2024-25 Earth Grant Student Internships

About the organization:

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) 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.

Website: https://dffm.az.gov/ 

About the internship:

Perform outreach for the DFFM’s Bark Beetle Reduction Cost Share Program (BBRCS), which is aimed to help homeowners pay for the removal of bark beetle infested trees. Create additional outreach materials and help to spread awareness for the program.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Learn about the Bark Beetle Reduction Cost Share Program (BBRCS)
• Read and review existing materials on bark beetle behavior and biology.
• Draft handouts for the Forest Health Specialist to review.
• Finalize handouts.
• Reach out to communities and homeowners and send them the newly created documents.
• Attend a BBRCS property assessment with the Forest Health Specialist to see the whole process.
• *Optional-Translate the handouts into Spanish after completion.

Required qualifications:

• Communication and writing skills
• Public engagement and participation
• Ability to work in a team environment with volunteers and DFFM Staff
• Ability to review scientific publications

Preferred qualifications:

• Public speaking skills
• Graphic Design skills or the desire to learn

Internship location: Virtual with in-person opportunities to shadow members of the Forest Health, Invasive Plant, and Urban Forestry teams at DFFM.

Internship hours: 5-10 hours per week, Monday- Friday

Mentor: Mitchell Lannan- Forest Health Specialist

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) 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.

Website: https://dffm.az.gov/ 

About the internship:

Create outreach collections using insect and plant specimens. Learn how to pin and preserve insect specimens, and learn how to preserve and mount plant specimens. Create visually appealing collections for use in presentations and other outreach events.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Learn from the Forest Health Specialist on how to preserve insect and plant specimens.
• Collect insect and plant specimens from the local community to practice preservation skills.
• Begin preserving insect and plant specimens collected by the Forest Health Team, including insect bycatch from the 2024 monitoring project for invasive insects.
• Work with the Forest Health Specialist to identify the plants and insects.
• Arrange preserved specimens neatly in collection boxes.
• Showcase and talk about the collections at an outreach event.

Required qualifications:

• Communication and writing skills
• Public engagement and participation
• Ability to work in a team environment with volunteers and DFFM Staff
• Ability to work with preserved insects and plants

Preferred qualifications:

• Public speaking skills
• Attention to detail

Internship location: Virtual with in person trainings from the Forest Health Specialist (in Tucson). There will be in-person opportunities to shadow members of the Forest Health, Invasive Plant, and Urban Forestry teams at DFFM.

Internship hours: 5-10 hours per week, Monday- Friday

Mentor: Mitchell Lannan- Forest Health Specialist

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) 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.

Website: https://dffm.az.gov/ 

About the internship:

Create educational fliers and handouts on invasive forest insects not yet in Arizona, including Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Spongy Moth, and Spotted Lanternfly. Create pamphlets and handouts that will require research into these species, identifying scientifically sound references to help create the content of the pamphlet.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Read and review existing materials on invasive insects including the Emerald Ash Borer, Spongy Moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle, and Spotted Lanternfly.
• Work with the Forest Health Specialist to identify pictures that could be used in the documents.
• Draft pamphlets and handouts for the Forest Health Specialist to review.
• Finalize pamphlets and handouts.
• Hand out and talk about the new documents you’ve created at an outreach event.
• *Optional-Translate the pamphlet into Spanish after completion.

Required qualifications:

• Communication and writing skills
• Public engagement and participation
• Ability to work in a team environment with volunteers and DFFM Staff
• Ability to review scientific publications

Preferred qualifications:

• Public speaking skills
• Graphic Design skills or the desire to learn

Internship location: Virtual with in-person opportunities to shadow members of the Forest Health, Invasive Plant, and Urban Forestry teams at DFFM.

Internship hours: 5-10 hours per week, Monday- Friday

Mentor: Mitchell Lannan- Forest Health Specialist

Number of positions available: 1

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: Alison Faller, Urban Forestry Specialist

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Dr. Michael Bogan, Associate Professor of Aquatic Ecology at UArizona, is at the forefront of connecting the magic of the Santa Cruz River with our wider Tucson community. Michael is a champion of outreach, science communication and building meaningful connections with students of all ages, teachers, non-profits, and more. His lab conducts research on streams and riparian areas in desert and semi-arid regions. In addition to research, Michael is Principal Investigator on the NSF funded “Biological Research Experiences for Teachers Sites” (BIORETS) program. This is the program our Earth Grant Intern will assist with.

In the summer of 2024, the third cohort of BIORETS middle and high school teachers will conduct research alongside UArizona graduate students on the Santa Cruz River. In addition to this research, they will develop lessons and activities to take back to their classrooms. Beginning in September, teachers will bring their students to the Santa Cruz for field trips to gather ecosystem data and learn about this unique river through a variety of activities.

Website: https://santacruz.arizona.edu/ 

About the internship:

Our Intern will assist with Santa Cruz River field trips for middle and high school students of BIORETS teachers. The Intern will work as part of a field trip team that includes Michael and other BIORETS staff, including graduate students, as we implement meaningful field trips where participants gather ecological data. Interns will have the opportunity to work both in-person, on the river, and virtually by managing field trip media including photos, videos and other materials.

There will also be additional opportunities for the Intern to develop creative web-based content including (but not limited to) videos, newsletter articles and social media posts. The Intern will be able to expand their skills in science communication, aquatic ecology and building meaningful multi-media content. Our field trips are fun (and busy!) mornings on the river full of questions, looking at aquatic life, listening for birds and learning about the Santa Cruz River.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Assist with Santa Cruz River field trips for middle and high school students of BIORETS teachers to gather ecological data
  • As part of a field trip team that includes Michael and other BIORETS staff, including graduate students
• Develop creative web-based content
  • Managing field trip media including photos, videos and other materials.
  • Create videos, newsletter articles and social media posts
• Expand skills in science communication, aquatic ecology and building meaningful multi-media content  

Required qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for participating in outdoor educational experiences with middle and high school students
• Experience working as part of a diverse team
• Enthusiastic team player and able to work independently
• Interest in learning about desert aquatic ecosystems and science communication
• Interest in creating photo, video and other website content

Preferred qualifications:

• Interest in or experience with outdoor education with middle and high school students
• Interest in or experience working with traditionally underrepresented communities
• Experience with photo editing, video creation and social media posting

Internship location:  In person and remote. Intern can work remotely but will be expected to participate in field trips on the Santa Cruz River in Tucson.

Internship hours: 4 to 8 hours a week but will vary depending on field trips (2 or 3 times a month, in the morning, at the Santa Cruz River). Zoom or in person meetings as schedule permits. Schedule can flex across a month depending on the Intern's school commitments.

Mentor: Jacqueline Bruhn, Program Administrator

Number of positions available: 1

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 Local Food Pathways at CFBSA strives to increase access to local nutrient dense foods by supporting local agriculture, building vibrant community spaces and fostering economic opportunity. LFP consists of the weekly Santa Cruz River Farmers Market held every Thursday in the MSA Annex, Abundant Harvest Cooperative that works with small scale growers and farmers, and Farm to Institution connecting local farms with institutional food buyers such as TUSD and UA Student Unions. Our LFP team collaborates weekly with small local businesses and growers to bring access to fresh local produce to low-income communities while growing our local economy.

Website: https://www.communityfoodbank.org/how-we-help/local-food/ 

About the internship:

Abundant Harvest Cooperative UA Earth Grant Intern(s) will work with the Community Foods Coordinator to support the AHC program at weekly Grower Check-In and at the shared AHC grower table at Market along with supporting the overall development of the AHC program through support with Social Media and Grower Engagement. As a program within the Local Food Pathways team, the Abundant Harvest Cooperative serves as a collaborative platform for small growers and backyard gardeners in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Through this cooperative effort, growers can aggregate their agricultural products, accessing a wider consumer base and earning extra revenue in a low-risk manner. The steady presence and diversity of CFB Abundant Harvest Cooperative products help community members gain greater access to healthy food, contributing to the development of a more resilient local food system.

Wednesdays: AHC Grower Check-in (10am-2pm) 

On Wednesdays UA Earth Grant intern(s) will support with the day-to-day logistics of accepting produce coming in from local AHC growers and partner farms to be sold at market. This day includes communicating with growers of various backgrounds and languages, using scales, coolers, and grower bags to accurately accept produce for market, upholding AHC Produce Guidelines and following safe food handling and warehouse safety. Information about the current week’s produce will be used to create the Weekly Market Newsletter and related Social Media content (recipes, food preservation, nutrition info, etc) as well as providing information about our growers and growing practices to customers at market.

*Thursdays: AHC Table at Market

(3pm-8pm May-Sept; 2pm-7pm Oct-April)

On Thursdays UA Earth Grant intern(s) will assist staff and volunteers with the operation of the Abundant Harvest Cooperative’s shared table at the Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market including set-up/tear-down, staging and rotating grower produce, accepting payment at the register, and acting as a representative of AHC during interactions with the public, sharing details about the cooperative, its’ growers, agricultural practices, and overall goals.

Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market

UA Earth Grant Intern(s) will work with the Farmers’ Market Network and Advocacy Coordinator to support the weekly planning and program coordination of the Thursday Market. This includes support with weekly Social Media posts and listserv newsletter, planning and coordinating seasonal and monthly Market events, which includes a kids program, and being on site for the weekly Market. The intern will also support the annual Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which starts in February and ends in November each year.

In working with our LFP team, interns will be able to harness their time management, communication, teamwork, and Social Media skills. You will learn what goes into running a weekly farmers market, including finance transparency and reconciliation, engaging with local small business vendors and local small farmers, and community members as stakeholders of the Market running for 15 years. Interns will gain knowledge and understanding of food systems change work, and the importance of more access and education about fresh foods in low-income communities and supporting disinvested entrepreneurs, as well as the importance of growing our local economy around local produce.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Support the AHC program at weekly Grower Check-In and the shared AHC grower table
  • communicating with growers of various backgrounds and languages, 
  • using scales, coolers, and grower bags to accurately accept produce for market, 
  • upholding AHC Produce Guidelines and following safe food handling and warehouse safety
• Promote the overall development of the AHC program through support with Social Media and Grower Engagement
• Aid the weekly planning and program coordination of the Thursday Market
  • assist staff and volunteers with the operation of the Abundant Harvest Cooperative’s shared table at the Santa Cruz River Farmers’ Market
  • support with weekly social media posts and listserv newsletter 
  • planning and coordinating seasonal and monthly Market events, including a kids’ program
• support the annual Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)  

Required qualifications:

• In person and remote office work
• Warehouse and outdoors at weekly farmers’ market
• Ability to lift up-to 40 pounds
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Canva, Newsletter communications, social media experience
• Ability to work and communicate respectfully with people from diverse social backgrounds including race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances

Preferred qualifications:

• Spanish
• Experience in, knowledge, understanding, curiosity of or passion for food systems, systems change work, sustainability, food access
• Organization

Internship location: In person and virtual

- Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Santa Cruz River Farmers Market

- Transportation to Food Bank

Internship hours: Approximately 20 hours per week, Wednesdays 10am-2pm at CFB, Thursdays 2pm-7pm (3pm-8pm Summer hours May-Sept) at SCRFM, flexible office work time and place

Mentors: Amrita Khalsa, Farmers Market Network and Advocacy Coordinator

Alex Bencomo, Community Foods Coordinator

Number of positions available: 2

About the program:

The Community Gardens of Tucson's mission is to build community gardens where Tucsonans grow food, work and learn together, and nurture well-being in our communities. Our community gardening programs empower people of all ages, income levels, and abilities by connecting them with their local food system, the environment and each other.

Website: www.communitygardensoftucson.org 

About the internship: 

We are seeking a motivated Community Garden Operations Intern to join our team and collaborate on garden projects at the Community Gardens of Tucson. As an Operations Intern, you will play a crucial role in coordinating garden projects, engaging volunteers, and fostering educational opportunities for our garden communities.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

Project Planning & Implementation

• Support Community Garden Site Coordinators in developing, planning, and implementing Community Garden projects and volunteer events, educational offerings, and other programming.
• Coordinate with community partners, staff, and volunteers to support project needs and resources.

Operations Committee Support

• Assist in coordinating and scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and documenting meeting minutes.
• Collaborate with committee members and volunteers to facilitate effective communication, planning, and implementation of initiatives.

General Operational Support

• Assist with the development needs of the Desert Garden Program.
• Assist in garden site visits to assess and implement garden repairs

Required qualifications:

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work collaboratively within a team.
• Passion for sustainable practices and community development.
• a reliable source of transportation to travel between garden locations
• Ability to push, pull, or lift 25 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions including temperatures over 100˚ and below 40˚
• Ability to work effectively with little supervision

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with garden maintenance and irrigation.
• Experience in project management and/or volunteer coordination.
• Bilingual-Spanish/English

Internship location: The Community Gardens of Tucson has over 17 garden locations. This position requires some on-site work in the various gardens and some remote work.

Internship hours: 10-15 hours per week

Mentor: Gillian Paine Murrieta, Board Chair & Operations Committee Chair

Number of positions available: 2

About the program:

The Community Gardens of Tucson's mission is to build community gardens where Tucsonans grow food, work and learn together, and nurture well-being in our communities. Our community gardening programs empower people of all ages, income levels, and abilities by connecting them with their local food system, the environment and each other.

Website: www.communitygardensoftucson.org 

About the internship: 

We are seeking a motivated Community Outreach & Events Intern to join our team and collaborate on community development needs at the Community Gardens of Tucson. As an Outreach & Events Intern, you will play a crucial role in coordinating events, developing outreach initiatives, and engaging volunteers.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

Outreach

• Develop strategies to recruit volunteers and new gardeners.
• Prepare regular reports to track the effectiveness of outreach efforts and identify areas for improvement.

Event Coordination

• Be an ambassador for Community Gardens of Tucson and positively engage with the community during outreach events and garden activities.
• Provide support for Garden Party Fundraisers as needed.
• Organize and coordinate volunteers to represent the Community Gardens at community events, such as resource fairs and plant fairs.

Admin Support

• Develop volunteer hours tracking processes and procedures across various segments, including Garden Site Coordinators, Board Members, Committee Members, and garden events.
• Attend and support the Outreach and Fundraising Committee

Required qualifications:

• Passion for sustainable practices and community development.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Database, Outlook and internet-based communication
• Ability to multitask and work collaboratively within a team.
• Access to a reliable source of transportation to travel between garden locations
• Ability to work effectively with little supervision

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in professional writing
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Experience in project management and/or volunteer coordination

Internship location: The Community Gardens of Tucson has over 17 garden locations. This position requires on-site work in the various gardens and some remote work.

Internship hours: 10-15 hours per week

Mentor: Brittany Guerrero, Executive Director

Number of positions available: 1

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

About the internship: 

Regular duties include creation and management of compost/composting systems, waste management, K-12 and community-focused STEM programming/curricula, trainings for commercial business employees, potential operation of small-scale equipment for organic materials processing, collection and reporting of data to the Compost Cats Program Manager and Compost Cats Coordinator, auditing and/or decontamination of food waste loads (please be prepared to get dirty), participation in zero-waste effort events, and more. The successful candidate will inform and inspire the Tucson community about food waste reduction, materials cycling, soil health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Desired leadership role: Oversee compost creation and compost systems on Compost Cats demonstration sites.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Oversee compost creation and compost systems on Compost Cats demonstration sites
• Inform the Tucson community about food waste reduction, materials cycling, soil health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship through:
  • K-12 and community focused STEM programming, trainings for commercial business employees, zero waste effort events
• Auditing and/or decontamination of food waste loads (please be prepared to get dirty)
• Collection and reporting of data to the Compost Cats Program Manager and Compost Cats Coordinator   

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 individually and 50 pounds or more in cooperation with another employee is required
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme cold or warm weather
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment
• Must be available to work in-person
• Must graduate in December 2024 or later.

Preferred qualifications:

• Access to personal vehicle - must be able 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 with irrigation installation and maintenance

Internship location:  In person and virtual work. In-person: Office is in ENR2, travel to various locations in Tucson 

Internship hours: 10-20 hrs a week. Includes some early morning, evening, and weekend work. 

Mentor: Kenzie Jackson, Campus & Community Outreach Coordinator

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: http://www.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, K12 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. 

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Assist with educational and outreach activities on and off campus
  •  K12 and community-focused STEM programming/curricula, education and/or outreach events, commercial business trainings
• Oversee curriculum creation and Compost Cats education efforts
• 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  

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 2024 or later. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Access to personal vehicle - must be able 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. 

Internship location:  In person and virtual work. In-person: Office is in ENR2, travel to various locations in Tucson 

Internship hours: 10-20 hrs a week. Includes some early morning, evening, and weekend work.

Mentor: Kenzie Jackson, Campus & Community Outreach Coordinator 

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning (Camp Cooper) is a nonprofit environmental organization that works primarily with PreK-5th grade students from across Southern Arizona with hands-on, discovery-based programs in environmental learning. It is a partnership between TUSD and the University of Arizona with a focus on Title I schools reaching students and families in 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.

Mission of organization:

Our mission is to increase ecological understanding and deepen feelings for nature. We do this by providing hands-on, research-based programs in science and earth education, by creating lifelong memories, and by inspiring learners of all ages to live more lightly and sustainably on the Earth. We offer half-day, full-day, overnight and multi-night educational stays for students throughout southern Arizona, with an emphasis on serving students from Title I schools.

Website: https://coopercenter.arizona.edu/ 

About the internship:

Outdoor environmental teaching positions include working with youth PreK-5th (sometimes middle school) 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.

What are the main goals and activities of this internship?

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.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• 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 middle school and high school learners
• Support the development and facilitation of culturally rich and relevant practices and programming

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. Some work from home is available as well.

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: Mariah Kuehl, 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!

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Hands on work outside installing water harvesting/sustainable landscaping
• Collaboratively work with owner to expand and improve the educational and community building programming.
• Develop outreach plan and communications materials

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, 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 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: http://www.flowersandbullets.com/ 

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.

For 2024 you can expect major commitments to these areas:

1. Physical site improvements- F&B will continue to renovate and remodel the existing structures as well as build new ones as we phase into this next year. The compost area and water harvesting infrastructure will also be expanding this year.
2. Land-based practices- This year we are continuing to take care of our desert resources (precious earth, monsoon rains and abundant sunshine) by planting more native vegetation, adapting our seed each year, collecting as much water, etc. Our maiz project has been expanding over the years and this year we’re focusing on our seed cleaning and storing systems.
3. Community education- every effort, every event, every action is an opportunity to learn and to organize! This year F&B will continue to invest in community education through hands-on workdays, community speakers, all-age workshops, etc.

In addition to our land stewardship and community programming, F&B will continue to resource internally. Flowers and Bullets is committed to the ongoing development and investment of our collective as a whole. Internal practices we are committed to sustaining this year include opportunities for our members to support their mental and physical health, community and professional development, conflict resolution that centers abolitionist values, etc (just to name a few). 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 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. These efforts will help move our organization towards our vision of healthy, safe and strong communities where every neighbor is included.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

1. Support our team with administrative side of organizing
2. Outreach support: social media posts, creation and distribution of outreach materials
3. Execute the organization/development of internal documents

Required qualifications:

• Support our team with administrative side of organizing
• Outreach support: social media posts, creation and distribution of outreach materials
• Execute the organization/development of internal documents
• Proficiency of Google Suite
• Critical thinking skills
• Able to work as a team
• Able to work independently, self motivated

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge using excel or other database programs.
• Able to utilize Canva, Linktree, etc
• Organizational skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills, writing skills.
• Preferred qualifications:
• 2nd language fluency
• Transformative Justice, Restorative Justice
• Skills or knowledge in finance, gardening, or food justice

Internship location: Hybrid

Internship hours: 15-20 hrs/week, including some early morning and weekend hours. Weekly team meetings are Tuesdays 5-7 pm

Mentor: Rachel Lipscomb, Outreach and Development Director

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, 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 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: http://www.flowersandbullets.com/ 

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.

For 2024 you can expect major commitments to these areas:

1. Physical site improvements- F&B will continue to renovate and remodel the existing structures as well as build new ones as we phase into this next year. The compost area and water harvesting infrastructure will also be expanding this year.
2. Land-based practices- This year we are continuing to take care of our desert resources (precious earth, monsoon rains and abundant sunshine) by planting more native vegetation, adapting our seed each year, collecting as much water, etc. Our maiz project has been expanding over the years and this year we’re focusing on our seed cleaning and storing systems.
3. Community education- every effort, every event, every action is an opportunity to learn and to organize! This year F&B will continue to invest in community education through hands-on workdays, community speakers, all-age workshops, etc.

In addition to our land stewardship and community programming, F&B will continue to resource internally. Flowers and Bullets is committed to the ongoing development and investment of our collective as a whole. Internal practices we are committed to sustaining this year include opportunities for our members to support their mental and physical health, community and professional development, conflict resolution that centers abolitionist values, etc (just to name a few).

This position will be working closely with our core team, the folks leading F&B’s planning and strategy, and our “development team”. These efforts will help move our organization towards our vision of healthy, safe and strong communities where every neighbor is included.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Assist with renovation and remodeling of the physical site, including expansion of the compost area and water harvesting infrastructure
• Assist with land-based practices and projects like planting native vegetation, cleaning & storing seeds, collecting water
• Provide support for community education at a variety of events, like workshops, workdays, community speakers, etc.

Required qualifications:

• Ability to lift 50lbs or more
• Able to be outside working for a few hours at a time
• Able to work as a team
• Able to work independently
• Critical thinking skills
• Basic computer skills
• Comfortable with tools or willing to learn about: shovels, picks, rakes

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience planting, farming
• Working with plants, soil
• Bilingual
• Comfortable with or willing to to learn heavy equipment: trencher, tiller, tractor, etc

Internship location: in person, sometimes from home

Internship hours: 15-20 hrs/week, including some early morning and weekend hours. Weekly team meetings are Tuesdays 5-7

Mentor: Tito Romero, Farm Manager and Rachel Lipscomb, Outreach and Development Director

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. In Tucson and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them to rebuild their lives.

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

Website: https://www.rescue.org/united-states/tucson-az 

About the internship:

The New Roots program at IRC is an initiative to support gardening, food security, 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 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 and building projects. Interns interact with garden and farm participants in the gardens and through regular check-in conversations. The New Roots Community Outreach Intern will assist in developing program outreach materials and content for the @newrootstucson Instagram page. The Community Outreach Intern will also support the New Roots Education & Outreach Specialist with presentation development, facilitation, and evaluation tracking for our nascent training program for partners supporting refugee gardeners and farmers. 

The New Roots team works together with interns to develop long-term projects that fit their skills and interests. Past projects have included 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

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• works alongside a New Roots staff member on site in the gardens 
  •  Assist with garden maintenance tasks and building projects
  •  Interact with garden and farm participants in the gardens and through regular check-in conversations
• planning in the office to increase the capacity of New Roots programming at IRC in Tucson
  • Assist in developing program outreach materials and content for the @newrootstucson Instagram page
  • Support presentation development, facilitation, and evaluation tracking for our nascent training program

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.
• Ability to meet at garden sites, primarily in central Tucson.
• Interns will be required to use their own technology tools to work on virtual opportunities. IRC is not responsible for any personal device expenses such as personal smartphones, tablets, hotspots, data charges, etc. All personal devices must:
  • Be kept current with all operating system updates and security patches,
  • Use a password or PIN with a minimum of 4 characters to log onto smartphones and tablets and 8 alpha and numeric characters for a Laptop.
  • Have lock screen set to 10 minutes or less with a password required to unlock the device
  • Configurations must be set to delete all data or lock after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter a password or PIN. Lockout period must be no less than 30 minutes.
  • Additional policy details will be discussed during orientation and training.
• 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, French or Spanish)
• Agricultural knowledge

Internship location: Hybrid work environment. In-person work would happen at the Literacy Garden, 200 E. Yavapai Road, Tucson, UA Campus Agriculture Center (Campbell Ave/Roger Rd), at the IRC Office, 2916 E. Broadway Blvd and potentially at other garden sites across Tucson. Additional virtual work could be done from any location.

Internship hours: 10-20 hours/week. Primary hours will be on weekdays between 9-5 with optional once monthly Saturday morning volunteer day participation. We would prefer an intern to be available during at least one of the following times: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings.

Mentor: Primary Point Person: Laure Crown, New Roots Education & Outreach Specialist Other Staff Contacts: Julia Munson, New Roots Program Coordinator; Eli Young, New Roots Farm & Garden Specialist

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading citizen advocacy voice of the National Park System for over 100 years. NPCA works to protect and enhance our national park sites across the country. The Arizona Program of NPCA has been leading park and public lands protection work for 15 years, supporting all 22 of Arizona’s National Park Service (NPS) units and surrounding landscapes, from the Grand Canyon to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. NPCA is involved in several coalitions in the state focused on protecting critical public landscapes and cultural resources.

Website: www.npca.org/ 

About the internship:

This internship will support the NPCA Arizona Program Manager in their duties with a specific focus on research, policy, and community engagement. The intern will help with tasks related to advocacy, resource collection, communications, and campaigning for park units primarily in southern Arizona, including Saguaro National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and possibly others. This can include helping with outreach to experts for information gathering, literature reviews, brainstorming campaign ideas and strategies, logistical planning of events, researching key issues and stakeholders, and more. Activities will focus on existing campaign efforts, with a main focus on wildlife connectivity in Saguaro West. The intern may also contribute to efforts around public support for initiatives at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and supporting smaller parks units in their needs.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Involvement in wildlife connectivity issues with Saguaro National Park
• Conduct research related to wildlife connectivity issues and solutions
• Work with NPCA’s AZ Program Manager and National Park Service staff to understand and use existing data on wildlife issues in Saguaro
• Reach out to community stakeholders to learn more about issues, including county and city staff
• Compile list of resources available for wildlife crossings and funding mechanisms relevant to Arizona parks
• Provide recommendations based on research for wildlife connectivity considerations in Saguaro National Park and potentially other nearby parks
• Supporting NPCA’s Arizona Program Manager with tasks related to Southern Arizona Parks
• Help with research and planning around several issues at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
• Provide logistical support of NPCA’s Arizona Program events and strategies
• Writing and communicating about NPCA’s work in Southern Arizona to various audiences

Required qualifications:

Student currently in or interested in natural or cultural resources, conservation biology, biology, ecology, hydrology, climate science, environmental sciences/policy, social sciences/human dimensions of conservation, science communication, or other related fields.

• Self-motivated, independent worker
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to juggle multiple projects/priorities at once

Preferred qualifications:

• Interest or experience in conservation campaign thinking and implementation
• Collaborative skills
• Experience with or knowledge of the National Park Service and federal land management agencies
• Commitment to the idea that national parks are for everyone
• Interest in or experience working with Indigenous communities

Internship location: Remote/Virtual with a few in-person field outings and meetings with partners

Internship hours: 10-12 hours per week. Supervising will happen with a weekly check-in on weekdays during business hours although the intern is free to work independently on weekends. Engagement and meetings with external or internal partners, including NPCA staff and the National Park Service, will happen on weekdays during business hours.

Mentor: Sanober Mirza, Arizona Program Manager

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: www.nativeseeds.org 

About the internship:

The Seed Conservation and Outreach Assistant will learn about the importance and practice of seed conservation, from seed processing to seed inventory and organization, as well as participate in our sharing of seeds with related communities.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Seedbank and seed inventory management
  • Clean and pack seeds
  • Help with seed inventory, documentation, germination testing and Seed lab organization
  • Preserve rare seed populations by saving, sorting and properly storing mature seed.
• ● Education and Outreach
  • Help with distribution of seed sharing program information
  • Support outreach to local and aligned community organizations
  • Assist with development of outreach and educational materials
  • Table and attend at outreach events

Required qualifications:

• Coursework in agrobiodiversity, agriculture, natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, food systems/ nutrition, Native American Studies, and/or environmental management
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet-based communications
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• 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 program:

Originate exclusively offers products that are made with the wellbeing of your health and the environment in mind. We help you choose building materials that are naturally beautiful, non-toxic and durable - each made from natural, renewable and/or recycled resources. Products include: countertops, tile, flooring, building materials, paints & plaster, stains & sealers, adhesives & caulks, fireplaces, and architectural salvage building materials. We represent a number of lines that are local or regionally produced. Originate is based in the Dunbar Spring Neighborhood and we celebrated our 20th Anniversary in October 2023.

Originate functions as a community resource. We enjoy sharing knowledge about natural building materials and helping you to make environmentally aware choices during the design and build process.

Website: https://originatenbm.com/ 

About the internship:

Work in a natural building materials showroom near downtown Tucson. Learn about environmentally friendly interior finishes and alternatives to standard building materials while educating customers at the same time. The main focus of this internship will be to attain our carbon neutral certification, the intern would take the lead with this process, which could be a great learning experience. Other focuses are to assist in the design and implementation of creative displays and space planning for the showroom and salvage yard.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Lead the process of attaining our carbon-neutral certification
• Assist in design and implementation of creative displays and space planning
• Learn about and educate customers on alternative building materials and environmentally-friendly interiors 

Required qualifications:

• strong organizational skills
• ability to spearhead projects
• some lifting/ carrying of heavy items
• computer savvy
• A general knowledge of and a passion for green building, environmentally friendly construction, and a natural way of living is a must
• Must be flexible and open to learning. Every day will be different!

Preferred qualifications:

• Interior design, architecture, or building background preferred but not required
• Ability to read blue prints is a plus
• Customer service/ retail sales

Internship location: 948 N Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

Internship hours: 10- 20 hours/week. Our hours of operation are Tuesday- Friday 12PM-5PM and Saturdays 12PM-4PM

Mentor: Natasha Winnik, Owner. This individual will also be working with our 2 other employees.

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources Department (CLR) is a new Department that combined the Natural Resources Division of the Natural Resources Parks & Recreation Department with the Pima County Office of Sustainability and Conservation. CLR manages 250,000 acres of 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: Currently two websites (to be merged into one for the new department):

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

https://www.pima.gov/621/Office-of-Sustainability-Conservation 

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 240,000 acres of conservation lands, including ranches, mountain parks, creek preserves, and more. These conservation lands are managed by the Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources Department (CLR). The intern will assist CLR staff in management and monitoring of key resources within this vast conservation network. This internship will provide opportunities to work primarily with the restoration and invasive species programs within the CLR Department, but may also spend time working with other programs such as rangeland conservation, native plant nursery, and ecological monitoring. The intern may also have opportunities to participate in collaborative work with partner organizations. Field work will be an important part of the intern's experience, and may include restoration projects, seed collecting and cleaning, invasive species mapping, invasive species treatments, ecological monitoring, rangeland monitoring, plant salvaging, and more. There may also be opportunities to work with staff to implement public environmental outreach events.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

•  Assist CLR staff in management and monitoring of key resources within vast conservation lands network 
• Provide support primarily to the restoration and invasive species programs
• Field work, which may include restoration projects, seed collecting and cleaning, invasive species mapping, ecological monitoring, etc.
• work with staff to implement public environmental outreach events 

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 201 N. Stone Ave, 6th floor, Tucson, AZ 85701
• Ability to commute in a non-County vehicle for independent work at field sites
• Willingness to follow-through on commitments
• 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
• Familiarity with GIS tools

Internship location: Some in-person work would happen at the Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources office at 201 N. Stone Ave, 6th Floor, Tucson. Some work may happen at the Native Plant Nursery at 3500 W River Rd, Tucson. Other field work would happen at various locations throughout Pima County. 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: 1

About the organization:

Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources Department (CLR) is a new Department that combined the Natural Resources Division of the Natural Resources Parks & Recreation Department with the Pima County Office of Sustainability and Conservation. CLR manages 250,000 acres of 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: Currently two websites (to be merged into one for the new department):

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

https://www.pima.gov/621/Office-of-Sustainability-Conservation

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 Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources Department (CLR). The Ecological Monitoring Program is tasked with tracking the health of the County's open space lands and is an important part of the County's compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act through its Section 10 permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the associated Multi-species Conservation Plan, MSCP. It is a collaborative effort that includes many County staff in different departments and divisions, as well as a variety of local, state, and federal partners. The intern will work with a variety of staff in the field as well as in the office. Field work will be an important and regular part of the intern's experience and will target monitoring plants and animals on the County's lands. In particular, there will be opportunities to contribute meaningfully towards implementation of monitoring protocols for Sonoran Desert tortoise, talussnails, and Pima pineapple cactus. Office-based work will involve assistance with data management, as well as analysis for the intern’s project. The MSCP covers 44 species of plants and animals, so there are many options for intern projects. There will also be opportunities to work with other programs and departments, including range monitoring, restoration and invasive species, and the native plant nursery.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Regularly assist with field work, with a focus on monitoring plants and animals on the County’s lands
  • Implement monitoring protocols for Sonoran Desert tortoise, talussnails, and Pima pineapple cactus
• Support data management and analysis, including analysis for the intern’s project 

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 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
• Written communication skills
• Eager and able to work in challenging conditions that may include spiny vegetation and extreme weather
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Willingness to communicate with ranchers and other land managers
• Ability to commute to the office at 201 N. Stone Ave, 6th floor, Tucson, AZ 85701
• Willingness to follow-through on commitments
• Positive and proactive attitude

Preferred qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of plant anatomy terms
• 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
• Experience working in the Sonoran Desert
• Familiarity with GIS applications for data collection
• Familiarity with Excel spreadsheets
• Experience with outreach and/or science or technical communication
• Familiarity with communicating via Zoom or Microsoft Teams
• Ability to commute in a non-County vehicle for independent work at field sites

Internship location: Some in-person work would happen at the Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources office at 201 N. Stone Ave, 6th Floor, Tucson. Other field work would happen at various locations throughout Pima County open space lands. Office work could be virtual.

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

Mentor: John Walker, Conservation Science Program Coordinator

Number of positions available: 1

About the program:

Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources Department (CLR) is a new Department that combined the Natural Resources Division of the Natural Resources Parks & Rec Department with the Pima County Office of Sustainability and Conservation. CLR manages 250,000 acres of 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/ 

https://www.pima.gov/621/Office-of-Sustainability-Conservation 

https://www.pima.gov/1340/Field-Study-Trips-Classroom-Programs 

About the internship:

Interns will help facilitate a variety of interactive, discovery-driven environmental education programs for local schools or community groups using tried and true field-study programs delivered in Pima County Natural Resource Parks. Through program implementation, interns will gain experience in facilitating outdoor environmental education activities, such as nature walks, ecosystem exploration, community science and service learning/stewardship projects, and nature journaling for K-12 students. Further, participation in outreach efforts to engage diverse audiences will equip the intern for promoting environmental literacy within the community. Finally, the internship will allow for the opportunity to work with environmental professionals to gain more personal knowledge to be carried over into their studies.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

•  Help facilitate a variety of interactive, discovery-driven environmental education programs for local schools or community groups
  • Such as nature walks, ecosystem exploration, community science and service learning/stewardship projects, and nature journaling for K-12 students
• Participation in outreach efforts to engage diverse audiences and promote environmental literacy

Required qualifications:

• Experience and comfort working with youth
• A passion for teaching and the natural world
• Enthusiasm for learning more about teaching in an informal setting, Sonoran Desert ecology, habitat and resource preservation, invasive species, stewardship, and community science
• At least one year of coursework in an accredited college program
• At least 18 years old
• Able to follow directions and respond positively to feedback
• Comfortable speaking in front of groups
• Strengths in making complex information accessible to children
• Diligent in adhering to field safety protocols
• Attention to detail, ability to stay focused, ability to be adaptable
• Willing and able to work outside in a broad range of weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and light rain
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to commute to the Environmental Education (EE) office at 3572 E. River Road, Tucson 85719
• Ability to commute to schools and field trip sites throughout the Tucson metropolitan area (carpooling from EE office with mentor is generally available)
• Willingness to follow through on commitments
• Positive attitude
• Curiosity and an eagerness to learn
• Punctuality
• Ability to work collaboratively

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with school groups and classroom teachers
• Knowledge of Sonoran Desert ecology and native plant and animal species
• Working toward a degree in education, environmental studies or science, ecology and evolutionary biology, or the like

Internship location: Field trip venues include Feliz Paseos Park, Pima Prickly Park, Agua Caliente Park, and Historic Canoa Ranch. Some in-school programs take place in K-12 school classrooms throughout the County, primarily within the Tucson Metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Some work will be at the Environmental Education offices – 3572 E. River Road, Tucson 85718. Carpooling to sites available from the Environmental Education offices.

Internship hours: 10-20 hours/week, flexible based on student schedule, mostly weekday mornings.

Mentor: Mabel Rivera, Environmental Education Program Coordinator

Number of positions available: 2

About the program:

Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources Department (CLR) is a new Department that combined the Natural Resources Division of the Natural Resources Parks & Rec Department with the Pima County Office of Sustainability and Conservation. CLR manages 250,000 acres of 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: Currently two department websites (to be merged into one for new department) and Living River of Words webpage:

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

https://www.pima.gov/621/Office-of-Sustainability-Conservation 

https://www.pima.gov/1347/Living-River-of-Words-Youth-Arts-Science 

About the internship:

Interns will help facilitate K-12 Living River of Words (LROW) field experiences to the flowing stretches of the Santa Cruz River or other Pima County body of water. Interns lead guided scientific investigations of water quality parameters and aquatic macroinvertebrates as well as an “I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of” journaling activity to encourage observations, spark curiosity, and find inspiration for artwork and poetry to enter the Living River of Words: Youth Poetry and Art Contest. Through program implementation, interns will gain experience leading school groups in ecological assessments using water quality monitoring equipment and protocols, interpreting results, making inferences, and developing questions. Interns will learn about riparian ecology, the history of water in southeastern Arizona, impacts on our waterways, and efforts to preserve riparian areas in Pima County. Finally, the internship will allow for the opportunity to work with environmental professionals to gain more personal knowledge to be carried over into their studies

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Help facilitate K-12 Living River of Words (LROW) field experiences with school groups
  • Lead guided scientific investigations of water quality parameters and aquatic macroinvertebrates using water quality monitoring equipment and protocols
  • Lead journaling activity to encourage observations, spark curiosity, and find inspiration for artwork and poetry 
• learn about riparian ecology, the history of water in southeastern Arizona, impacts on our waterways, and efforts to preserve riparian areas  

Required qualifications:

• A passion for teaching and the natural world
• Comfort and interest in working with K-12 students
• Enthusiasm for learning more about teaching in an informal setting, native plants and wildlife, watersheds and water resources, riparian habitat and resource conservation, and data collection
• Comfortable speaking in front of groups
• At least one year of coursework in an accredited college program
• At least 18 years old
• Basic computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to follow directions and respond positively to feedback
• Observant regarding field safety and computer security rules
• Attention to detail, ability to stay focused, ability to be adaptable
• Willing and able to work outside in a broad range of weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and light rain
• Physically able to walk on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to commute to the Environmental Education (EE) office at 3572 E. River Road, Tucson 85719
• Ability to commute to schools and field trip sites throughout the Tucson metropolitan area (carpooling from EE office with mentor is generally available)
• Willingness to follow through on commitments
• Positive attitude
• Curiosity and an eagerness to learn
• Punctuality
• Ability to work collaboratively

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with school groups and classroom teachers
• Experience using simple tools to take environmental measurements
• Knowledge of Sonoran Desert ecology and native plant and animal species
• Working toward a degree in education, environmental studies or science, ecology and evolutionary biology, or the like
• Experience giving PowerPoint presentations to groups

Internship location: LROW field trip venues include, along the flowing Santa Cruz River (near Ina and Silverbell), Mission Garden, Agua Caliente Park, and Historic Canoa Ranch. Pre-field trip presentations take place in K-12 school classrooms throughout the County, primarily within the Tucson Metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Some work will be at the Environmental Education offices – 3572 E. River Road, Tucson 85718. Carpooling to sites available from the Environmental Education offices.

Internship hours: 10-20 hours/week, flexible based on student schedule, mostly weekday mornings.

Mentor: Julie Strom, Environmental Education Program Manager

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Productive Patches is an ecology based landscaping company in Tucson, Arizona, focused on the restoration and stewardship of our desert landscapes.

Our goal is to adapt to the needs of our future, and look for ways to bring more abundance into our local environment, designing and installing regenerative landscapes to better utilize water, create shade, food, medicine, wildlife habitat, and beauty.

Website: www.productivepatches.com 

About the internship:

This internship will educate and train folks how to identify water harvesting opportunities within residential and commercial landscapes, and act to improve water retention on-site while reducing reliance on city water. This internship will also teach folks about the Sonoran Desert’s native plants and the beneficial uses they may have for human use and as resources for wildlife. 

Day to day work would include physically shaping the landscape to better hold water, installing cisterns, and planting trees and other native plants.  This work would also include the thoughtful observation of landscapes and discussion about how to design and implement these systems.  Occasional work would include education and outreach at public events to raise awareness and support for the benefits of water harvesting systems in the community.

Required qualifications:

• Interns should have some experience working outdoors and the ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Interns should be passionate about enhancing climate resilience in the urban setting and curious about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
• Interns will need to have reliable transportation or a willingness to use public transit to arrive at the jobsite or office on time.  The office is located near the Swan and Broadway cross streets and would be a hub for carpooling to other jobsite locations.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience working with a landscape company would be preferred but isn’t necessary.
• Previous exposure to, and understanding of water harvesting principles would be beneficial.
• Previous exposure to, and understanding of permaculture design principles would be beneficial.

Student Benefits:

• Students will gain a greater understanding of water harvesting and permaculture principles, and how they are applied in a real world setting to help reduce residential water use and increase biodiversity and shade canopy in an urban setting.
• Students will gain technical skills on the identification and benefits of native plants within the sonoran desert.
• Students will gain experience and an understanding of how to educate and inform the public about conservation within the urban environment.

Internship location: Internship would be a majority outside, at projects within the Tucson area, with some hours each week being virtual to discuss principles of water harvesting and coordinate for projects.

Internship hours: Internship hours are flexible and anywhere from 6-30 hours would be available each week.  Weekdays would be preferred for the majority of field work, with some individual work or special event time available on weekends. Schedule would be tailored around students with an understanding that folks have unique and varying schedules.

Mentor: Owner and Operator of Productive Patches, Andy (Andrew) Pieper

Potential number of interns desired for this position: 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. 

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• 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: William Borkan, Research Professional, 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:

The Sonoran Joint Venture’s mission is to build inclusive partnerships to steward just, equitable, healthy, and resilient environments for the unique birds, other wildlife, and people of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. We integrate strategies, goals, and objectives of existing regional, national, and international bird conservation plans and programs into a single, strategic effort to conserve the birds and ecosystems of the region.

Website: https://sonoranjv.org/ 

About the internship:

The Sonoran Joint Venture supports the efforts of diverse partners from the southwest United States and northwest Mexico working on bird and habitat conservation by facilitating discussions, hosting meetings, guiding conservation planning efforts, providing training and capacity building, conducting field work, and participating in regional, national, and international bird conservation efforts. The intern will work closely with Sonoran Joint Venture staff with SJV to engage in work that aligns with their interest and supports SJV operations. Projects include:

• SJV eBulletin and website: The eBulletin is the SJV’s bimonthly electronic newsletter. The intern would coordinate with partners to collect, write, and edit stories highlighting the diverse conservation work being undertaken in the region, post these stories on the SJV website, and share through the SJV eBulletin.
• Land Steward Workshops: The SJV is working with other federal and state agencies to provide training to field staff on how to incorporate birds into land management activities. The intern would work closely with other SJV staff to organize and implement workshops for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, and others.
• JEDIA Plan Implementation: The SJV staff and management board are developing a Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (JEDIA) Implementation Plan to ensure our work is underpinned with principles of justice and equity. The intern would participate in workshops to develop an SJV JEDIA Implementation Plan and work with SJV staff and the SJV Conservation and Justice Fellow to tell the story of how the SJV integrates JEDIA into its efforts.

Required qualifications:

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Experience managing website content with WordPress.
• Interest in birds and bird habitat conservation
• Ability, with supervision and support, to work independently.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Experience managing newsletters with MailChimp
• Having a personal vehicle is not a requirement, but there could be more opportunities to participate in fieldwork (bird banding, bird monitoring) if the student has their own transportation.

Student Benefits:

• The intern will engage with a wide range of organizations and agencies in the U.S. and Mexico working on bird and habitat conservation.
• The intern will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and trainings being offered by the SJV and its partners, building their own skills and experience.
• The intern will be invited to participate in SJV Science Working Group meetings and Management Board meetings, both of which provide opportunities for networking and learning about future employment opportunities.

Internship location: Mostly virtual, with some in-person work at 520 N. Park Ave (on campus) and opportunities to travel to SJV meetings and in-person trainings in Arizona, California, and northwest Mexico (travel expenses paid).

Internship hours: 10-15 hours/week. Some overnight trips depending on student availability.

Mentor: Jennie Duberstein, Sonoran Joint Venture 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: http://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.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

Primary duties include:

1. Field work: 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. Database management 1: 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. Database management 2: Compile and develop organized set of files/folders of datasets and reports.
4. Outreach and program support: when possible, attend and collect data at Sonoran Institute river cleanup events. 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
• Proficient in R statistical suite
• Proficient in ArcGIS
• 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. 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: http://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.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

Primary duties include:

1. Creation of new marketing content, including flyers, stickers, banners, blog writing/editing, website editing
2. Support in social media: maintaining SI brand through content creation, analytics, and tracking
3. Support SI’s in-person events: tabling, distributing collateral materials (e.g., flyers), and as-needed support during SI-sponsored events
4. 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
• Transport:
  • Reliable transportation to points within southern Arizona
• Social Media Savvy
  • Experienced social media user for popular platforms; IG, FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok

Preferred qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish

Internship location: Primarily in Tucson and Pima County. Office work will be a component, but can be done remotely

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

Mentor: Melissa Cordero, Marketing Manager (https://sonoraninstitute.org/our-story/people/)

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 issues throughout Arizona and the Southwest. Our work focuses on the design and facilitation of collaborative planning and decision making efforts, with a goal of achieving broad participation and inclusiveness, higher quality outcomes, and more lasting solutions for our landscapes and communities

Website: https://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. 2024-2025 project options include:

• Urban planning: SDR is working with the City of Tucson on Plan Tucson, their General Plan Update public engagement process. Our 2023-2024 Earth Grant intern is currently 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.
• 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 across 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.
• Trail and outdoor recreation planning: SDR is working on two collaborative trails and outdoor recreation planning efforts. The intern would help with aspects of the project of most interest, which could include map making/GIS, supporting engagement of underrepresented stakeholders, graphics/materials development, meeting facilitation support, data analysis and participating in the project team.
• Place-based collaboratives: SDR organizes and facilitates collaboratives of diverse partners including agencies, local government, community organizations and other stakeholders in various locations across the Southwest.
• Numerous other projects including: climate adaptation, tribal fire and climate resiliency, transportation planning, equitable housing, collaborative conservation, among others.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

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 or near Tucson

Internship hours: 8-10 hrs/week, depending on student schedule. Weekdays for virtual 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)

Mentor: Tahnee Robertson, Director, and Colleen Whitaker, Senior Facilitator

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Tucson Audubon inspires people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, advocacy, 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 take action to implement solutions, whether through ecosystem restoration, species-specific habitat restoration, litigation, or civic engagement. We educate our members and community on local, regional, state-wide, national, and worldwide problems affecting southeast Arizona’s birds and wildlife, ecosystems, and people, and empower them to make an impact by providing concrete, strategic actions to 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 fuel. 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 ecologically sensitive, precision treatment to our clients, including options for web-based documentation of infestation condition and treatment progress.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

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

• Creating plant collections of invasive and native species 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 (interns 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;
• Access to a personal vehicle (car or bicycle) 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 10hrs/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 Plants, Senior Program Manager

Number of positions available: 2

About the organization:

Tucson Audubon inspires people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, advocacy, 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 take action to implement solutions, whether through ecosystem restoration, species-specific habitat restoration, litigation, or civic engagement. We educate our members and community on local, regional, state-wide, national, and worldwide problems affecting southeast Arizona’s birds and wildlife, ecosystems, and people, and empower them to make an impact by providing concrete, strategic actions to take in response.

Website: https://tucsonaudubon.org/ 

About the internship:

Policy considerations at the local, state, and federal levels profoundly shape Tucson Audubon's approach to its environmental conservation and advocacy work. To support programs across our organization, the research and policy intern will develop reports and briefings on pertinent laws, policies, and regulations; industry (such as mining or green energy) best practices; and (possibly) proposed strategies for addressing particular policy challenges. Depending on the intern’s availability and interest level, they will also have the opportunity to contribute to scientific research needs alongside their policy work.

Through this internship, the intern will gain a more robust understanding of environmental (and related) law and policy, while also enhancing their understanding of ongoing, local and regional conservation issues and efforts, and how they intersect with challenges involving climate, clean energy, environmental and climate justice, and more.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

The Research and Policy Intern will assist with two or more of the following projects, depending on interest, need, and experience:

• Researching and writing briefings/reports on evolving mining and extraction law, policy, and practice, in the context of the often competing demands of wildlife and habitat conservation, the clean-energy transition, and climate and environmental justice;
• Supporting Tucson Audubon’s Clean Water Act In-Lieu Fee mitigation program by gathering relevant data, researching partner programs, and writing parts of a site restoration plan

Required qualifications:

• Interest in environmental conservation, law, and policy;
• Strong interpersonal skills (intern will interface with Tucson Audubon staff);
• Ability, with supervision and support, to work independently on research-based projects

Preferred qualifications:

Individuals with a background in or who are pursuing a major/minor related to environmental policy or management are preferred. Previous coursework is not required but we are seeking someone who is excited about conservation and advocacy from the policy perspective and who is eager to learn.

Internship location: The intern will have the option to work at Tucson Audubon’s University Ave. office (the Historic Y, located at University Blvd and 5th Ave) during business hours, with the option to also work remotely as needed.

Internship hours: Approximately 10 hrs/week. Office work will occur during normal business hours with the potential to do some work remotely.

Mentor: David Robinson, Director of Advocacy & Education

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Tucson Audubon inspires people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, advocacy, 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 take action to implement solutions, whether through ecosystem restoration, species-specific habitat restoration, litigation, or civic engagement. We educate our members and community on local, regional, state-wide, national, and worldwide problems affecting southeast Arizona’s birds and wildlife, ecosystems, and people, and empower them to make an impact by providing concrete, strategic actions to take in response.

Website: https://tucsonaudubon.org/ 

About the internship:

Tucson Audubon’s Urban Conservation team works to create high-quality community habitat and improve access to nature in the urban realm. From designing and installing habitat gardens and green stormwater infrastructure, to engaging our community in hazard reduction and bird-safe building practices, the team’s suite of projects and programs seeks to enhance the urban experience for birds, other wildlife, and people.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

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

• Urban Bird Treaty City research and outreach to help develop policy recommendations and promote best practices to protect urban birds in Tucson;
• Educational outreach and fieldwork related to reducing hazards including: mapping and capping death pipes, bird-safe building programming and installations, and bird surveys/monitoring;
• Assistance with outreach, programming, and resource development for Tucson Audubon’s Habitat on Wheels and Community Habitat Restoration Partner (CHRP!) programs;
• Urban habitats research, resource development, and field assistance to promote best practices around habitat creation and maintenance.

Required qualifications:

• Interest in urban conservation and habitat restoration;
• Strong interpersonal skills (intern will interface with Tucson Audubon staff);
• Ability, with supervision and support, to work independently on research-based projects
• Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions and hike on uneven terrain, 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 option to also work remotely as needed.

Internship hours: Approximately 10 hrs/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: Stephanie Kopplin, Director of Urban Conservation & Sustainability

Number of positions available: 1

About the program:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the American people. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, Tribes, corporations, schools, and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land.

Website: https://www.fws.gov/program/partners-fish-and-wildlife 

About the internship:

The Arizona Ecological Services Field Office is looking for an intern to contribute to the success of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Arizona. This internship will provide the intern with an excellent platform to enhance their communication, leadership, and habitat restoration skills, which are highly valuable as an entry-level conservationist. The intern will have the opportunity to visit a variety of habitat types on private lands throughout the state while collaborating with private landowners, USFWS consultation biologists, and other federal agencies to monitor existing project sites. The intern will also be exposed to a variety of other roles within the USFWS and, if interested, could assist with threatened and endangered species surveys and recovery projects. In the second half of the internship, we hope to have the student start developing a protocol, workflow, or other product (depending on the student’s interests) to make the program more efficient. This internship presents a unique and valuable opportunity for a talented individual to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while gaining hands-on experience in project monitoring, collaborative conservation, and habitat restoration while working with the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program staff. The Arizona Ecological Services field office (AZ ESFO) has hosted several in-person and virtual interns over the past year through various programs. AZ ESFO is an inclusive office dedicated to training the next generation of conservationists.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Monitor (via photo monitoring and/or vegetation monitoring) existing and past project sites
• Assist with various levels of project planning and documentation
• Assist with threatened and endangered species surveys and recovery projects
• Develop a protocol, workflow, or other product (depending on the student’s interests) to make the program more efficient   

Required qualifications:

• At least 18 years old
• Ability to pass a federal background check to use government equipment/systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to actively listen.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple partners in a professional, respectful manner.
• Interest in wildlife, native plants, habitat management, and habitat restoration
• Flexibility to work independently and with others.
• Willingness to challenge themselves and learn new things.
• Willingness to ask questions and ask for help.
• Basic computer literacy and proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office.
• Driver’s License and interest in traveling outside of Pima County for site visits.
• Ability to commute to the office at 201 N. Bonita Ave.
• Ability to safely drive a government vehicle.

Preferred qualifications:

• Willing to work in a challenging environment typical for Arizona (i.e., stinging insects, hot, dry weather, venomous snakes, prickly plants, etc.).
• Ability to hike in challenging terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Experience using GPS, Compass, and/or Maps.
• Experience driving 4x4 vehicles.
• Experience in ArcGIS, Field Maps, and Survey123

Internship location: 75% In-person, 25% virtual

Internship hours: 10-20 hours/week, flexible based on student schedule, primarily weekdays with Saturdays optional. Fieldwork is likely to start early in the morning before normal business hours.

Mentor: Sarah Gandaria, Fish and Wildlife Biologist

Number of positions available: 1

About the program:

Watershed Management Group (WMG) develops community-based solutions to ensure the long-term prosperity of people and health of the environment. We provide people with the knowledge, skills, and resources for sustainable livelihoods. WMG helps connect people of all ages to nature and to foster care for the earth and our waterways through programs at our demonstration site, the Living Lab & Learning Center (LLLC), out in the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Watersheds, and in our local communities.

Website: https://watershedmg.org/ 

About the internship: 

The Community Conservation Intern provides support for our community conservation-based initiatives and projects to serve primarily underserved neighborhoods across Tucson. A large part of this program is to facilitate rain garden educational workshops with community partners to teach participants how to build a rain garden; a simple, low-cost landscape feature that captures rainfall to support the growth of native shade trees and shrubs. The intern will assist with logistics related to teaching of and follow up from the rain garden educational workshops at the Living Lab and Learning Center, local schools, residential homes, and community centers in the greater Tucson community. The position will also provide support for community-scale and centered green infrastructure and restoration project processes, as well as provide support for a variety of events at our Living Lab. WMG is expanding our efforts to limited-income, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, and seeks an intern able and interested in engaging with these populations.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Facilitate rain garden educational workshops with community partners to teach participants how to build a rain garden 
• Assist with logistics related to teaching of and follow up from the rain garden educational workshops at the Living Lab and Learning Center, local schools, residential homes, and community centers in the greater Tucson community
• Provide support for community-scale and centered green infrastructure and restoration project processes and events at our Living Lab 

Required qualifications:

• Interest and support of WMG’s mission
• Promptness and sound organizational skills
• Proficient in Google Docs, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to adhere to deadlines
• Ability to receive direction and feedback enthusiastically
• Some Saturday and weekday evening availability

Preferred qualifications:

• College degree or currently enrolled in a degree program related to environmental science, environmental education, landscape architecture, or a related field
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work experience or training
• Data entry experience
• Interest in permaculture principles
• Interest in community outreach and building

Internship location: Watershed Management Group’s Living Lab and Learning Center, 1137 N Dodge Blvd, Tucson, with some work out in the community and virtual meetings as needed.

Internship hours: 8-10 hrs/week (average), including both weekdays and weekends.

Mentor: Luis Salgado, Green Infrastructure Project Manager

Number of positions available: 1

About the program:

Watershed Management Group (WMG) develops community-based solutions to ensure the long-term prosperity of people and health of the environment. WMG helps connect people of all ages to nature and to foster care for the earth and our waterways through programs at our demonstration site, the Living Lab & Learning Center (LLLC), out in the Santa Cruz and San Pedro watersheds, and in our local communities.

WMG’s Living Lab demonstration site, located in mid-town Tucson, is a unique and innovative green space revealing 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 Environmental Education Community Outreach intern will assist the Education Program Director in brainstorming, developing, carrying out, and outreaching for educational programs at the Living Lab & Learning Center in mid-town Tucson. The intern will look for opportunities to build on and extend the educational offerings already happening at WMG, particularly at the Living Lab and engaging children and 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.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Assist with development, implementation, and outreach for educational programs at the Living Lab & Learning Center in midtown Tucson 
• Engage children and youth in meaningful experiences of understanding their relationship with water and the environment where we live
• Assist with developing and leading hands-on nature activities during Family Saturdays, held every third Saturday of the month  

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 children and teens, 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
• Proficiency in social media
• Excellent communication and writing skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Proficiency in Spanish
• Experience in art and creative practices
• 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. 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 and evenings

Mentor: Julie Regalado, Education Program Director

Number of positions available: 1

About the organization:

Watershed Management Group (WMG) develops community-based solutions to ensure the long-term prosperity of people and health of the environment. WMG helps connect people of all ages to nature and to foster care for the earth and our waterways through programs at our demonstration site, the Living Lab & Learning Center (LLLC), out in the Santa Cruz and San Pedro watersheds, and in our local communities.

Website: https://watershedmg.org/ 

About the internship: 

The Restoration Ecology intern will be part of the team working primarily on WMG’s Beaver Restoration Initiative and Release the Beavers Campaign. Our goal is to restore the ecological and cultural role of beaver in the binational San Pedro and Santa Cruz Basins in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The intern will play an integral role in updating the methodology and implementing a binational beaver survey in the fall/spring. They will help WMG expand its work to engage a diverse public, collaborate with other non-profit organizations, public agencies and private landowners, including partners in Mexico. The Restoration Ecology intern will also assist WMG restoration staff with other restoration efforts including Arundo donax removal and revegetation efforts along Tanque Verde Creek, and beaver-related restoration in Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. WMG is expanding our efforts to limited-income, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, and seeks an intern who is part of and/or able and interested in engaging with these populations.

Expectations, Responsibilities, and Duties:

• Update beaver survey methodology based on lessons learned from past surveys and train survey participants in using Survey123 to collect data – either in English or Spanish
• Co-organize community science field trips to conduct surveys in the fall in both Arizona and Sonora, Mexico
• Lead small volunteer groups in survey reaches along the San Pedro River
• Update and maintain a database of individuals, organizations, companies & agencies involved in beaver-related work, including those that trap and relocate or euthanize beavers as well as private property owners willing to accept relocated beavers
• Organize data from the annual beaver population survey of the San Pedro and Santa Cruz Rivers and help present and share back results in a report
• Assist in sharing data through ARCGIS Online platform as well as WMG’s website
• Write up results and methodology in annual beaver survey report and publish report
• Assist with community education events related to the Release the Beavers campaign
• Assist with partner networking to build support of Release the Beavers campaign.
• Attend River Run Network and Release the Beaver team meetings
• Assist WMG restoration staff with Arundo removal and revegetation restoration including associated project documentation and monitoring.
• Assist WMG restoration staff with Las Cienegas National Conservation Area restoration efforts
• Other duties related to restoration that may arise

Required qualifications:

• Interest and support of WMG’s mission
• Ability to engage with diverse communities and build relationships built on trust and understanding
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Promptness and sound organizational skills
• Proficient in Google Docs, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media

Preferred qualifications:

• ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online (i.e Survey123) experience helpful
• Experience with natural resources-based field work
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work experience or training
• Ability to conduct physically challenging field surveys

Internship location: Watershed Management Group Living Lab & Learning Center (LLLC), 1137 N Dodge Blvd, Tucson with work out in the field and some remote work.

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

Mentor: Catlow Shipek, Sr. Program Director & Becky Fitzpatrick, Restoration Ecology Project Manager

Number of positions available: 1