Submit a cover letter and resume to:
Tatiana.brennan@santacruzcountyca.gov

County of Santa Cruz, County Administrative Office –
Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience

The Office of Response, Recovery, and Resilience is dedicated to fostering climate resilience and supporting community adaptation to climate change. We collaborate with numerous county agencies across the public, private, and non-profit sectors to help residents mitigate and adapt to climate impacts and aid in response and recovery following climate-related disasters.

Internship Projects

  1. Grant Research & Development
  2. GIS Mapping of Climate Organizations
  3. Communications Planning
  4. Waste Reduction Planning
  5. Climate Action & Adaptation Plan Implementation

Location

County Government Center,
701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, Ca 95062
(Hybrid option available)
 

Full- or Part-Time

  • School Year: 7-10 hrs./week and Summer: 17-20 hrs./week
  • Internship Office Hours: 9am-5pm, M-F or as scheduled

End and Start Date

June 2024-July 2025
 

Compensation

  • Paid Internship with hourly rates based on current school status. Learners not currently enrolled in school are eligible to apply:
    • High School Student: $16.39
    • First/Second Year College Student: $17.21
    • Third/Fourth Year College Student: $18.08
    • Graduate-Level Student: $18.98
  • Health Benefit Stipend: $2.00/hour (in addition to the hourly rates)
  • Transportation Required, Parking pass and Santa Cruz Metro bus pass available

Encouraged Applications

The County of Santa Cruz encourages applications from people of all races, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and ages, as well as veterans and individuals with disabilities. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because they don’t match every single point – please apply anyway. If you believe this internship is a role that you’ll be excited to work in and you want to be a part of the solution to the climate crisis, please apply.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Climate Resilience Internship includes 3 components:

  1. Intern Project (listed below)
  2. Mentorship – interns will be assigned an experienced and trusted advisor who will provide guidance, support, and knowledge to help the intern achieve their personal and professional goals.
  3. Local County Government – interns will receive a comprehensive introduction to local government, its functions and various departments, and opportunities to actively engage in the democratic process.

Intern Projects

  1. Grant Research & Development

    This project will play a crucial role in supporting efforts to secure funding for various projects aimed at improving climate resilience. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in grant research, database management, project identification, partnership building, and grant writing.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Research and identify grant opportunities from federal, state, local, and private sources that align with the organization’s goals and projects.
    • Compile and maintain a comprehensive grant database, ensuring information is current and easily accessible.
    • Assist in identifying potential projects and partners that align with available grants and the organization’s mission.
    • Support the grant writing process, including drafting proposals, preparing application materials, and submitting grant applications.
    • Collaborate with team members to develop compelling narratives and gather necessary documentation for grant applications.
    • Track and report on the status of submitted grants and manage deadlines for upcoming opportunities.
    • Perform other related duties as assigned.
    What you will learn:
    • Grant Research and Database Management: Methods for identifying grant opportunities and maintaining an organized, accurate grant database.
    • Project Identification and Collaborative Writing: Skills in identifying suitable projects and partnerships, and techniques for working with team members to develop strong grant proposals.
    • Grant Writing and Application Preparation: The process of drafting compelling grant proposals, preparing complete applications, and adhering to guidelines and deadlines.
    • Documentation, Reporting, and Funding Mechanisms: Best practices for tracking and reporting submitted grants, understanding nonprofit and public sector funding, and managing deadlines.
    • Professional Development and Communication Skills: Enhancing written and verbal communication skills, gaining experience in a professional setting, and collaborating with various departments.
  2. GIS Mapping of Climate Organizations

    This project involves reviewing, compiling, and mapping organizations in the Santa Cruz County climate community. Interns will help create a geographic map using ArcGIS, enhance relationships with climate organizations, and gain an understanding of local government functions and policymaking. The map will include information on the types of organization, size, funding, service area and function. The intern will collaborate with University of California students on the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Atlas Mapping.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Research and identify climate resilience organizations in Santa Cruz County.
    • Develop a geomap of all organizations with relevant information using ArcGIS.
    • Participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
    • Conduct independent research on areas specific to the assignment.
    • Assemble and analyze statistical data for application to the area of assignment.
    What You Will Learn:
    • How to create a geographic map using ArcGIS: An online tool for mapping and spatial analysis.
    • Relationship building with climate community organizations: Developing connections and partnerships within the climate resilience community.
    • Understanding different types of organizational governance and climate resilience responses: Gaining insights into various governance structures and approaches to climate adaptation and response.
    • How local governments function and the local policymaking process: Learning the operational and policy-making processes within local government.
    • Experience in the executive office of local government: Practical exposure to the workings of an executive office in a local government setting.
  3. Communications Planning

    This project involves developing a comprehensive climate action communications plan for the local county government. Interns will research and identify effective communication strategies to engage and inform the community about climate action initiatives and resilience measures. The project aims to enhance public awareness and support for county-led climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Develop a comprehensive climate action communications plan for the local county government.
    • Research and identify effective communication strategies to engage and inform the community about climate action initiatives and resilience measures.
    • Collaborate with county departments and community organizations to gather relevant information and feedback.
    • Create content for various platforms, including social media, websites, newsletters, and press releases.
    • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and make recommendations for improvements.
    What You Will Learn
    • Effective communication strategies for public engagement in climate action and resilience.
    • How to develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan.
    • Techniques for creating impactful content for different platforms and audiences.
    • Collaboration skills through working with various county departments and community organizations.
    • Methods for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of communication efforts.
  4. Waste Reduction Planning

    This internship project involves developing construction and demolition (C&D) waste handling standards for contractors on County projects to reduce landfill waste and supporting the creation of a Cal Green Program implementation plan. Interns will research best practices, collaborate with County departments and stakeholders, and draft guidelines and educational materials. The project aims to enhance sustainability efforts and ensure effective waste management in County construction projects.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Assist in developing construction and demolition (C&D) waste handling standards for contractors on County projects.
    • Support the creation of a Cal Green Program implementation plan aimed at reducing the amount of C&D waste sent to landfills.
    • Research best practices and existing standards for C&D waste management and sustainability.
    • Collaborate with County departments, contractors, and stakeholders to gather input and ensure the feasibility of proposed standards.
    • Draft guidelines, procedures, and educational materials related to C&D waste handling and the Cal Green Program.
    • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of new standards and recommend adjustments as needed.
    What You Will Learn:
    • Best practices and standards for construction and demolition waste management.
    • How to develop and implement waste handling standards and sustainability programs.
    • Techniques for conducting research and gathering stakeholder input.
    • Collaboration skills through working with various County departments, contractors, and stakeholders.
    • Methods for monitoring and evaluating program implementation and effectiveness.
  5. Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Implementation

    This internship supports the implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, focusing on meeting facilitation, accountability, and project prioritization. Interns will assist with setting up and facilitating meetings, monitoring the Accountability & Measurement System, and helping the Climate Action and Adaptation Working Group prioritize and report on climate projects. The role aims to ensure effective execution and reporting of the County’s climate initiatives.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Assist in setting up and facilitating meetings for the Climate Action and Adaptation Working Group.
    • Monitor and implement the Accountability & Measurement System to track climate action progress.
    • Support the prioritization of climate projects and initiatives within the Working Group.
    • Help departments report on their climate efforts and ensure accurate and timely documentation.
    • Collaborate with County departments and stakeholders to gather information and feedback.
    • Prepare meeting agendas, minutes, and other relevant documentation.
    What You Will Learn:
    • Meeting facilitation and organizational skills within a governmental setting.
    • Techniques for monitoring and implementing accountability systems for climate action.
    • Skills in prioritizing and managing climate projects and initiatives.
    • Collaboration and communication skills through working with various County departments and stakeholders.
    • Methods for tracking and reporting on climate action progress and departmental efforts.

Submit a cover letter and resume to:
Tatiana.brennan@santacruzcountyca.gov