Catalina Island Conservancy
$20–$22/hr
Full-time | 8-week summer internship
Description:
The Summer Naturalist internship is a unique opportunity for aspiring environmental educators and conservationists to gain field experience on Catalina Island. Interns support the Conservancy’s Education Department, leading guided hikes, engaging the public through nature-based programs, and participating in conservation workdays—all while living in Conservancy-provided housing.
Responsibilities:
- Lead public interpretive programs and hikes at Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, Two Harbors, and Airport in the Sky
- Support educational outreach for youth, visitors, and local community groups
- Assist with city summer camps and departmental programming
- Help with visitor surveys and program evaluations
- Participate in conservation fieldwork one day a week
- Organize attendance records and visitor interaction data
- Prepare and present an end-of-season report summarizing your experience and contributions
Requirements:
- Recent high school graduate or current college student in a related field (biology, education, environmental science, etc.)
- Interest in ecology, conservation, and public engagement
- Willingness to live on Catalina Island for 8 weeks in shared Conservancy housing
- Comfortable hiking up to 5 miles/day and working outdoors in varying conditions
- Spanish language skills preferred
- Strong communication, initiative, adaptability, and public speaking ability
- Basic knowledge of Google Suite or Microsoft Office for record-keeping
Benefits:
- Paid internship: $20–$22/hour
- Housing provided
- Training in environmental education and public interpretation
- Hands-on experience with both education and conservation teams
- End-of-program capstone presentation for career development
🌐 Learn more and apply: https://catalinaconservancy.org or email jobs@catalinaconservancy.org with the job title in the subject line.