Description
The California Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is seeking to hire a student assistant for the role of an Audio Engineering Intern to assist the Interpretation and Education Division by recording, editing, and producing a podcast series that highlights California State Parks' natural, cultural, and recreational resources through both studio-based conversations and on-site field interviews.
The work location is in a remote environment centered within driving distance of Sonoma County.
Work Schedule: The intern should anticipate fulfilling the requirements of the internship during the academic year, working 16-18 hours per week at $17.00 per hour.
Requirements
Conditions of
Employment
This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.
Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (degree, license, or official transcript) or DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.
UEI does not allow students to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one account per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI student assistant position for a different UEI student assistant position should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week's notice.
UEI is not a multi-state employer. UEI only employs candidates who live and work in the state of California. If selected for the position you must reside in California and all work must be performed in the state of California throughout the course of employment.
Prerequisites
Must be a college student attending classes during the regular term (Fall, Spring and Winter, if applicable), at one of the accredited colleges or universities on our affiliation list. To view our current affiliation list please paste the following URL into your browser: http://www.calinterns.org/wp-content/uploads/Affiliation_List.pdf
Students must be enrolled in at least: six-semester units or nine quarter units for undergraduate students; four-semester units or six quarter units for graduate students.
Students declared major must match the major(s) listed in the job posting.
Majors/Fields of Study
Communications, Ecology, Forestry, Parks and Recreation Management, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Environmental Education, Audio Engineering, Audio Production, Media Production, Broadcasting, Communications, Music Technology, or other related field of study.
Work Schedule
Flexible workdays and work hours, Monday - Friday, between 8 AM - 5 PM. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor.
Additional Work Schedule
Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 24 hours per workweek (Sunday - Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring, and summer).
Compensation
$17.00 per hour.
Minimum Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an accredited or recognized college institution in the program areas of audio engineering, audio production, media production, broadcasting, communications, music technology, or other related programs.
- Completion of a capstone project showcasing podcast production highlights, lessons learned, and contributions to State Parks.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely via video conferencing, email, phone, and in person with State Parks staff and podcast participants.
- Willingness and ability to represent California State Parks in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- Ability to perform essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Proven ability to be both self-directed and a positive contributing member of a team or work group.
- Proficiency with Apple hardware and Mac OS; ability to operate State-provided Macbook Pro.
- Proficiency with digital audio production software and equipment, including digital audio workstations (e.g., Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, or similar software - preferred DAW is Logic Pro).
- Demonstrated proficiency and skill with digital mixing and mastering plugin tools, including sound repair tools such as iZotope, EQs, compressors and limiters, de-essers, gates, sidechain techniques, bussing and mix groups, etc.
- Demonstrated proficiency and skill with microphones and audio interfaces, including studio microphones (condensers and dynamics) and field microphones (lavalier units, stereo microphones, handheld recorders).
- Experience recording and editing spoken-word audio voiceovers, interviews, or podcast content.
- Access to a smartphone. Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request), and ability to drive oneself to field sites and recording locations.
- Acknowledgement that all works created by the intern within the scope of their assigned duties will be owned by California State Parks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of California natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
- Experience producing podcasts or other long-form audio storytelling projects.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in photography and video production and social media content production.
- Proficiency in languages other than English.
- Comfort with hiking and working independently outdoors in park locations with possible exposure to inclement weather, steep and uneven terrain, wildlife, poison oak, and other hazards of the natural world.
- Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 18220 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. Please note that prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under one of these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the Watershed Program Coordinators, the Audio Engineering Intern will support the development and production of a California State Parks podcast by coordinating and conducting audio recordings, capturing field interviews, editing, mixing, and mastering episodes, and assisting with the technical production and distribution of podcast content. As needed, the Intern will produce supplemental photographic and video media documenting "behind the scenes" footage of the podcast for use in marketing campaigns.
- Record, edit, mix, master, and produce podcast episodes, including studio voiceover recordings and on-site interviews.
- Coordinate recording sessions, manage audio assets, and maintain organized project files and production workflows.
- Communicate, coordinate, and review podcast projects with State Parks staff, interviewees, and project partners. Record visual media (photo and video) as needed for podcast marketing content.
- Travel to park sites and other locations to conduct field recordings and capture interviews and ambient sound.
- Other duties as assigned in accordance with the mission of State Parks.
Physical Requirements
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a remote-centered environment and within California with occasional travel to park units.
Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and uneven terrain. May require occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, or climbing as part of field duties.
Students/Employees will be required to work according to the current UEI remote workplace policy and sign a UEI Work from Home Agreement. The decision to permit an employee to work from home is at the discretion of the supervisor or employer and may, at any time and with or without cause, unilaterally terminate the option to work from home.
Application Instructions
Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the "Educational Experience" section and any employment history in the "Employment Experience" section of our application.
In addition to your resume, please upload the following documents: a cover letter, and a document that includes links to your portfolio work samples.
Apply by: Friday, August 20th, 2026.