Community Engagement Intern - ON SITE - Cabrillo National Monument

Location: San Diego,California,United States

Start Date: May 25, 2026 (or later)

End Date: October 12, 2026 (20 weeks from start date)

Compensation: $688 per week; housing support; assistance with travel costs to site

Application Due: ASAP

Environment for the Americas Internship Programs seek to engage young professionals from all backgrounds in natural resource and conservation careers. You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

• Be between the ages of 18-30 (35 if a veteran)

• Be willing to undergo a background check

* A personal vehicle is optional for this position. 

Position Description: 

In partnership with the National Parks Service, the intern will be placed at Cabrillo National Monument. The intern will support the Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers (IEV) team by strengthening volunteer program operations, expanding community engagement efforts, and contributing to interpretive services. This position supports parkwide goals for volunteer sustainability, community outreach, and next generation workforce development.

Responsibilities:

Volunteer Program Support & Operations

• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and retention of volunteers across interpretation, education, and resource stewardship.

• Update and improve volunteer orientation materials, quick-start guides, and onboarding workflows for clarity, consistency, and inclusivity.

• Develop or refine volunteer program SOPs, including communications, scheduling, recognition, and event logistics.

• Support volunteer-focused events, including planning, coordination, and post-event documentation.

• Help maintain accurate volunteer records, schedules, and communications.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Participate in outreach with universities, youth-serving groups, and community organizations, with emphasis on Latino communities in the San Diego region.

• Support at least four outreach activities or partner engagements that promote volunteerism, interpretation, and public stewardship.

• Assist with partner-led events and community-facing programs that highlight cultural relevance and local heritage.

Interpretation & Public Engagement

• Co-develop and deliver interpretive content, including 2–3 community-focused programs or digital products such as social media campaigns.

• Provide support during weekend and occasional evening programs or special events.

• Create or assist with visual aids, short-form content, or storytelling pieces that enhance public understanding of park resources.

Work Products:

• A completed Volunteer Program SOP suite (4–6 SOPs).

• Updated volunteer orientation materials (slide deck, quick-start guide, onboarding checklist).

• A portfolio including interpretive programs, outreach summaries, SOPs, and community engagement documentation.

• Record of volunteer program improvements, event support contributions, and partner engagement outcomes.

• IDP, training documentation, and draft federal resume.

• End-of-term report summarizing accomplishments, challenges, and recommendations for program sustainability.

Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage diverse audiences.

•  Interest in interpretation, volunteer coordination, public lands stewardship, or conservation careers.

• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment.

•  Cultural competency and enthusiasm for working with diverse and Latino communities.