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Ecological Design Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

River Partners

Biologist

Turlock, CA · On-site

Turlock, CA The Restoration Biologist works with the Senior Biologists and Ecologists to identify ... Assisting in translating the site specific design across the project area for implementation.

River Partners

Biologist

Turlock, CA · On-site

Turlock, CA The Restoration Biologist works with the Senior Biologists and Ecologists to identify ... Assisting in translating the site specific design across the project area for implementation.

River Partners

Biologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

The Restoration Ecologist works with River Partners' biology, field implementation, and development ... interns Meeting multiple and competing deadlines and providing outstanding customer relations ...

River Partners

Biologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

The Restoration Ecologist works with River Partners' biology, field implementation, and development ... and interns • Meeting multiple and competing deadlines and providing outstanding customer ...

All JobsEcological Design JobsEcological Design Internship JobsEcological Design Internship Jobs in California

Ecological Design Internship information

What is an ecological design internship?

An Ecological Design Internship is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience in designing systems, products, or landscapes that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Interns typically work with professionals in fields such as landscape architecture, urban planning, or environmental engineering to learn about ecological principles and how they are applied in real-world projects. The internship often involves tasks like site analysis, research, drawing plans, assisting with project implementation, and collaborating on sustainability initiatives. This experience is valuable for students or recent graduates interested in green design, sustainability, and ecological restoration.

What kind of projects do interns typically work on during an ecological design internship?

Ecological Design Interns often engage in hands-on projects such as site analysis, landscape restoration, sustainable infrastructure planning, and creating design proposals that integrate ecological principles. Interns may assist with fieldwork, data collection, and mapping, as well as participate in team meetings to develop innovative solutions for real-world environmental challenges. Collaboration is common, and interns usually work closely with experienced designers, engineers, and other environmental professionals, gaining exposure to a variety of project stages from concept to implementation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ecological design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ecological Design Intern, you need a foundational understanding of ecology, sustainable design principles, and environmental science, often supported by coursework in related fields. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, GIS mapping tools, and potentially LEED certification is beneficial. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this collaborative and interdisciplinary field. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, sustainable solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic needs.

What is the difference between Ecological Design Internship vs Ecological Planning Assistant?

AspectEcological Design InternshipEcological Planning Assistant
Required CredentialsRelevant coursework, basic knowledge of ecology and designSimilar, often includes related environmental or planning certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, design studios, environmental organizationsOffice settings, planning agencies, environmental consultancies
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental NGOs, design firms, sustainability projectsGovernment agencies, planning departments, environmental consultancies

Both roles involve environmental work, but Ecological Design Internships focus on hands-on design projects and fieldwork, while Ecological Planning Assistants support planning processes and policy development. Internships are ideal for gaining practical experience, whereas Planning Assistants often assist with project coordination and research within planning teams.

What cities in California are hiring for Ecological Design Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ecological Design Internship job openings:

Ecological Design Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ecological Design Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Ecological Restoration Summer Internship

River Partners

Jamul, CA • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Company Description

River Partners' helps local communities reconnect and revitalize floodplains and river landscapes across the state of California. We are a private, non-profit organization with offices in Chico, Sacramento, Turlock, and San Diego. As a project-focused company, we believe in the power of demonstrating environmental improvement through large-scale river restoration and empowering others through partnership and collaboration.

Job Description

Title: Ecological Restoration Summer 

Internship Dates: 6/2020 through 8/2020 

Duration: 8 weeks 

Location: San Diego, CA 

Salary/Rate: Full time $13/hr 

Position Description: River Partners' San Diego office is looking for qualified students to help us at our habitat restoration projects on the Otay River. Summer interns spend time hiking outdoors collecting and analyzing plant and wildlife data which helps us design better habitat restoration projects in the future. This position entails long strenuous days monitoring vegetation in the heat, data entry and management, and a self-directed research project pertaining to riparian restoration. To qualify, you must be a student working towards a degree in biology, natural resources or related field. This is a paid opportunity for eight weeks over the summer of 2020. Successful employment through this position provides a great opportunity to learn about large scale horticultural restoration, vegetation monitoring techniques, riparian ecology, GIS software and riparian plant and animal identification. 40 work weeks will be expected and early morning workdays starting at 6 am are not uncommon for this position. We will be accepting applications until April 30, 2020. Start dates for the position are flexible. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single word document saved with applicant's last name to: Jobs AT riverpartners.org If you are interested in applying or want to learn more, please visit our website: http://riverpartners.org

Qualifications

Qualifications: Intern must be a student pursuant of a degree in biology, natural resources or related fields. Must be eligible to work in the United States with a valid driver's license. Successful applicants must possess the ability to ambulate over rough terrain often in summer temperatures exceeding 90 degrees (F). Successful applicants must also have the ability to take direction, work independently, possess a strong work ethic, and maintain a willingness to learn and a desire to gain experience. Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must. Preference will be given to applicants who have knowledge of native and invasive riparian plants and wildlife, experience with handheld GPS units and GIS software, and experience with data entry (using excel, ArcPad, ArcGIS) and management. Previous field experience is desirable, but not required.

Additional Information

To apply email your resume, cover letter and 3 references to: Jobs AT riverpartners.org Or send an application via mail to: River Partners Attn: Internship 2020 580 Vallombrosa Ave Chico CA 95926

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