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Environmental Programs Internship

An internship with the City of Irvine Environmental Programs offers valuable, real-world job experience developing and implementing model sustainability programs in the country’s largest master-planned city.  Interns will work on sustainability programs and projects related to energy, green building, open space, mobility, zero waste and recycling, and water.

About The Internship

The Environmental Programs Internship is an unpaid volunteer internship that can be used for college credit or to meet volunteerism requirements. Internships are offered each semester.  Interns will work 10 – 14 hours per week and work schedules are generally flexible with the student’s schedule. Start and end dates are negotiated with each each selected intern.

 

Semester:                Application Due:                  Proposed Start & End Dates Week of:

Fall 2012                September 7, 2012         September 24, 2012 – December 17 2012

Spring 2013            November 30, 2012             January 14, 2013 -May 20, 2013

Summer 2013         April 30, 2013                     June 3, 2013 - September 16, 2013

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Interns will assist with numerous projects and programs related to the City’s Environmental Programs.  Projects may include:

  • Assisting with the development and implementation of an outreach campaign focused on educating staff and the public about the City’s environmental programs.
  • Attending outreach events and meetings, crafting marketing/education materials, composing newsletter articles and social media messages and updating the Environmental Programs web site.
  • Assisting with efforts for the creation of a Sustainable Operations Strategic Plan, including researchingcase studies, collecting data and assisting staff in drafting policy or program recommendations for Committee or City Council consideration.
  • Assistance maintaining the current and future environmental programs and working to develop newones, including waste and recycling programs, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and open space maintenance and habitat restoration.

Minimum Training & Experience Required

  • College applicants with a 3.0 GPA, pursuing a degree in Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Science/Policy, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration/Policy, Business,Geography, Communication, Human Development or related fields with a junior standing or above. Graduate students are welcome.
  • Strong writing skills, with an ability to organize/analyze data, create charts, graphs and presentations.
  • Effective public speaking and interpersonal skills; confidence in communicating facts and informationto the public.
  • Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills; basic knowledge of design software, web site software andsocial media tools desired.
  • A self-motivated work ethic with the ability to be a supportive team member and independent worker and a desire to work in diverse team settings.
  • An enthusiasm for helping the City of Irvine meet environmental objectives.

Application Process

To apply, please submit an electronic copy (PDF) of the following documents to:
Brendan Keeler, Management Analyst I, at bkeeler@cityofirvine.org.

  1. Resume
  2. College Transcripts (Unofficial Transcripts Acceptable)
  3. Letter of Recommendation (From Professor or Supervisor)
  4. Current Writing Sample (Essay, Report, Article)

Examples of Upcoming Projects

Environmental Program Internship applicants are reviewed and selected based on how their experience fits with the upcoming Environmental Programs projects.  Some upcoming projects may include:

  • Mapping - Using GIS or other mapping programs (Google maps), surveying and mapping bike and walking routes around schools and neighborhood amenities to identify safe routes to schools and for self-directed activities to support the City’s sustainability, health and recreation programs
  • Energy and Recycling Challenge – Organize recycling activities that challenge families, school groups, businesses or other groups to save energy and recycle.
  • Sustainable Operations Strategic Plan – Plan and implement actions listed in the City’s Sustainability Plan.
  • Videos – Filming short how-to or Do-it-yourself videos teaching the community how to access environmental programs and how to participate in sustainable activities including what to take to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, what items can be recycled in the residential curbside bin, how to properly dispose of CFL bulbs or medical sharps, etc.
  • Print & Web Media – Draft articles/stories to promote programs in City publications – both print and electronic formats (i.e. Inside Irvine Magazine, Grapevine newsletter, Environmental Programs e-newsletter, and One Person’s Trash newsletter)
  • Social Media – Compose standard website news story text, facebook post text and tweet text for the activities and events based on annual calendar and post to the Environmental Programs website, facebook page and twitter account.
  • Research – Research new policies, programs or technology and provide information and recommendations to City staff.

Examples of Past Projects

Environmental Program Interns have contributed to City sustainability policies and programs, produced effective communication about City environmental programs and produced innovative interactive online tools.