Landscape Architect Internship Jobs in Riverside, CA

The Chino Basin Water Conservation District (District) is recognized as an innovative and effective water conservation organization. The District is dedicated to the protection of the Chino Groundwater Basin to ensure that the current and future water needs of the region are met. Its core business is two-pronged: (1) increase water supply through groundwater percolation; and (2) decrease water demand through conservation education, workforce training, and services. The District provides programs, services, and resources to audiences of all ages and backgrounds to cultivate a community-wide conservation ethic and build regional capacity for water resilience.

The Chino Basin Water Conservation District is currently seeking to fill the position of Conservation Specialist (CS) I/II. The Conservation Specialist (CS) I/II position leads and coordinates assigned programs within the department. Receives general supervision from the Conservation Programs Manager. The incumbent in this position does not routinely exercise supervision but may provide general support, oversight, and training for interns, lower-level staff, and volunteers. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt under FLSA standards, and hourly position that works a standard 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. work schedule. This position requires occasional holiday and evening work. Along with most of the Conservation Programs Department, this position works Saturdays as a normal workday, with Sunday and an employee selected and manager approved weekday as the regular days off.

Experience:

Please see full Job Description (Download PDF reader) to review the essential functions required for this position.

Education and Experience:

CS I: Associates degree is required, preferably in horticulture, plant science, landscape architecture, or related fields; or directly related equivalent work experience. Minimum 2 years of progressive responsibilities in professional horticulture, irrigation/landscape maintenance or conservation/resource program management, preferably with some amount of administrative duties.

CS II: Associates degree is required, preferably in horticulture, plant science, landscape architecture, landscape irrigation science, or related field; or directly related equivalent work experience. Minimum of 4 years of experience in professional horticulture, water use efficiency, or water resource management.

Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred but not required for both positions

Compensation:

The hourly range for the position CS I: $32.60- $42.78 / CS II: $36.89 – $48.40 per hour (3% COLA effective January 1, 2027). Position placement will depend on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• CalPERS Classic Members: 2% at 60/ PEPRA Members: 2% at 62
• CalPERS Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical/Dental/Vision through ACWA-JPIA. The District funds up to $2,431.47 a month for health coverage and employees are responsible for paying the balance over that amount.
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage 100% paid by the District.
• 12 paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays.
• 96 hours of annual Vacation accrual, increasing to 160 hours after 10 years of service.
• 80 hour per year, max accrual of 176 hours.

The recruitment requires that a cover letter addressing your professional experience and resume be uploaded with the application to be considered complete. This recruitment is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Final review of applications will be on August 10, 2026. It is recommended that interested candidates apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time. Interviews will be tentatively scheduled the week of August 17, 2026.

To apply: See full Job Flyer and apply online at www.cbwcd.org/jobs.