INTERNSHIPS

Interns are an integral part of our stewardship community who have the opportunity to explore the environmental conservation career path through fieldwork and hands-on training.

We offer two different internship programs. In summer, we offer a cohort-based internship program that explores a variety of working and learning opportunities. From fall through spring, we offer paid positions for interns to engage with the communities we work in and learn new skills alongside our staff.

HABITAT RESTORATION INTERNSHIP

Applications for the 2026-2027 Habitat Restoration Internship are now open!

Submit your application by Sunday, June 14 at 11:59 PM to be considered.

Grassroots Ecology’s 10-month paid habitat restoration internship allows emerging professionals to explore the environmental conservation career path through hands-on fieldwork, community engagement, and in-depth training. The program's goal is to support personal and professional growth for those underrepresented in the environmental field, such as those identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, low-income, and/or first-generation college students.

Responsibilities include invasive plant management, native plant revegetation, site maintenance (e.g. watering, mulching), volunteer event facilitation, and monitoring. Up to 10 interns will be hired and assigned to work alongside Grassroots Ecology staff.

The internship starts September 14, 2026 and ends in June 2027. This is a paid internship at $25/hour, with an average of 10-15 hours/week. A 3% Bilingual Pay Bonus is available for interns who deliver programming in Spanish and English. Community college students may be qualified to participate in the Habitat Restoration Internship through the California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC).

Learn more about the Habitat Restoration Internship by attending a virtual informational session. The same information will be covered at all sessions. Attending one information session before submitting an application is highly recommended. 

• Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PDT (register here), or 

• Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM PDT (register here), or 

• Friday, June 12, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PDT (register here)

Please contact Laurel Wee at laurel@grassrootsecology.org for any questions regarding the Habitat Restoration Internship.

“I feel much more confident in my communication and leadership skills.

I gained important hands-on skills such as ecological restoration, community engagement, and environmental education.”

— Ruby, 2024-25 Habitat Restoration Intern

Thanks to our partners and donors who support the Habitat Restoration Internship.

SUMMER 2026 NATURALIST INTERNSHIP

Habitat Restoration Training and California Naturalist Certification Program

Applications for the Summer 2026 Naturalist Internship are now closed.

Please subscribe to our newsletter or check back in spring 2027
for information about the next application cycle.

Grassroots Ecology's 9-week (June 15th to August 14th, 2026) Naturalist Internship provides college students and recent graduates an opportunity to explore a career in environmental conservation and to deepen their understanding of California natural history. Through outdoor education and hands-on field training, interns gain local ecological knowledge, habitat restoration skills, a robust professional network, and valuable experience in the environmental field. Upon completion of the internship, participants will earn the California Naturalist certification. This program is designed to provide an empowering space for growth, with a focus on leadership, communication, and community-building skills.

Questions? Contact Hannah Cunningham at hannah@grassrootsecology.org.

I gained skills in communication, stewardship, and interpretation.

I feel much more confident teaching things to other people now, and I am amazed at how many native plants I am able to recognize.

— 2025 Naturalist Intern

Thanks to our partners and donors who support the Naturalist Internship.