2023-24 Earth Grant Student Internships

About the program:

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) sponsors the Arizona Magnificent Tree Program designed to recognize trees that are the largest of their species (Champion); trees having a cultural significance (Heritage Trees); and trees proven in place since Arizona became a state in 1912 (Witness Trees). This program is tied to the American Forests Champion Tree Program, which is a national award program for Champion Trees.

Website: https://dffm.az.gov/arizonas-magnificent-trees

About the internship:

Interns will assist with a series of tasks including, but not limited to, Magnificent Tree database management and design, tree measuring, development of outreach materials and program content for trainings, creating a google map of publicly accessible trees, and photo and submission management. We’ve got a database full of magnificent trees that have been nominated over the last 22 years, as well as a list of 50+ trees that need to be reverified, and have recently trained a group of volunteers to help us measure those so we can get back on track in 2022. Depending upon your interests, you can help us with one or more of the following:(1) Measurement of trees located in various locations across the state; (2) Editing and modification of the database that houses the tree measurement and champion tree data; (3) Edits and updates to the AZ Magnificent Tree Program Guidance Manual; (4) Scanning of historical documents from nominations received prior to 2017; (5) GIS/Google Map of publicly accessible nominated trees for sharing with the community; (6) Assisting with or participating in tree measurement workshop in Sedona (in September 2022) and Tucson/Southern AZ (in Spring 2023).

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Attend weekly or bi weekly meeting with supervising staff member and other interns
• Attend monthly Urban and Community Forestry Meetings; and other all-staff meetings as pertinent
• Identify at least one project of focus from the Intern list of tasks; develop a work plan and create an action plan for completing tasks related to the plan
• Communicate regularly with supervising staff member, checking email and/or chats at least daily and responding within 24-48 hours
• Read and review pertinent documentation including, but not limited to, the DFFM Volunteer Handbook, Magnificent Tree Program Guidance Manual, DFFM Website, and other relevant materials provided by supervising staff
• Prepare final deliverables in time for agreed upon deadlines
• Log hours/time worked on the DFFM Time log
• Provide feedback on your experience to the supervising staff member

Required qualifications:

• Communication and writing skills
•  Public engagement and participation
• Desire to travel to measure trees, sometimes beyond Tucson/Pima County
• Ability to work in a team environment with volunteers and Dept of Forestry Staff
• Desire to work outdoors in addition to some work on the computer

Preferred qualifications:

• Public speaking skills, desire to help teach others how to measure trees
• Ability to use Google Maps
• Ability to work with Google Spreadsheets and Documents
• Spanish translation skills would be a bonus but not required

Internship location: Mostly virtual work, occasional in-person work at various locations in Tucson and Arizona (optional)

Internship hours: 5-10 hours/week. Two workshops on Saturdays and potential evening presentations via zoom. Otherwise the schedule is flexible.

Mentor: LoriAnne Barnett Warren, Urban Forestry Specialist

Number of positions available: 2

About the program:

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) Forest Health Program (FHP) provides technical assistance and integrated management strategies to prevent insect and disease outbreaks to help encourage healthy forest and woodland conditions. The DFFM FHP conducts surveys, evaluations, and monitors forest and woodland insects and diseases around Arizona. The FHP provides advice and support for forest and woodland projects to prevent and suppress native insect and disease outbreaks. The FHP also focuses on implementing measures to prevent and suppress non-native invasive insects, diseases and plants. The DFFM Invasive Plant Program (IPP) is also a part of the Forest Health Program; the IPP supports cooperative management efforts of invasive plants that threaten and are capable of transforming plant communities in forests and woodlands throughout Arizona. The IPP promotes cooperative weed management through the implementation of projects that focus on prevention, control, and eradication of invasive plants using an integrated weed management approach.

Website: https://dffm.az.gov/forestry-community-forestry/forest-health

About the internship:

Interns will assist with a series of tasks including, but not limited to the following: Creation of an invasive plant trifold pamphlet, Aerial Detection Survey Data analysis to create DFFM district “Quick Notes”, creation of Forestry professionals list who can help DFFM with specific technical assists, and help with data collection for the Aleppo Pine Blight monitoring program. All Earth Grant Interns will be provided opportunities (optional) to shadow the Forest Health Program Manager, Forest Health Specialist, Invasive Plant Program Coordinator, and the Invasive Plant Specialist. Potential internship projects include:

1. Create Invasive Plant Program Trifold Pamphlet: Create a trifold pamphlet on the invasive,non-native plant Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum). The creation of this pamphlet will require some research into this plant, specifically identifying scientifically sound references to help create the content of the pamphlet. **Optional-Translate the pamphlet into Spanish after completion.

2. Creation of “Quick Notes” using Aerial Detection Survey Data: Using data obtained from the 2023 Aerial Detection Survey (ADS) Season to create “Quick Notes” of the Forest Health activity that is occuring in each DFFM district (there are 5 Arizona DFFM Districts). These “Quick Notes” are meant to provide an immediate snapshot of the extent and location of insect and disease damage observed during the ADS season.

3. Collect Aleppo Pine Blight data from trees around Phoenix: The DFFM has an Aleppo PBlight Monitoring program that was established in 2020. Through the creation of this program a protocol was created to ensure all data measures are recorded the same way every year. Four locations were identified around Phoenix with observed APB damage. The trees in these designated locations were inventoried, and are sampled twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. The information gathered from these trees is collected and saved using the ArcGIS application Survey123.

4. Creation of Forestry Professional Contact list: The DFFM FHP receives many technical assistance questions from the public, cities, counties, and other municipalities and organizations seeking answers about their forest health concerns. We need help creating a list of forestry professionals who specialize in insect and disease identification. This list would include forestry professionals who can accept samples and provide genus and/or species identification.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Attend weekly or bi weekly meeting with supervising staff member and other interns
• Attend other monthly meetings as pertinent to each job
• Identify at least one project of focus; develop a work plan and create an action plan for completing tasks related to the plan
• Communicate regularly with supervising staff member, checking email and/or chats at least daily and responding within 24-48 hours
• Read and review pertinent documentation including, but not limited to, the DFFM Volunteer Handbook, Aleppo Pine Blight Protocol, AZ Forest Health Condition Reports, Stinket publications, DFFM Website, and other relevant materials provided by supervising staff
• Prepare final deliverables in time for agreed upon deadlines
• Log hours/time worked on the DFFM Time log
• Provide feedback on your experience to the supervising staff member

Required qualifications: 

• Communication and writing skills
• Public engagement and participation
• Desire to travel a little, sometimes beyond the Phoenix metro area
• Ability to work in a virtual team environment with volunteers and Dept of Forestry Staff
• Desire to work outdoors in addition to some work on the computer

Preferred qualifications:

• Public speaking skills, desire to help teach others how to measure trees
• Ability to use Google Maps
• Ability to work with Google Spreadsheets and Documents
• Spanish translation skills would be a bonus but not required

Internship location: Virtual work, occasional in-person work at various locations in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona (optional)

Internship hours: 5-10 hrs/week

Mentor: Aly McAlexander, Forest Health Program Manager (Primary)

Willie Sommers, Invasive Plant Program Coordinator (Secondary)
Mitchell Lannan, Forest Health Specialist (Secondary)
Jessi Szopinski, Invasive Plant Specialist (Secondary)

Number of positions available: 1

About the agency and program:

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is a state agency whose mission is to foster, maintain, and enhance collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and cooperators to: proactively promote the health and safety of Arizona's forests, woodlands, deserts, and watersheds; encourage fire-adapted communities; provide leadership and oversight of resources in wildfire response; and ensure fire safety in public buildings through the enforcement of the state fire code. Our agency manages the health and well- being of our vast forests as well as urban forest landscapes.

The DFFM Conservation Education Program coordinates statewide facilitation and outreach to Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education, and Tree Line participants. These are Arbor Day Foundation Programs that recognize communities that meet a higher standard of tree care management each year. Goals for DFFM include increasing participation, providing supportive outreach materials, and spreading awareness of community recognition.

Website: https://dffm.az.gov/forestry-community-forestry/urban-community-forestry/recognition/tree-city-usa

About the internship:

The Tree City USA program, along with other Arbor Day Foundation programs, provide a framework for community tree management and stewardship. In Arizona where nearly 90% of our population live in urban areas, these programs are increasingly important in both preserving and increasing our tree canopy, as well as supporting our communities in building strong urban forestry programs. Trees play an important role in the ecosystem and human health and well-being, including environmental benefits, economic benefits, and aesthetic and psychological benefits. The Tree City USA, Tree Campus, and Tree Line Programs provide communities with a framework to maintain and grow their tree canopy, and an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.

Possible internship projects include:

1.    Create marketing materials; including brochures, flyers, and social media templates.
2.    Create Tree City Outreach Powerpoint presentation, specific to Arizona.
3.    Write article(s) for DFFM e-newsletter highlighting the Tree City USA program or one of its Arizona Participants.
4.    Assist in research; surveys; outreach; and strategic planning of the program.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Attend weekly or bi weekly meeting with supervising staff member and other interns. Attend monthly Urban and Community Forestry Meetings; and other all-staff meetings as pertinent
• Identify at least one project of focus from the Intern list of tasks; develop a work plan and create an action plan for completing tasks related to the plan
• Communicate regularly with supervising staff member, checking email and/or chats at least daily and responding within 24-48 hours
• Read and review pertinent documentation including, but not limited to, Tree City USA framework, requirements, and guidelines
• Prepare final deliverables in time for agreed upon deadlines
• Log hours/time worked on the DFFM Time log

Required qualifications:

• Communication and writing skills
• Public engagement and participation
• Ability to work in a team environment with volunteers and Dept of Forestry Staff
• Desire for some outdoor work in addition to some work on the computer

Preferred qualifications:

• Public speaking skills, desire to help teach others how to measure trees
• Graphic Design skills or the desire to learn
• Ability to work with Google Spreadsheets and Documents
• Spanish translation skills would be a bonus but not required

Internship location: Virtual work, occasional in-person work at various locations in Tucson and Arizona (optional)

Internship hours: 5-10 hours/week

Mentor: Megan Lasley, Conservation Education Coordinator

Number of positions available: 1

Preferred qualifications:

• Bilingual Spanish/English
• Experience working with underrepresented communities
• Experience or interest in working with middle and high school students
• Experience with or interest in video editing, social media posting, podcasting, or YouTube Channel development
• Interest in learning about aquatic ecosystems

Internship location: In person and remote. Intern may work remotely on some parts of the project but will be expected to participate in activities on the Santa Cruz River as well as travel to area schools.

Internship hours: 5 to 10 hours a week, flexible schedule except when assisting in a classroom (between 8am and 3pm, based on Intern availability). Infrequent but possible weekend hours (for events).

Mentor: Jacqueline Bruhn, Research Program Administrator

Number of positions available: 1

About this program:

CCAST, the Collaborative Conservation and Adaptation Strategy Toolbox, is a knowledge-sharing platform that enhances collaborative conservation efforts by facilitating issue-based, not geography-based, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. By connecting hundreds of individuals from dozens of organizations across North America, CCAST helps bridge the gaps between work at project, landscape, and operational scales. CCAST is supported by a diverse network of partners, including Federal and state agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, Native American Tribes, municipalities, and more. Focal areas include drought and climate adaptation, aquatic restoration and management of non-native aquatic species, and grassland restoration.

Website: Collaborative Conservation and Adaptation Strategy Toolbox (CCAST) (arcgis.com)

About the internship:

This writing-intensive position is a great opportunity to gain experience working with active water and natural resource management programs. The CCAST Program Assistant will work closely with senior scientists, land managers, and the diverse group of stakeholders CCAST supports to produce publications of value and provide support to the conservation community. This will involve regular interaction with scientists and managers across federal, state, and Tribal government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and private landowners. The primary tasks of Program Assistants are drafting and editing case studies for publication on the CCAST website and providing support for the aquatic restoration Community of Practice (i.e., a network of practitioners, researchers, and policy makers). In addition to aquatic restoration, Case Study topics may also include climate and fire adaptation, management of non-native aquatic species, grassland restoration, and drought management.

Duties include:

• Assist the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other partners in the development of CCAST case studies
• Assist with outreach to a diverse group of case study contributors
• Gather and synthesize information about on-the-ground water and natural resource management programs and projects
• Conduct and transcribe interviews with natural resource professionals about their conservation programs
• Develop several case studies to be published on the CCAST website 
• Support the editing and publication of additional CCAST case studies
• Assist in the development of other science communication products
• Support the development of Communities of Practice (aquatic restoration, climate adaptation, non-native aquatic species, grasslands restoration, and drought management)
• Assist CoP coordinators in organizing meetings, workshops, webinars, and field visits

Required qualifications: We are looking for a student in natural resources, conservation biology, biology, ecology, hydrology, climate science, environmental sciences/policy, social sciences/human dimensions of conservation, science communication, or other related fields. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated team player with excellent analytical and writing skills.

Preferred qualifications: A student who is highly motivated to learn about natural resource management challenges and opportunities, while gaining experience in science communication with the support of experienced mentors. The ideal candidate will be excited to develop skills in: time management, organization and communication (scheduling, collaborative writing projects, email communication), writing (learning writing styles, accepting and incorporating feedback, etc.), science communication, and interviewing.

Internship location: Fully remote/virtual, however CCAST program coordinators work on the University of Arizona campus and can be met in-person.

Internship hours: 15-20 hrs/week. Scheduled group meetings happen during business hours M-F. Much of the internship work is done virtually and individually so can be flexible in both work schedule and location.

Mentor: Anna Weinberg, CCAST Program Coordinator

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization and program:

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (CFBSA) and its Board of Directors are committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity, including climate change, systemic forms of discrimination, and inequitable access to resources. CFBSA moves our region towards the vision of a healthy, hunger-free community through food distribution, food and gardening education, and community development programs.

The Community Organizing team of CFBSA builds communities’ collective power to create change in the material and structural conditions of social inequality. We bring people together to create stronger community relationships and build popular power. We develop community organizing, policy and advocacy strategies that focus on social, racial, economic and environmental issues that affect our communities.

Website: https://www.communityfoodbank.org/

About the internship: Primary activities of this internship include:

• Support the Bathroom Access Coalition, a community coalition supporting unhoused community members to have dignified and equal access to bathroom facilities
• Support organizing and outreach efforts with housing justice coalition including event support. Also includes outreach to unhoused, displaced and housing insecure community members alongside trained staff.
• Support relationship building with mutual aid groups working with unhoused community members.
• Support outreach to increase and strengthen the membership base of housing justice coalition members.

Required qualifications:

• Student must be interested in working with people experiencing housing insecurity.
• Student must be able to attend in person events, online meetings, and community events on a regular basis

Preferred qualifications:

• Spanish fluency recommended but not required

Internship location: Transportation within Tucson necessary to Dunbar springs neighborhood, downtown Tucson area, Santa Rita Park area, as well as some virtual work and events.

Internship hours: 10-15 hours/week - flexible to adjusting to students needs for either more or less hours. Availability for evening and Saturdays required.

Mentor: Ashley Edgette, Community Organizing Manager

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (CFBSA) and its Board of Directors are committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity, including climate change, systemic forms of discrimination, and inequitable access to resources. CFBSA moves our region towards the vision of a healthy, hunger-free community through food distribution, food and gardening education, and community development programs.

Nuestra Tierra Learning Garden is an educational oasis located at our main branch in Tucson. The garden features vegetable and herb gardens, a greenhouse, a chicken coop, and worm and compost demonstrations, and serves as a demonstration garden for organic desert food production and rainwater harvesting.

Website: Farm & Garden - Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

About the internship: Primary responsibilities include:

• Support the maintenance of Nuestra Tierra Garden (fertilizing, chicken coop, weeding, preparing garden beds and etc.)  
• Support with greenhouse production of seedlings, saplings and other materials for sale and distribution.
• Support the tree-producing space in the garden. The space will focus on producing mesquite trees and chiltepin peppers but possibly nopal and other edible native plants of the southwest. This project is over a year old and it will be making mesquite trees available for free or low cost to communities that are most impacted by poverty, climate instability, and water stress. 
• Other projects may be identified in collaboration with the intern.

Required qualifications:

• Ability to work effectively with little supervision 
• Excellent organizational skills 
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Database, Outlook and internet-based communication 
• Experience teaching, organizing, and working with individuals and community groups 
• Ability to work with people with diverse economic, social and political backgrounds 
• Ability to work with community members respectfully and with patience 
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions including temperatures over 100˚ and Below 40˚
• Ability to work a flexible schedule 

Preferred qualifications:

• Bilingual-Spanish/English 
• Sonoran Desert native with a strong interest in food justice and social justice advocacy 
• Organic vegetable gardening experience 
• Ability to teach and address others’ garden interests and needs 
• Tree propagation experience 
• Greenhouse management experience 
• Seedling production experience 
• Ability to comfortably lift up to 40 lbs. repeatedly

Internship location: 3003 S. Country Club Rd. 

Internship hours: 5-8 hours/week on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (hours vary during the season from 6:30am - 12 noon).  For example, in August, the hours are 6 or 6:30 am – 9:30 or 10 am, as the seasons change the start time is pushed back to 8 or 9am.

Mentor: Victor Ceballos, Garden Educator Supervisor (Primary), and Brandon Merchant, Farm to School Coordinator (Secondary)

About the organization:

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (CFBSA) and its Board of Directors are committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity, including climate change, systemic forms of discrimination, and inequitable access to resources. CFBSA moves our region towards the vision of a healthy, hunger-free community through food distribution, food and gardening education, and community development programs.

The Community Organizing team of CFBSA builds communities’ collective power to create change in the material and structural conditions of social inequality. We bring people together to create stronger community relationships and build popular power. We develop community organizing, policy and advocacy strategies that focus on social, racial, economic and environmental issues that affect our communities.

About the internship: Support the Sowing Remedies Fellows, an agricultural and social justice skill building fellowship for high school students. Activities include:

• Attending weekly workshops with high school students
• Support development of workshops and curriculum
• Act as a mentee to students
• Support organizing and outreach efforts for our Food Justice Spring Break program, a week long intensive spring break program for high school students dedicated to food  and environmental justice.
• Support relationship building with community and agricultural groups doing social justice work who could support the Sowing Remedies Fellows.
• Support students in the development of their projects and desired skills. 

Required qualifications:

• Desire to work with high school youth.
• Interest in food and environmental justice.
• Ability to work evenings as well as weekends.
• Comfortable in workshop settings

Preferred qualifications:

• Spanish fluency recommended but not required

Internship location: Personal transportation required within Tucson to locations in South Tucson, Las Milpitas community farm, and Nuestra Tierra garden at 3003 S Country Club Rd

Internship hours: 10-15 hours/week - flexible to adjusting to students needs for either more or less hours. Availability for evening and Saturdays required. Student must be able to attend in person events, online meetings, and community events on a regular basis.

Mentor: Ashley Edgette, Community Organizing Manager

Number of positions available: 2

About the program:

Compost Cats is a student-focused and community-based program of the University of Arizona’s Office of Sustainability concentrating on organic waste reduction and diversion, community outreach and engagement, public education, and research facilitation. The mission of Compost Cats is to promote environmental, economic, and social justice by creating a quality soil amendment while mitigating climate change, increasing food security, and empowering the community through experiential education, innovation, and environmental advocacy.

Website: sustainability.arizona.edu/projects/compost-cats

Mentor: Kenzie Jackson, Compost Cats Coordinator

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Compost Cats is a student-focused and community-based program of the University of Arizona’s Office of Sustainability concentrating on organic waste reduction and diversion, community outreach and engagement, public education, and research facilitation. The mission of Compost Cats is to promote environmental, economic, and social justice by creating a quality soil amendment while mitigating climate change, increasing food security, and empowering the community through experiential education, innovation, and environmental advocacy.

Website: sustainability.arizona.edu/projects/compost-cats

About the internship:

Assist with educational and outreach activities on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, K-12 and community-focused STEM programming/curricula, education and/or outreach events for a wide range of audiences at compost demonstration sites, trainings for commercial business employees, potential operation of small-scale equipment for maintenance of composting systems (please be prepared to get dirty), collection and reporting of metrics or data to the Compost Cats Program Manager and Compost Cats Coordinator; participation in zero-waste effort events, and more. Desired leadership role: Oversee curriculum creation and Compost Cats education efforts.

Required qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of UArizona defensive driver training is required
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to positively represent Compost Cats and the Office of Sustainability to our campus and community stakeholders
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including a strong proficiency in public speaking
• Ability to push, pull, or lift 25 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme cold or warm weather
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment
• Ability to work 4+ hours in an outdoor setting
• Must be available to work in-person early mornings and weekends
• Must graduate in December 2023 or later.

Preferred qualifications:

• Access to personal vehicle to provide your own transportation to various off-site locations
• Background/interest in sustainability, environmental conservation/management, and/or social justice
• Experience in writing grants, marketing communications, media releases, business reports and/or outreach materials, or similar documents
• Experience/interest in public education, community engagement, and volunteer recruitment activities.
• Experience/interest in working in an educational setting with K-12 students, college students, or community members.

Mentor: Kenzie Jackson, Compost Cats Coordinator

Number of positions available: 2

About this program:

Cooper Center works with PreK-12 students from across Southern Arizona with hands-on, discovery-based programs in environmental learning, with a focus on Title I schools serving students and families in impoverished and underserved communities. Students are inspired to live more sustainably on our planet through gaining new ecological understandings and building a deep personal relationship with the natural world.

Website: Home | Cooper Center (arizona.edu)

About the internship:

Outdoor environmental teaching positions include working with youth PreK-12 from Southern Arizona public and private schools to encourage students’ connection with the Sonoran Desert. Training is provided based on the Cooper Center’s Mission Statement and the ideals of the Institute for Earth Education in order to “emphasize understanding of basic ecological processes, develop positive feelings for the natural world, and make personal lifestyle changes.”

Duties include:

• Lead and assist educational programs in outdoor and/or virtual settings
• Engage and work effectively with diverse student groups, including but not limited to age, ability, race, ethnicity, culture, and gender
• Participate in program-related tasks including planning, setup, materials design and maintenance
• Assist with curriculum development for new programming initiatives, including digital programming and experiences for preschool and high school learners
• Support the development and facilitation of culturally rich and relevant practices and programming.

In accordance with our mission, The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning fosters the growth of individuals of all abilities. We will create a respectful learning environment, accommodating all individuals’ needs to expand their knowledge and connection to nature. Our aspiration as an inclusive environmental learning center is to provide opportunities for learners of all ages and abilities to have safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experiences in the natural world. We will ensure that all learners who come to the Cooper Center will have the agency to participate fully and as independently as possible in our programs alongside their peers. We believe that everyone has the right to access nature and deserves to engage with both natural and human communities while having their needs met. One key challenge that the Earth Grant intern will work on with Cooper Center staff is to eliminate barriers to accessing natural spaces and environmental learning opportunities, be they physical, institutional, programmatic, or otherwise.

Required qualifications:

• Enthusiasm to help students learn about the natural world
• Comfort working with large groups of people
• Creativity and flexibility with programs and student engagement
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues and the community
• A love for working outdoors in a desert setting

Preferred qualifications:

• Non-traditional or classroom teaching experience
• Pursuing a career in Environmental Learning, Education, or a related field
• Proficiency in Spanish or other languages spoken in Southern Arizona
• Comfort with digital platforms for education & communications – (social media, Zoom, etc.)

Internship location: 5403 W Trails End Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745, approximately 20 minutes drive west of UA main campus

Internship hours: Flexible work schedule from 5-20 hrs/week, decided by student and mentor. Work happens primarily during business hours M-F 8am-5pm. Some weekend opportunities, though not a requirement.

Mentor: Brittne MacCleary, Program Coordinator

Number of positions available: 2

About the business: Emma Stahl-Wert LLC is a one-woman company who installs rainwater and gray water harvesting landscapes at residences in the City of Tucson and surrounding areas, does certified arborist tree work for water harvesting clients, teaches pruning and water harvesting classes to community groups, businesses, and municipalities, and works to educate each client on the HOWs and WHYs of water harvesting in the Sonoran Desert region. ESW LLC works to improve the urban environment for all its inhabitants - human and non-human, and to engage Tucson's human residents in that work and with each other.

About the internship: ESW LLC is looking for an intern who is interested both in learning how to install water harvesting/sustainable landscaping in the Sonoran Desert AND who has some basic graphic design/program development experience. An internship with ESW LLC would include hands on (sometimes strenuous) work outside as well as collaborative program planning with the owner (Emma) to expand and improve the educational and community building aspects of our work! Currently, we are moving towards a model of doing primarily community style installs - getting projects done with work parties, involving untrained friends or neighbors who can learn while they contribute to the work. This intern would be developing an outreach plan and communications materials (web/print) to make this a truly collaborative and educational landscaping operation.

I (Emma) also love collaborating with others and am looking for an intern who would bring their own ideas and experiences and passion to our work together. I can teach any technical skills someone may need to be able to work effectively on landscape projects, but I am especially looking for an intern who can bring some existing design and communication skills to this position. It would be even better if they have experience (or at least strong interest) in community organizing and resiliency around environmental issues!

Required qualifications: Experience or education with communications/outreach planning; graphic design skills; web design skills

Preferred qualifications: Willingness to work hard and get dirty, desire to learn more about water harvesting in the urban desert environment

Internship location: Some virtual work, personal transportation (bus or bike OK) required to get to various job site location in Tucson

Internship hours: 5-15 hours/week - flexible to adjust to student schedule. At least one Saturday workshop per month expected.

Mentor: Emma Stahl-Wert, Owner

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Flowers & Bullets (F&B) started in early 2012 by two childhood friends, Tito Romero and Jacob Robles, Latinx and Indigenous men who have lived all their life in Barrio Centro.  They recognized the need to make this community in Tucson become a sustainable and healthy neighborhood as a response to systemic economic and environmental racism in the area. Through organizing collectively to make street art and t-shirts they began to create opportunities for their peers to have alternatives.  Another key founder, Dora Martinez, is an Indigenous and Latinx woman who helped establish the gardening component to get more people involved and bring healthy grassroots solutions to Barrio Centro. We reclaim our cultural roots and amplify them through sustainability, art, and rebellion to heal and empower our neighborhood, and operate under our Collective Guidelines.

Website: HOME | flowersandbullets

About the internship:

This last year has been absolutely pivotal for the next stage of our collective. We have grown in many ways including re-engaging our community with our programs since the start of the pandemic, purchased the 9.5 acre property (+ building), kicked off our biggest fundraising campaign, and so much more. This year we are committed to honing in on our internal processes and institutionalizing some of our practices and procedures. 

With the support of this intern, we will be editing and finalizing our Theory of Change, revisiting some key internal documents and updating them, as well as developing best practices for our administrative team to streamline communication. This position will be working closely with our core team, the folks leading F&B’s planning and strategy, and our development team.

Our hope is that our marketing material, website, narrative, and any other identity content be updated and cohesive for stronger messaging (internally and externally). Our goal is to have these all be useful when we make decisions, apply for grants, and to answer questions like “who is Flowers & Bullets” “what are our priorities” etc. These efforts will help move our organization towards our vision of healthy, safe and strong communities where every neighbor is included.

Main goals and activities of this internship include:

1. Support our team with administrative side of organizing 
2. Finalize Flowers & Bullet’s Theory of Change
3. Execute the organization/development of internal documents

Required qualifications:

• Knowledge using excel or other database programs, Knowledge using social media tools  like canva, linktree etc.
• Organizational skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills, writing skills.
• Knowledge on transformative or restorative justice.
• Ability to work as a team/collective while still having the ability to be independent.

Preferred qualifications:

• 2nd language fluency
• Skills or knowledge in finance, gardening, or food justice

Internship location: Majority virtual work, some in-person work at Midtown Farm, 3538 E Ellington Pl., or other locations in Barrio Centro neighborhood (for events)

Internship hours: 10-20 hrs/week, including some early morning and weekend hours. Weekly team meetings are Mondays 9-10:30am and Wednesdays 12-1pm.

Mentor: Silvia Valdillez, Program Coordinator/Administrator

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Flowers & Bullets (F&B) started in early 2012 by two childhood friends, Tito Romero and Jacob Robles, Latinx and Indigenous men who have lived all their life in Barrio Centro.  They recognized the need to make this community in Tucson become a sustainable and healthy neighborhood as a response to systemic economic and environmental racism in the area. Through organizing collectively to make street art and t-shirts they began to create opportunities for their peers to have alternatives.  Another key founder, Dora Martinez, is an Indigenous and Latinx woman who helped establish the gardening component to get more people involved and bring healthy grassroots solutions to Barrio Centro. We reclaim our cultural roots and amplify them through sustainability, art, and rebellion to heal and empower our neighborhood, and operate under our Collective Guidelines.

Website: HOME | flowersandbullets

About the internship:

This last year has been absolutely pivotal for the next stage of our collective. We have grown in many ways including re-engaging our community with our programs since the start of the pandemic, purchased the 9.5 acre property (+ building), kicked off our biggest fundraising campaign, and so much more.

This position will be working closely with our farm team, core team, and our neighbors/community, working towards developing a system to collect data and information related to our farm activities such as how much is in production, yield, number of workshops, number of participants, etc. 

Our hope is that we develop best practices around data collection, build systems that make it easier on our farm team and neighbors, and reflect on the lessons we are learning. These structures will help share this information back with our community and develop key findings. These data tools will also provide accurate information for our grant/fundraising team as well as support the development of our farm team.

Main goals and activities of this internship include:

1. Implement a data collection process
2. Develop a data collection tool
3. Support our farm team with our seasonal rotations 

Required qualifications:

• Knowledge using excel or other database programs,
• Knowledge using social media tools like Canva, Linktree etc.
• Organizational skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills, writing skills.
• Knowledge on transformative or restorative justice.
• Ability to work as a team/collective while still having the ability to be independent.

Preferred qualifications:

• 2nd language fluency
• Skills or knowledge in finance, gardening, or food justice

Internship location: Some virtual work and some in-person work at Midtown Farm, 3538 E Ellington Pl. and other locations in Barrio Centro neighborhood (for events)

Internship hours: 10-20 hrs/week, including some early morning and weekend hours. Weekly team meetings are Mondays 9:00-10:30am.

Mentor: Silvia Valdillez, Program Coordinator/Administrator 

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

The IRC’s New Roots program and Literacy Garden site supports recent refugees to Tucson in growing culturally appropriate food and generating revenue through farmers’ markets. The program grows from the strong farming and food cultures of refugees, developing gardens, urban farms, and marketplaces that produce food, leaders, livelihoods, and connected, resilient communities.

Website: https://www.rescue.org/announcement/program-spotlight-new-roots 

About the internship:

The New Roots program at IRC is an initiative to support gardening, food security, nutrition, enterprise, and production within the US network of IRC offices. New Roots Tucson supports refugee food security and aids in their transition to the community through gardening, local food access initiatives and small business farming. We are looking for committed, creative, hard-working, and enthusiastic individuals with interests in organic farming and community empowerment. The position works alongside a New Roots staff member on site in the gardens as well as planning in the office to increase the capacity of New Roots programming at IRC in Tucson. In the gardens, interns assist with garden maintenance tasks such as fixing irrigation leaks, weeding and turning compost. Interns may also assist in garden building projects, such as a produce wash station, children's play area or greenhouse. Interns interact with garden and farm participants in the gardens and through regular check-in conversations. Interns also conduct annual participant surveys to support program development. The New Roots team works together with interns to develop long-term projects that fit their skills and interests. Past projects include a landscape design plan, a focus on social media engagement and a compost system overhaul. Possible future projects could include garden improvement builds, passive water harvesting plans, or curriculum development and facilitation.

Required qualifications:

• Experience or demonstrated interest in food issues, gardening, garden design, or food security issues, preferably in a multicultural context
• Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member in a multicultural environment
• Willingness to work outside in variable weather conditions
• Contingent on successfully passing background and criminal history checks and obtaining fingerprint clearance card (see details here), as required by IRC policy (fee covered by Earth Grant program)

Preferred qualifications:

• 2nd language fluency (especially in Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kiswahili, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, French or Spanish)
• Agricultural knowledge

Internship location: In-person work would happen at the Literacy Garden, 200 E. Yavapai Road, Tucson, and potentially at the IRC Office, 1011 N. Craycroft Road, Suite 404, Tucson. Additional virtual work could be done from any location.

Internship hours: 10-20 hours/week, primarily during the week with one Saturday morning volunteer day per month. Intern would ideally be available for in-person work at the garden on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings.

Mentor:  Julia Munson, New Roots Program Coordinator

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S) was founded in 1983 in response to the documented and probable loss of traditional agricultural crop diversity of the U.S. Southwest and northwest Mexico. For the past 40 years NS/S has conserved, saved, and distributed heirloom seeds. We save seed to conserve the agricultural biodiversity of the region and to conserve the agricultural traditions of Indigenous and regional communities culturally connected to the seeds we steward.  The seed includes traditional varieties of corn, beans, and squash, as well as herbs and wild foods long consumed in the area. Each crop variety in the NS/S seed bank has been adapting to arid soils and conditions for hundreds, or even thousands, of years.

NS/S preserves these seeds in a climate-controlled seed bank and actively grows them out to increase and distribute them to farmers and gardeners throughout Southwest and beyond. Seed is grown at the Tucson Conservation Center in our gardens and in partnership with farmers throughout the region. Seeds are made available to the public through our online store and free seed access programs which are prioritized for communities with historical and cultural connections to the seeds.

As a regional and community focused seed bank, NS/S's efforts are centered on conserving, reconnecting and providing access to seeds to rural and Indigenous communities of the US Southwest and northwest Mexico who have cultural and historical connections with these seeds. Our free seed access programs are designed to reach Indigenous individuals and families, community gardens and schools, and tribal organizations. We also provide workshops, capacity building, and resources on how to save and grow these culturally and climatically relevant food crops. In addition to seed distribution, NS/S has engaged in seed exchanges with small-scale producers and tribal community farms within the region through our Partner Farmer Program, which provides growers with arid-adapted seed and agronomic training at no cost in exchange for returning a portion of the seed harvest to the seed bank. In the past year, NS/S donated the equivalent of over 18,000 seed packets via these programs.

Website: https://www.nativeseeds.org/

About the internship:

The Seed Conservation Assistant will learn about the seed conservation from preparing the garden, planting and cleanings to seed inventory and organization. They will support the maintenance and expansion of the Tucson seed production gardens to increase the supply of arid-adapted seed for the seed bank and free seed access programs. This position will:

• Cultivate Arid-Adapted Seeds:
  • Plant, water, and tend to a variety of arid-adapted and Indigenous food crops.
  • Preserve rare seed populations by growing, saving, sorting and properly storing mature seed.
  • Maintain existing garden beds by weeding and watering the areas as needed.
• Increase Agroecological Health:
  • Collect and harvest rainwater, grow a variety of plant species that attract pollinators, plant trees and create habitats for insects that support a healthy farm ecosystem.
• Seedbank and seed inventory management
  • Clean and pack seeds
  • Help with seed inventory and Seed lab organization
• Education and Outreach
  • Table and attend at outreach events
  • Volunteer with partner organizations

Required qualifications:

• Coursework in agrobiodiversity, agriculture, natural resources management, biodiversity conservation and/or environmental management
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet-based communications
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team setting in a consistent, energetic, positive manner
• Ability and desire to work with diverse community members
• Friendly and effective interpersonal skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience growing food or seeds is ideal, but not required
• Commitment to NS/S’s mission of seed conservation and distribution
• Experience with communities in the US Southwest or Mexico (experience can be social, familial or educational)
• Bilingual—English & Spanish languages
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 lbs

Internship location: This internship is in person at the NS/S Conservation Center at:

Native Seeds/SEARCH Headquarters
3584 E River Rd
Tucson, AZ 85718  

Internship hours: 16 – 25 hours/week, primarily M-F with some weekend events

Mentor: Dick Gase, Seed Distribution Specialist

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Pima County Natural Resources Division manages 250,000 acres of open space conservation land throughout Pima County, including more than 100 natural resource parks and 14 working ranches, in addition to operating a native plant nursery. Our work includes protecting important natural and cultural resources in accordance with the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan and Multi-Species Conservation Plan, providing public environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities, and preserving diverse traditional and cultural values of the region.

Website: https://webcms.pima.gov/government/natural_resources_parks_and_recreation/

About the internship:

Pima County developed the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP) to help ensure the long-term survival of plants and animals native to the region. One element of the SDCP is land stewardship of over 250,000 acres of conservation lands, including ranches. These conservation lands are managed by the Natural Resources Division (NR) of the Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Department. The intern will assist NR staff in management and monitoring of key resources within this vast conservation network. This internship will provide opportunities to work in several programs within the NR Division, including restoration, invasive species, native plant nursery, and rangeland conservation. The intern may also have opportunities to participate in collaborative work with partner organizations, including the Pima County Office of Sustainability and Conservation. Field work will be an important part of the intern's experience, and may include rangeland monitoring, ecological restoration projects, conservation lands monitoring, creek monitoring, plant salvaging, seed collecting and cleaning, invasive species management, and more. There may also be opportunities to work with staff to implement public environmental education events. The intern may also assist with essential native plant nursery operations such watering, planting, irrigation work, and propagation.

Required qualifications:

• Enthusiasm in learning more about native plants, wildlife, soils, hydrology, cultural resources, habitat conservation, and rangeland conservation from professionals
• Enthusiasm for field work
• Basic knowledge of plant anatomy terms
• Basic knowledge of Sonoran Desert plant and animal species
• At least one year of coursework in an accredited college program
• At least 18 years old
• Basic computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Good listening skills
• Observant regarding field safety and computer security rules
• Attention to detail, ability to stay focused
• Written communication skills
• Eager and able to be on rough terrain in new territory for field work tasks.
• Willing to endure heat, cold, wind, rain in order to learn and see new things.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Comfortable working near livestock
• Willingness to converse with ranchers and other land managers
• Comfortable working with and around spiny and thorny vegetation
• Ability to commute to the office at 3500 N. River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741
• Ability to commute in a non-County vehicle for independent work at field sites
• Willingness to follow-through on commitments
• Willingness to follow Pima County COVID-19 requirements
• Positive and proactive attitude

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced plant identification skills or knowledge of local species
• Working toward a degree in one of the natural (or environmental) sciences or policy
• Experience with field work involving plant or animal inventory or monitoring
• Familiarity with Excel spreadsheets
• Experience with outreach and/or science or technical communication
• Familiarity with communicating via Zoom or Microsoft Teams

Internship location: Some in-person work would happen at the Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation office (includes the Native Plant Nursery) at 3500 W River Rd, Tucson. Other field work would happen at various locations. Office work could be virtual.

Internship hours: 10-25 hours/week, flexible based on student schedule, primarily weekdays with weekends as optional.

Mentor: Kelsey Landreville, Restoration Program Manager

Number of positions available: 2

About the lab:

Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta is a community-engaged environmental health scientist and associate professor of Environmental Science with joint appointments in the College of Public Health and Global Change-Graduate Interdisciplinary Program at the University of Arizona. Ramírez-Andreotta’s laboratory uses an environmental justice framework to investigate the fate and transport of pollutants in environmental systems, exposure pathways, cultural models of communication, and methods to improve environmental health literacy. As such, she is often found listening to and training communities and hosting community gatherings and data sharing events. 

Website: https://ramirez-andreotta.faculty.arizona.edu/

About the internship:

Environmental justice communities in Arizona suffer real health consequences due to environmental contamination, which is often under-communicated and under-regulated. This position supports the overall goal of informing communities of their health risks and measures to mitigate them, in ways that involve and respect community members. Join our diverse research team to improve environmental health education in underserved rural and urban communities. Our team conducts environmental contamination research with historically underrepresented populations that will be impacted by climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity more than others. University of Arizona researchers are working alongside community health workers and families living near sources of pollution (urban and rural) in order to monitor their harvested water, soil, and plant quality. This position will be encouraged to propose their own project, within the scope of current work, to further understanding of environmental contamination or further community education and understanding of environmental health. Other undergraduate research assistant duties include: Assist with the development of research activities and conduct research including experimental design, data collection, and analysis; Present research at local and national meetings; Perform administrative work in support of project; Work as a team with other undergraduate and graduate research assistants

Required qualifications:

• General understanding of environmental contaminant fate and transport
• Good teamwork skills
• Good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Cultural understanding of rural Arizona communities

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced understanding of environmental contaminant fate and transport
• Experience working in a science laboratory
• Experience working with diverse community members

Internship location:

On main campus in Saguaro Hall, with some work in rural AZ communities. Student does not need to have a car.

Internship hours: 5-20 hrs/week, flexible dependent on student schedule. Primarily M-F work with occasional evenings and weekends required for events.

Mentor: Dr. Monica Ramirez-Andreotta, Assistant Professor, Environmental Science

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization: The Sierra Club takes a strong stance against policies that promote environmental degradation. We are seeking to restore and protect the borderlands that have been damaged by failed border policies. Along with allies in Congress, we are seeking the reinstatement of the rule of law, so that borderlands resources and residents can depend on the same protections, such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, that most Americans take for granted.

Walls and barriers have already been constructed across more than 650 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. These barriers block wildlife migration, cause flooding and damage pristine wild lands, including wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and national forests. Sierra Club Borderlands advocates for real solutions, such as comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship, that address the root causes of complex border problems.

Website: https://www.sierraclub.org/borderlands

About the internship: This intern would work closely with the Borderlands Program Coordinator to support with borderlands community education and organizing via events, social media and communications, and educational presentations to different groups.

Required qualifications: 

• Good communication skills, both speaking and writing
• Self-motivated, able to work independently

Preferred qualifications: Spanish language skills

Internship location: Mostly virtual work, with some in-person work at 300 E. University Blvd, within one mile from campus. Transportation can be provided for occasional trips to border communities.

Internship hours: 5-10 hours/week, somewhat flexible to adjust to student schedule. Some evening presentations and weekend trips to Nogales and other border communities.

Mentor: Erick Meza, Borderlands Program Coordinator

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Sonoran Institute works throughout the West and northern Mexico to connect people with the natural resources that nourish and sustain them. The Santa Cruz River program works directly with residents and the environment in southern Arizona and northern Sonora to create a healthy, flowing Santa Cruz River from Mexico to Marana.

Website: www.sonoraninstitute.org

About the internship:

This position will lead field research for an ongoing study of trash in the Santa Cruz River, and contribute to and maintain the study’s database.

Primary duties include:

1. Lead scientific research to categorize and enumerate trash in the Santa Cruz River. This will include field surveys of litter in the riverbed, along recreational trails, and litter source locations.  Intern will not be required to collect and dispose of litter.
2. Record data and expand existing database in Excel. This will include but is not limited to the following data: vegetation, geospatial coordinates, river dimensions, and litter categories.
3. Compile and develop organized set of files/folders of datasets and reports.
4. Complete other tasks as needed associated with the development and release of the Living River magazine.

Required qualifications:

• Conceptual: Ecological field methods, data compilation, database development.
• Hardware: Computer capable of data compilation, database development, and analysis
• Software: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel for database management and analysis
• Transport: Reliable transportation to points along the Santa Cruz River in Pima County.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Literacy in R statistical suite
• Functional with Adobe Creative Suite

Internship location: Fieldwork is throughout the Santa Cruz River watershed, primarily in Tucson and northern Pima County. Office work can be done remotely.

Internship hours: 10-15hrs/week, days and times are flexible. Partner river cleanup events typically occur on Saturday mornings. This is an ideal opportunity to conduct research but is not essential.

Mentor: Luke Cole, Director of Santa Cruz River program (https://sonoraninstitute.org/our-story/people/)

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Sonoran Institute works throughout the West and northern Mexico to connect people with the natural resources that nourish and sustain them.

Website: www.sonoraninstitute.org

About the internship:

This position will support Sonoran Institute’s Development and Marketing team. This team produces content that is shared internally and to our 10,000+ social media followers. Primary duties include:

• Creation of new marketing content, including flyers, stickers, banners, blog writing/editing, website editing
• Support in social media: maintaining SI brand through content creation, analytics, and tracking
• Support SI’s in-person events: tabling, distributing collateral materials (e.g., flyers), and as-needed support during SI-sponsored events
• Complete other tasks as needed associated with the development and marketing team.

Required qualifications:

• Conceptual: Creative and artistic eye for design, brand awareness
• Hardware: Computer capable of content creation, image editing, audio/video editing
• Software: SI can provide: Adobe Creative Suite, CANVA, Wordpress, and Microsoft Suite
• Social Media Savvy: Experienced social media user for popular platforms; IG, FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok

Preferred qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Reliable personal transportation to locations around Tucson and Pima County

Internship location: Virtual work with some in-person work in various locations in Tucson and Pima County.

Internship hours: 10-15hrs/week, days and times are flexible. Occasional events typically occur over the weekends.

Mentor: Melissa Cordero, Marketing Manager

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:  Southwest Decision Resources (SDR) is a Tucson-based organization that works with a variety of partners to collaboratively address conservation and community challenges throughout Arizona and the Southwest.  Our work focuses on the design and facilitation of collaborative natural resource management and community development efforts, with a goal of achieving broad participation and inclusiveness, higher quality outcomes, and more lasting solutions.

Website: swdresources.com

About the internship: Southwest Decision Resources works on a variety of projects related to natural resources and community development, with the benefit of customizing internship projects to the interests of the intern. When the internship starts, we will provide an orientation with the intern about the work and approach of SDR, the suite of our current projects, and specific projects with potential internship roles.  We’ll learn more about the interests of the intern, and based on this, decide together which projects would be the best fit.  In the projects listed below, the intern would be a full part of that project team, meaning they would receive training and exposure to situation/stakeholder assessment, agenda and process design, meeting facilitation, documentation, communications, report writing and other aspects of this work. The intern would focus on aspects of these projects that best align with their interest and skills and the needs of the project.  2023-2024 project options include:

• Urban planning: SDR is working with the City of Tucson on Plan Tucson, their General Plan Update public engagement process.  Our 2022-2023 Earth Grant intern is working on this project. This involves in-person and virtual workshops, meetings, planning sessions, data analysis and other aspects of engaging our diverse community on all relevant urban planning topics.
• Climate adaptation: SDR is facilitating the design and implementation of the Southwest Adaptation Forum which will be held in Tucson in Spring 2024. This forum will include representations of agencies, tribes, universities, organizations and other working on climate adaption.
• Western Collaborative Conservation Network: SDR is facilitating the design and implementation of the WCCN’s bi-annual “Confluence” (workshop) which will be held in Tucson in Spring 2024. This event brings together a wide array of community-based conservation practitioners to share experiences, lessons, discuss common challenges and priorities.
• Arizona Cross-Watershed Network: AZ XWN is a network of watershed partnerships, organizations, agencies, universities and other local and statewide partners who are working to improve the health of watersheds and watershed communities in Arizona.  The mission of AZ XWN is to create a more resilient, adaptive and interconnected community of watershed practitioners across the state to foster collaboration and increase collective impact.
• Place-based collaboratives: SDR sets up and facilitates collaboratives of diverse partners including agencies, local government, community organizations and other stakeholders in various locations across the Southwest. 

Duties will include:

• Work closely with SDR teams on 2-3 of the above projects
• Participate in, learn from, and contribute to our project-based facilitation teams
• Duties could include: designing communication materials and innovative outreach approaches, facilitating and notetaking in small group discussions (as part of larger workshops), documenting workshop output, conducting qualitative data analysis, participating in stakeholder interviews and helping design and analyze surveys, leading an independent project co-designed with SDR staff, etc.

Benefits to the intern:

• Inclusion as a member of SDR's dynamic team of facilitation and collaboration professionals, with apprentice opportunities alongside senior facilitators working on collaborative planning and decision-making projects across the Southwest
• Participation in SDR’s annual Facilitation Training (at no cost)
• Develop professional relationships with a diverse set of agency, organization, university and other key partners
• Learn about a variety of issues that SDR works on – watershed and ecosystem management, climate, urban planning, outdoor recreation, community visioning, etc.

Required qualifications:

• Passionate about conservation, natural resources management and/or community issues
• Desire to learn more about collaboration - how to bring people together to find common ground and address shared challenges, including a commitment to more equitable and just decision making processes
• Comfort working both virtually and in-person
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a strong personal commitment to effective teamwork and collaboration
• Strong interpersonal, communication and writing skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Flexibility with workload and scheduling
• Organized and attentive to detail

Internship location: Virtual, with some in-person meetings in Tucson

Internship hours: 8-10 hrs/week, depending on student schedule. Weekdays for team and project meetings. Independent work time whenever suits the intern. Participate in SDR full team virtual meetings Mondays 9-10am (if student has a class then, we can work around that)

Mentors: Tahnee Robertson, Director, and Colleen Whitaker, Senior Program Associate

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Tucson Audubon inspires people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, and restoration of the environment upon which we all depend. We work for a future in which the people of southeast Arizona are connected to their natural world through birds, and they protect and use our natural resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.

We work throughout southeast Arizona to identify threats to birds and wildlife and their habitats, research the most effective approaches to reducing or eliminating those threats, and finally we take action to implement solutions – whether those be through ecosystem restoration, species-specific habitat restoration, litigation, or civic engagement. We educate our members and community on the regional and worldwide problems and empower them to make an impact by providing concrete actions that they can take in response.

Website: https://tucsonaudubon.org/

About the internship:

As part of this internship, students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects aimed at conserving birds and their habitats in southern Arizona. Current projects include: assessing the distribution and habitat use of Chestnut-collared longspurs and other birds that winter in desert grasslands, studying the nesting ecology of Purple Martins (a swallow that nests in saguaro cavities), and coordinating with people in and near Tucson to collect data on bird populations in urban areas. Regardless of which project(s) the intern focuses on, the position will likely include a mix of fieldwork and office work. This intern will help conduct bird surveys and collect other environmental data, assist with project planning and data management, and communicate progress and findings to Tucson Audubon members and the general public. There may also be opportunities to build and deploy nestboxes to help conserve cavity-nesting birds, process video and/or sound recordings, or create educational material about conservation projects for social media or other outlets.

Required qualifications:

• Interest in environmental conservation and restoration work
• Strong interpersonal skills (will need to interface with Tucson Audubon staff and volunteers)
• Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions and hike on uneven ground, carrying at least 10 pounds

Preferred qualifications:

• Having a personal vehicle is not a requirement, but there could be more opportunities to participate in fieldwork if the student has their own transportation

Internship location: Field-based work will occur at various locations throughout southeastern Arizona, with much of the work occurring in the Tucson Valley (within 45 minutes of central Tucson). Other activities will take place at Tucson Audubon offices (the Historic Y, located at University Blvd and 5th Ave or the Mason Center on the NW side of Tucson), with the potential to do some work remotely.

Internship hours: Approximately 10hours/week. Fieldwork is likely to start early in the morning. Office work will occur during normal business hours with the potential to do some work remotely.

Mentor: Olya Weekley, Applied Conservation Project Manager

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Tucson Audubon inspires people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, and restoration of the environment upon which we all depend. We work for a future in which the people of southeast Arizona are connected to their natural world through birds, and they protect and use our natural resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.

We work throughout southeast Arizona to identify threats to birds and wildlife and their habitats, research the most effective approaches to reducing or eliminating those threats, and finally we take action to implement solutions – whether those be through ecosystem restoration, species-specific habitat restoration, litigation, or civic engagement. We educate our members and community on the regional and worldwide problems and empower them to make an impact by providing concrete actions that they can take in response.

Website: https://tucsonaudubon.org/

About the internship:

Invasive plants, especially stinknet and buffelgrass, represent a threat not only to native plants and the wildlife who depend on them but also to health and human safety due to the fires they convey. Removing invasive plants safely and effectively requires a deep knowledge of a variety of techniques and processes. Our crews bring cutting edge digital mapping and precision treatment in an ecologically sensitive fashion to our clients including options for web-based infestation condition documentation and treatment progress.

The Invasive Plant Program Intern will assist with one or more of the following projects, depending on interest, need, and experience:

• Creating plant collections for invasive species and natives for educational purposes
• Mapping invasive plant infestations all around the Tucson area to increase community awareness and to aid us with grant/project applications
• Developing training materials for the general public and for plant-curious people

Required qualifications:

• Interest in environmental conservation and restoration work.
• Strong interpersonal skills (will need to interface with Tucson Audubon staff and volunteers).
• Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions and hike on uneven ground, carrying at least 30 pounds.
• Having a personal vehicle (car or bicycle) is required in order to facilitate transportation to mapping areas.

Preferred qualifications:

• Plant-curious individuals are preferred! Previous experience or coursework is not a requirement, but we prefer interns who are enthusiastic about learning to identify plants.

Internship location: Field-based work will occur at various locations throughout southeastern Arizona, with much of the work occurring in the Tucson Valley (within 45 minutes of central Tucson). Other activities will take place at Tucson Audubon offices (the Historic Y, located at University Blvd and 5th Ave or the Mason Center on the NW side of Tucson), with the potential to do some work remotely.

Internship hours: Approximately 10hours/week. Fieldwork is likely to start early in the morning. Office work will occur during normal business hours with the potential to do some work remotely.

Mentor: Tony Figueroa, Invasive Plant Program Manager

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Watershed Management Group (WMG) helps connect people of all ages to nature and to foster care for the earth through programs at our Living Lab & Learning Center (LLLC).  The Living Lab is a unique and innovative green space where people can experience practices of water stewardship towards fostering a hydro-local understanding of how we can live effectively and respectfully with water. The Living Lab’s primary water supply is rainwater, collected from buildings, stored in tanks, and filtered for all purposes, including drinking. Visitors to the Living Lab are immersed, therefore, in a space where local water resources supply all the water needs, from drinking rainwater, to watering fruit trees with greywater, to growing native plants with stormwater.  And typical wastes are turned into safe fertilizer. All these features are showcased in a small, urban setting, similar to a family home. This demonstration site reveals hydro-local practices to value and steward local water resources and offers hands-on education programs towards ensuring long-term local water security. Visitors access sustainability education, become community scientists, spend time outdoors, and explore no-cost, hands-on, practical, and meaningful, activities in and with nature. 

Website: https://watershedmg.org

About the internship:

The Education Program Innovator will assist the Education Program Director in brainstorming, developing, carrying out, and outreaching for educational programs at the Living Lab & Learning Center with a focus on young people ages 13-19. The intern will look for opportunities to build on, extend, and modify the educational offerings already happening in WMG’s work, particularly at the Living Lab and engaging youth in meaningful experiences of understanding their relationship with water and the environment where we live. The intern will also assist with developing and leading hands-on nature activities during Family Saturdays, held every third Saturday of the month. WMG is expanding our efforts to under-resourced, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, and seeks an intern able and interested in engaging with these populations.

 Required qualifications:

• Interest and support of WMG’s mission
• Interest in experiential, hands-on approaches to education
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Passion for engaging with the public, especially youth, ages 13-19, at community events and in educational activities
• Punctual, responsible, organized, friendly, and self-motivated
• Willingness to speak in front of large groups
• Willingness to work with people of all ages and backgrounds with a commitment to equity, fairness, and respect
• Excellent communication and writing skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Proficiency in Spanish
• Experience in art and creative practices
• Proficiency in social media (knowledgeable of trending apps, tools, ideas to interest our targeted audience and keep them engaged)
• Initiative to seek out new resources and contacts
• Social Justice advocate - with awareness and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• College degree or currently enrolled in a degree program related to Education, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Arts Education, Environmental Humanities, Communications, or related field

Internship location:  Most work will take place at Watershed Management Group Living Lab & Learning Center (LLLC), 1137 N Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716. Possibility for some remote work, and work out in the community depending on the project.

Internship hours: Approximately 10 hours per week, M-F, during business hours, and some Saturdays

Mentor: Julie Regalado, Education Program Director

Number of positions available: 1