Natural Resources Job Board

Founded in 2001, we are an environmental non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the San Diego River and the creation of the San Diego River Park System. To learn more about our organization, please follow this [link].

We seek outgoing and hardworking interns, who are passionate and dedicated to environmental conservation and equitable access for all in our diverse community.  Internships at the San Diego River Park Foundation are highly collaborative and feature on-the-job learning for students interested in non-profits and local environmental issues. This position is an unpaid volunteer internship opportunity, but may be eligible for credit at your academic institution.

 

The Water Quality Internship involves day-to-day operations of the water quality monitoring program and includes participation in the San Diego River Park Foundation’s RiverWatch team's monthly site visits. The RiverWatch Team utilizes a compact electronic sonde to collect real-time data on the temperature, dissolved oxygen, acidity or alkalinity, conductivity, and nutrient content of the River at 16 locations each month. Additionally, two to three times a week, we will sample bacteria (E. coli) at one to two locations throughout the duration of the internship, piloting Fluidion's ALERT One unit. This unit is the world's first handheld microbiology lab for rapid E. coli quantification in remote locations. Along with data collection, interns assist in assessing and summarizing the monthly findings, in addition to implementing an independent project.

 

When in the lower urban sections of the San Diego riverbed, it is a possibility that teams will encounter individuals experiencing homelessness as well as active encampments.  SDRPF practices a respectful, non-confrontational approach to interactions with all people, including people experiencing homelessness. At the San Diego River Park Foundation, we utilize people-first language that recognizes people’s humanity and avoids stigmatization. Candidates should be comfortable being trained to work in these areas and will be expected to demonstrate respect for all people.

6 to 12 hours per week for a minimum of 2 months, with a preference for 3 to 4 months. Some weekends may be included. The intern will participate in the regular RiverWatch team events, which currently occur in the mornings on the third Thursday and Friday of each month. Please note that these days during the month may change to accommodate more volunteers.  Staff will discuss the upcoming schedule with the candidate during intern interviews. Additional shifts to conduct other program activities and independent projects are more flexible.

This position works in the field and remotely. Field event locations are located in East and West County (Santee and San Diego). Interns will need to be able to get to multiple sites within one field excursion.

Please email the following materials together in one email:

 

Please send all application materials to the Volunteer Coordinator and Field Coordinator of Research and Restoration at volunteer@sandiegoriver.org and Kristofer@sandiegoriver.org. In your email, state if you plan on applying for multiple SDRPF internships, and which other positions you will be applying for. If you have any questions regarding the application process or the internship, please email the above address or call 619-297-7380.