, project coordination, communication, outreach, and collaboration with community and agency partners. Depending on their assigned project, students may also gain experience with GIS/mapping, environmental programs, grant research, digital communications, program evaluation, or community education. Students will learn how community-based organizations collaborate with residents, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address wildfire risk and strengthen community resilience.
Students will receive an organizational orientation and training specific to their assigned projects and responsibilities. Training may include wildfire preparedness and resilience concepts, SMMFSC programs and procedures, community engagement practices, data and research methods, GIS/mapping tools when applicable, communications protocols, workplace safety, and appropriate use of organizational systems. Additional project-specific instruction and guidance will be provided by SMMFSC staff throughout the internship.
Most responsibilities involve onsite, remote, research, outreach, or community-based work. Students participating in outdoor events, site visits, or field activities may encounter uneven terrain, vegetation, heat, sun exposure, insects, and changing weather conditions. Students will receive applicable safety instructions before participating in field activities and are expected to follow supervisor directions and site-specific requirements. Students will not perform firefighting, emergency response, or other duties requiring specialized certification or training.
Interested students should submit a current resume and a brief statement describing their academic background, interests, relevant skills, and what they hope to gain from the internship. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a brief interview with SMMFSC staff to discuss their interests, availability, academic requirements, and potential project assignments. Students with interests in wildfire resilience, environmental sustainability, GIS/data, community outreach, communications, public administration, planning, or nonprofit work are encouraged to apply.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 10 | hours per week |