2026 Natural Resource Undergraduate and Graduate Summer Internship
Applications now open!
Crystal Cove Conservancy is launching the sixth year of the Natural Resource Summer Internship program in partnership with Crystal Cove State Park, UC Irvine, and Parks California.
This impactful program offers paid internship positions to those interested in beginning their journey into natural resource careers with California State Parks. It is particularly intended for individuals who are from backgrounds that have historically been excluded from natural resource careers.
Undergraduate Internship Program Overview & Application Process:
Starting in June 2026, undergraduate interns will spend approximately 150 hours over the summer working collaboratively on a natural resource project at Crystal Cove State Park.
As a Natural Resource undergraduate intern, you will:
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- Collaborate with The Conservancy and State Parks staff to develop and implement a project that addresses a real management need;
- Work as part of a team to develop a proposal, collect field data, analyze findings, and contribute to project outcomes;
- Receive guidance from subject-matter experts, including State Parks staff and research partners;
- Present final project results to State Park natural resource managers, park staff, and community stakeholders;
- Participate in weekly cohort meetings, guest speaker presentations, and professional development workshops focused on careers in natural resources, resume building, interviewing, and navigating State Parks career pathways.
This year, projects will focus on work within Crystal Cove’s State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), including:
- Evaluating tidepool visitor behavior and compliance to inform management strategies;
- Developing a coastal tar ball monitoring protocol and baseline dataset to support impact assessment following oil spill events.
Compensation: $16.50/hour for four undergraduate positions.
Program Logistics:
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- All interns are required to participate in one six-hour orientation at Crystal Cove State Park during the week of June 15, 2026.
- Internship positions will begin the week of June 22 and may run through September 4, 2026.
- Scheduling is flexible based on intern availability, averaging approximately 15 hours per week over 11 weeks. Interns must be available for at least two full fieldwork days per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm) and attend a weekly one-hour cohort meeting on Wednesday afternoons. Weekend availability may be required depending on project needs.
- Fieldwork is conducted on-site, while additional project work may be completed remotely. Limited in-office time may be scheduled as needed, but is not required on a daily basis. Laptops are available for loan to support remote work.
Desired Qualifications:
This is an entry-level position, and we encourage candidates from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to apply. The ideal candidate is a current undergraduate student or recent graduate (18 years or older) who is interested in exploring a career in natural resources, conservation, or environmental science. No prior work experience is required, though coursework in ecology, environmental science, or marine science is encouraged.
Crystal Cove Conservancy highly encourages all interested candidates to apply, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color; LGBTQ+; Disabled and/or d/Deaf; or from other marginalized backgrounds that are underrepresented in the conservation and environmental fields.
Physical Requirements:
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce inclusive of those with cognitive or physical disabilities. Due to the nature of this position, this position does require certain physical abilities, including but not limited to being able to operate a computer. Some projects may require the ability to hike up to five miles over uneven terrain.
If you are interested in this position and will need accommodations to carry out the position functions, we highly encourage you to apply. Please also let us know if you need reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process.
Application Process:
Applications are now open! To apply, please complete the Google Form. Applications close on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
For questions, please contact Jen at jennifer@crystalcove.org.
Graduate Internship Program Overview & Application Process:
Starting in June 2026, graduate interns will spend approximately 250 hours over the summer leading an applied natural resource project at Crystal Cove State Park.
As a Natural Resource graduate intern, you will:
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- Lead the development and implementation of a project that addresses a priority park need;
- Mentor and guide a team of undergraduate interns throughout the project;
- Serve as the primary project lead, ensuring progress aligns with established timelines and deliverables;
- Coordinate with Conservancy staff, State Parks staff, and research partners to support project implementation;
- Oversee data collection, analysis, and interpretation of project findings;
- Present final results to State Park natural resource managers, park staff, and community stakeholders;
- Participate in weekly cohort meetings and professional development workshops;
- Develop and facilitate a one-hour interactive workshop on a career or professional development topic for the intern cohort.
Graduate interns play a key leadership role in ensuring projects are well-executed, meaningful, and aligned with park priorities while supporting the development of undergraduate team members.
This year, projects will focus on work within Crystal Cove’s State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), including:
- Evaluating tidepool visitor behavior and compliance to inform management strategies;
- Developing a coastal tar ball monitoring protocol and baseline dataset to support impact assessment following oil spill events.
Compensation: $20/hour for two graduate student positions.
Program Logistics:
-
- All interns are required to participate in one six-hour orientation at Crystal Cove State Park during the week of June 15, 2026.
- Internship positions will begin the week of June 22 and may run through September 4, 2026.
- Scheduling is flexible based on intern availability, averaging approximately 15 hours per week over 11 weeks. Interns must be available for at least two full fieldwork days per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm) and attend a weekly one-hour cohort meeting on Wednesday afternoons. Weekend availability may be required depending on project needs.
- Fieldwork is conducted on-site, while additional project work may be completed remotely. Limited in-office time may be scheduled as needed, but is not required on a daily basis. Laptops are available for loan to support remote work.
Desired Qualifications:
The ideal candidate is a current or recently graduated master’s student with an interest in pursuing a career in natural resources and conservation. They have prior coursework in ecology, data analysis, or natural resource management and planning; experience in science communication or public outreach; and demonstrated leadership through academic projects, volunteer work, or professional experience.
Crystal Cove Conservancy highly encourages all interested candidates to apply, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color; LGBTQ+; Disabled and/or d/Deaf; or from other non-traditional backgrounds that are underrepresented in the conservation and environmental fields.
Physical Requirements:
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce inclusive of those with cognitive or physical disabilities. Due to the nature of this position, this position does require certain physical abilities, including but limited to being able to operate a computer. Some projects may require the ability to hike up to five miles over uneven terrain. If you are interested in this position and will need accommodations to carry out the position functions, we highly encourage you to apply. Please also let us know if you need reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process.
Application Process:
Applications are now open! To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Jen at jennifer@crystalcove.org. Applications close on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
For questions, please contact Jen at jennifer@crystalcove.org.
Crystal Cove Conservancy (The Conservancy) is the nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to the protection, preservation and sustainability of Crystal Cove State Park, located on the traditional lands of the Acjachemen and Tongva Tribal Nations. Crystal Cove Conservancy works with our partners at California State Parks to restore the park’s historic beach cottages, educate our next generation of environmental leaders, protect Crystal Cove’s threatened natural and cultural resources, and promote access for historically-excluded groups.
Crystal Cove Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or genetics. Members of groups that have faced historic barriers to environmental access are highly encouraged to apply.