Sustainability/Coastal Aide Internship (Part-time/Contract)

Sustainability Intern

The City's Sustainability Division is looking for an individual interested in supporting the implementation of the City's Climate Action Plan and Coastal Zone Management Program. This intern will support the division by conducting research, collecting data, analyzing and presenting data, and/or writing reports related to green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, alternative transportation, electric vehicles, carbon sequestration, climate adaptation, coastal resources, and sea level rise. This staff person will also help provide education and outreach to Encinitas residents, businesses, and City staff on sustainability and coastal resources. Some activities may include writing articles, creating social media content, updating the City's website, developing staff outreach materials and training, giving presentations, and researching and developing programs to help the City with its sustainability goals. Applicants should be experienced in MS Word and PowerPoint, social media marketing, and basic website editing. Applicants should also have a willingness to learn new computer programs. Most work will be during the week between the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm with the option to participate in occasional events on weekends. Applicants should possess strong research and writing skills as well as a passion for sustainability and/or coastal science. This is a part-time/temporary/reserve non-benefited position. Incumbents work less than 999 hours a year.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts studies and analyzes data in assigned area of responsibility; prepares related reports and summary findings; presents findings at meetings.
• Performs a variety of miscellaneous tasks in support of departmental and/or divisional operations.
• Performs research on latest trends, technologies, and/or developments.
• Shadows supervisor and other departmental employees to learn about assigned programs and operational aspects of assigned area of responsibility.
• Assists with drafting policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge: modern office practices and equipment; principles and practices of municipal government and public administration; basic principles and practices of assigned area of responsibility.

Skills: using computers and related software applications; applying policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, and projecting consequences of proposed actions; collecting and analyzing data; preparing reports; performing research; drafting policies and procedures; communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must currently be enrolled in college working towards a degree, or a recent college graduate.

Application Process and Deadline:

A completed City application with an attached resume and cover letter are required and must be received by 5pm September 21, 2026. Incomplete application packets are not accepted The City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.