By ELI - July 15, 2024
Type of Position
Internship
Company or Organization
Environmental Defense Center
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Closing Date
7/26

Position Description 

About Environmental Defense Center: The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) is a non-profit, public interest law firm that has worked to protect and restore California’s environment and natural resources for more than 40 years. EDC’s work focuses primarily within San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties, including the northern  Channel Islands and the ocean waters seaward of this region’s shores. Our mission is to  defend nature and advance environmental justice on California’s Central Coast through advocacy and legal action. Program areas include Land & Water, the Ocean, Climate &  Energy, and Environmental Justice. (www.EnvironmentalDefenseCenter.org) 

General Purpose of the Internship: This internship is created for a current UCSB  student who is interested in pursuing a career in environmental law or advocacy. The intern will work directly under the supervision of the Senior Analyst/Watershed Program Director on EDC’s work educating the public and government agencies regarding the  impacts to watersheds and creeks in Goleta and Santa Barbara and regarding solutions to  protect and restore local waterways.  

Internship Objectives: This project will focus primarily on surveys, research, reporting,  and organizing creek cleanups if safe and feasible. Information developed will be synthesized and used to advance better watershed management, creek and habitat  restoration, and policies and ordinances to preserve and enhance creeks in Goleta and  Santa Barbara.  

With the help of EDC staff, the intern will:  

  • Survey Goleta creeks to identify opportunities for restoration and enhancement.
  • Develop a conceptual proposal and report on the topic of unblocking the Union Pacific Railroad Devereux Creek culvert. 
  • Advocate for effective policies and ordinances to protect streams.
  • Conduct outreach and help EDC staff organize several creek cleanups.
  • The intern may have the opportunity to attend and participate in public hearings.

Required skills: 

  • Strong research and analytical skills  
  • Familiarity with watersheds and education and/or experience in aquatic biology, ecology, habitat restoration, water quality, and/or hydrology
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to work well independently and with supervision 
  • Highly motivated 

Time Commitment: Internship requires a minimum commitment of ten hours per week for the equivalent of two quarters (a total of 20 weeks) in 2024-2025. This internship includes a stipend, generously made available through the UCSB Associated Students Coastal Fund.  

COVID-19 Accommodations: We recognize in light of health concerns that all or part  of the internship may need to be completed remotely. We will ensure regular phone calls and video conferences to provide the intern with adequate supervision and support.

If you are interested in joining EDC’s team, send a cover letter, resume, writing  sample, and references to Brian Trautwein  
BTrautwein@environmentaldefensecenter.org by July 26, 2024.

Related topics

environmental law