Join Our Team
Internships
Do you want to help tackle local environmental issues, protect rivers and streams, and help our community?
Inland Empire Waterkeeper offers a wide selection of volunteer and internship opportunities throughout the year. Activities can range from coordinating a river cleanup and collecting water quality samples, to community outreach and content creation.
A Waterkeeper intern will gain experience that will further your education or career search and provide a high profile reference for resumes and job applications. As such, the expectations and responsibilities for interns are similar to those found in a standard job setting.
The minimum commitment for an official internship is 80-120 hours (dependent on program). All positions are unpaid, and we encourage student applicants to receive school credit for their hours.
Waterkeeper currently offers three types of internships. Please read below for more information.
Environmental Education
This internship gives students interested in teaching environmental education real experience working with K-12 students. Interns will assist Waterkeeper’s education team with in-class presentations, preparing teaching materials and field trips where they teach students about their local watershed, how to test water quality, etc.
Responsibilities
- Assist with staffing/hosting educational booths at fairs, conferences, and other outreach events
- Assist with the development, implementation, and presentation of hands-on lessons for schools and outreach events (field trips, in-class lessons, career fairs, etc.)
- Support marketing and promotional efforts for the River KATS program through social media, press releases, and the Waterkeeper education program websites (blog posts, social media stories, etc.)
- Assist with logistical duties such as maintaining inventory of supplies, calibrating water quality meters, scanning documents, grading worksheets etc.
Qualifications
- Applicants must be enrolled in college and in the process of obtaining a degree. Degree is not limited to science/education.
- Applicants with experience working with students, excellent oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and a demonstrated ability to engage students and teachers alike will be given priority.
- Candidate must be hardworking, motivated, and most importantly, demonstrate a deep commitment and passion for environmental protection and education. Prior to applying for this position, the applicant should familiarize themselves with the River KATS program by visiting the program page.
Schedule
Approximately 10 hours per week. Preference will be given to candidates with availability between the hours of 8:00am-2:00pm for EITHER Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Remaining hours are flexible.
How to Apply
Inland Empire Waterkeeper accepts applications year-round. To be considered for this intern position, please fill out the application linked above and send it along with your resume to Johanna Ramos at johanna@iewaterkeeper.org.
Advocacy and Research
Much of our work relies on strong research skills to support our advocacy efforts. As an advocacy and research intern, you may focus on a specific project that is timely and piques your interest, or you could delve into a variety of tasks throughout your time with us. You might work in areas such as scientific research, campaigns, event planning, and water monitoring.
Responsibilities
Work on a variety of projects that include field work, research, report writing, data entry, attending public meetings, writing letters and working with the public.
Qualifications
Must have your own transportation, be willing and able to work outdoors in a variety of locations, have good communications and writing skills, ability to work as part of a team.
How to Apply
Inland Empire Waterkeeper accepts applications year-round. To be considered for this intern position, please fill out the application linked above and send it along with your resume to Ray at ray@coastkeeper.org.
Communications
Waterkeeper is looking for photographers, writers, videographers, graphic designers, and other creatives to help promote our environmental programs. This is a flexible opportunity that tailors the experience of every individual intern to highlight their skills.
Responsibilities
- Draft press releases and media alerts
- Create content for social media
- Create innovative communications and fundraising strategies
- Schedule and post content on social media
- Contact and engage with local businesses and organizations
- Create marketing materials such as fliers and e-blasts
- Shoot and edit photos and video
Qualifications
Applicants should have experience with creating marketing and communications projects and an interest in environmental awareness campaigns. Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, and a demonstrated ability to manage projects. They must be hard-working, self-motivated, and must demonstrate a deep commitment and passion for environmental protection.
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills
- Writing experience (journalistic & creative)
- Attention to detail
- Confidence in public speaking
- Creative mindset
- Ability to work independently
- Preferred digital design experience with Photoshop, Canva, etc.
- Preferred photography and/or videography skills
How to Apply
Inland Empire Waterkeeper accepts applications year-round. To be considered for this intern position, please fill out the application linked above and send it along with your resume to Matt at matt@coastkeeper.org.
Employment Opportunities
Our small but mighty team is constantly growing. New job opportunities will be posted to our blog.