Join the EAC Team as an Intern

An essential part of our advocacy and community engagement work is providing summer and fall high school, college, and graduate internship opportunities for young people to gain real-world job training in environmental policy, law, advocacy, community science, communications, events, and education, while also contributing to our mission. These mentoring opportunities help foster the next generation of environmental protection leaders with real-world experience that can be applied to future education and career goals. Each intern is responsible for a capstone project that forwards EAC’s mission.

Since 2015, we have mentored 55 interns, with many moving into positions in the environmental field. In 2023, we launched our Capstone Conversations event (see below), a public meeting format where our interns can share and discuss their projects and how they contribute to our mission with our supporters and the community.

We want to thank the following donors for their generous support of the internship program including:
The JW & HM Goodman Family Foundation, Resources Legacy Fund, Cynthia Lloyd Scholars, Federica Bunge, David and Patty Wimpfheimer, and anonymous donors.

30
Coastal Advocates
Internships

since 2015

22
Legal & Policy
Internships

since 2017

6
Communication Internships

since 2022


Internship Opportunities

Coastal Advocates

Summer, Fall, and Winter Sessions

Coastal Advocates work alongside our team to manage the local chapter of the state-wide MPA Watch program (Marin MPA Watch). Interns gain valuable leadership and communication skills through assisting with program and data management, volunteer recruitment and training, events and community outreach, and communications. In addition, they often help with key EAC events and build donor and partner relationship skills. This internship includes remote and in-person work, including working outdoors. Being able to travel to our office weekly and field sites is preferred. Learn more about Marin MPA Watch.

Useful fields of study include: Coastal conservation, environmental science, and advocacy. Summer interns are typically college students while fall/winter interns may be high school students.

Bilingual in Spanish applicants are encouraged to apply.

Compensation: We offer stipends for our summer Coastal Advocate interns due to generous grant funding from the Resources Legacy Fund, Cynthia Lloyd Scholars, and individual donations. Though stipends may be available for spring and fall based on funding, they are typically unpaid, with the ability to apply credit toward a college internship or community service hours.

Capstone Project: Interns are asked to complete a capstone project. Past Coastal Advocate projects have included an art campaign for marine debris awareness displayed at Point Reyes Visitor Centers and developing a report on Duxbury Reef human activities to support a docent program.

To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references. See link below.

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policy & legal advocates

Summer, Fall, and Spring Sessions

Our Policy & Legal interns gain valuable experience in grassroots environmental activism, advocacy, policy, and more. Work directly with our legal and policy team on the most pressing environmental issues facing our coastal lands, waters, and biodiversity in Marin County. You may assist with legal and policy-related research; draft comment letters; request public records and conduct document review; participate in state agency workshops and meetings; create presentations; and develop contacts with local, regional, state, and federal partners and agencies who oversee or manage coastal resources in West Marin. 

Interns should demonstrate an interest in public interest environmental law and/or policy. Familiarity with Marin County’s coast is helpful but not required. We typically offer remote working opportunities with the flexibility to come to the office or help with events. We consider both part-time and full-time interns.

Useful fields of study: Current law student or recent graduate or other policy-related field of study.

Compensation: Due to generous grant funding from Resources Legacy Fund, Cynthia Lloyd Scholars, and individual donors, we can offer (2) paid part-time summer 2024 internships (32 hours per week for 9 weeks). Fall and spring internships are typically unpaid internships with the ability to apply credit toward internship/community service hours. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Small stipends may be available based on funding for spring and fall.

To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references. See link below.

Communication Interns

Fall and Spring Sessions

Play an important role in disseminating our organization's communication strategy. Through the development of various communication materials, you will gain skills in environmental communications, social media, content creation, and marketing.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental advocacy while building a portfolio in digital communication and public engagement. Your responsibilities will include crafting engaging content for our social media platforms, assisting in the creation of marketing materials, analyzing key performance indicators, and supporting our communication strategy to promote environmental awareness and action.

Useful fields of study include: Current Communications, Graphic Design, PR, or Environmental Studies major enrolled in college-level courses.

Bilingual in Spanish applicants are encouraged to apply.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship, with the ability to apply credit towards a college internship or community service hours. Stipends may be available based on funding and university policies.

To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, additional questions, and references. See link below.


Apply

Coastal Advocate

Summer Session (May-Aug):
Apply by May 8th

Fall Session (Oct-Dec):
We are not currently accepting applicants for the Fall 2024 session. Please check back in.

Questions?
Contact Ashley Eagle-Gibbs

Spending the summer with EAC was an absolute pleasure. The staff shows incredible passion for environmental advocacy and protecting West Marin’s resources. I was able to share my passion for the ocean with the public as well as complete a couple projects that focused on marine protected areas. Thanks for all the support this summer EAC!
— Ashley Wemp, Coastal Advocate

Legal & Policy Advocate

Summer Session (May-Aug):
Apply by January 18th

Fall Session (Sept-Dec):
Apply by July 31st

Spring Session (Jan-April):
Apply by November 30th

Questions?
Contact Ashley Eagle-Gibbs

Please note - we sometimes accept interns outside of these dates so don’t hesitate to apply. Internships may be extended depending on need or time.

Working with EAC was a great experience that lent insight to how effective community advocacy should be done. Every single person at EAC is passionate about protecting Marin’s unique ecosystems and resources for the good of the community. This became evident early on in my internship by the sheer number of community members that stopped by simply to say “Hi,” or that wanted to check in about a particular issue or event. EAC clearly has had an important impact in the community and is an important player in the conservation efforts around Marin. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with EAC, and am looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow.
— Lindsay Deright Goldasich, Former Law & Policy Intern from UC Berkeley School of Law
As a future student of law, I embraced the opportunity to work on local legislation and gain deeper insight into the functioning of a stable, community-supported non-profit. I would recommend EAC without hesitation as an internship placement, volunteer opportunity, or donation preference because of their historical and continued commitment to engaging in environmental issues in and around West Marin.
— Liza Sternik, Former Law & Policy Intern & Now Attorney at Ragghianti Freitas LLP

Communication Intern

Fall Session (Aug-Dec):
Apply by July 1st
Spring Session (Jan-May):
Apply by December 1st

Questions?
Contact Jessica Taylor

I am so grateful to EAC for allowing me this opportunity. My time as a communications intern allowed me to educate others on environmental concerns affecting our world, which is a passion of mine. Through this internship, I got to refine my writing and communication skills and gain valuable experience in a field of work I am interested in. Thanks to EAC, I now have a clearer understanding of what I would like to do with my degree and how I would like to positively impact my community.
— Sophia Leon, Former Communications Intern from the University of Southern California