Remote Outdoor Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description
The California State Parks is seeking to hire a student assistant Science Communication Student Assistant to support the Interpretation and Education Division's Climate and Environmental Literacy Program. In this role, the student assistant will assist with creating content and monitoring California State Parks' online presence to support community outreach and engagement efforts.
The California State Parks Science Communication Internship is expected to run from August 31, 2026, through May 7, 2027. The position will be conducted in a remote work environment within California, with occasional travel to park units. The student assistant should anticipate working an average of 10 to 14 hours per week during the academic year.
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, Biology, Ecology, Forestry, Parks and Recreation Management, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Environmental Education, 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 or university in communications, environmental education, environmental science, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Knowledge of California's natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Ability to create engaging digital content for online audiences.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including communicating with staff via email, phone, and in person.
• Ability to represent California State Parks in a professional and positive manner.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Comfort working outdoors in park environments, including hiking and exposure to weather, wildlife, uneven terrain, and other natural conditions.
• Access to a smartphone and computer.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license with an insurable driving record and ability to travel to state park field sites as needed (documentation may be required).
• Completion of a capstone project summarizing work, outcomes, and learning experience.
• All work created during the internship will be owned by California State Parks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in languages other than English is a plus.
• 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 State Parks Climate and Environmental Literacy Coordinator, the Science Communication Intern will support and enhance California State Parks' online engagement and community outreach by researching, developing, and publishing digital media and written content focused on State Park natural resources and related topics.

• Research, develop, and contribute content for the social media page @castateparksnature and California State Parks webpages.
• Monitor and engage with California State Parks social media platforms and respond appropriately to public interaction.
• Communicate, coordinate, and review projects with California State Parks staff.
• Travel to State Park sites to conduct research and gather content.
• Other duties as assigned in support of the mission of California 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, one-page resume, and three examples of digital media related to environmental topics.
Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person Zoom interview to take place Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Cleo Domingo by email at Cleo.Domingo@parks.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 698-6162.
Apply by: July 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM.