Want to gain experience studying the impacts of fire in Orange County?
About Our Fire Ecology Internship
As wildfires increasingly shape California’s landscapes, understanding fire ecology has never been more important. Through the 2026–2027 Fire Ecology High School Internship, students will join Crystal Cove Conservancy, California State Parks, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and the University of California, Irvine to explore how fire affects Orange County’s ecosystems.
Throughout the internship, students will work alongside scientists and land managers to study how fire shapes Orange County’s landscapes—from regrowing vegetation and wildlife habitats to the soil microbes beneath our feet. Interns will gain hands-on experience in restoration, fire ecology, earth sciences, and land management while learning about real-world conservation challenges and exploring career pathways in environmental science and policy.
By the end of the program, interns will have gained field and research experience, exposure to conservation careers, and a deeper understanding of the science and management of Southern California’s landscapes.
Who can Apply
The Fire Ecology High School Internship is open to students in grades 9–12 who attend high school in Orange County. Students interested in science, conservation, environmental policy, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Program Details
- Program Dates: October 2026–May 2027
- Format: Saturday in-person field days and one-hour Wednesday afternoon Zoom sessions
- Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 attending high school in Orange County
- Compensation: This is an unpaid internship.
- Application Deadline: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Exact program dates are currently being determined by program partners.
How to Apply
- Fill out this [Application Form]
- Deadline to apply is September 13, 2026.
- For questions about the program or application process, please contact Brent Castanon, Education Manager, at brent@crystalcove.org.
Program Partners
The Fire Ecology High School Internship is offered in partnership with California State Parks, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and the University of California, Irvine.