Grassroots Ecology: Habitat Restoration Internship
Grassroots Ecology is offering a 10-month paid Habitat Restoration Internship for emerging professionals interested in environmental conservation. This program emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, community engagement, and in-depth training, with a focus on supporting the growth of individuals who are underrepresented in the field, such as those identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, low-income individuals, and first-generation college students. Interns will engage in tasks such as managing invasive plants, restoring native vegetation, maintaining sites (including watering and mulching), facilitating volunteer activities, and monitoring restoration efforts. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in monthly training sessions on community engagement and ecological topics.
About Grassroots Ecology:
Grassroots Ecology is a non-profit with over 30 years of experience engaging and educating the community to restore local ecosystems in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. We focus on habitat restoration, increasing native plant cover, invasive plant control, creek and watershed stewardship, environmental education, and volunteer engagement.
Schedule
Please attend an information session for more information on the program and advice on applying (see page 2) .
The internship period is September 14, 2026, until June 2027, with the possibility to extend to August 2027.
Interns will work with their supervisor to determine a regular schedule for an average of 10-15 hours per week . This will include two 4- to 5-hour weekday field sessions per week and 1 to 2 weekend community events per month. There will be some remote computer work.
The weekly schedule will depend on the placement team, seasonal field priorities, staff training, and community volunteer programs, including a weekly high school program held in the afternoons in spring 2027.
Required group events include in-person orientation held Monday, September 14, 2026 from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM , in-person first aid and CPR training, as well as additional training and professional development opportunities.
Qualifications
At least 18 years of age
Provide documents that establish identity and employment authorization for United States
Ability to accommodate changing schedules based on trainings, fieldwork, and community engagement needs (including weekday morning fieldwork, weekend volunteer events, and afterschool programs)
Ability to work outside in physically demanding conditions for multiple hours
Reliable access to transportation that can reach remote restoration sites
Self-motivated, passionate, professional, eager to learn, and has a positive attitude
Interested in learning about habitat restoration, ecology, and community engagement
Enthusiastic about working with both youth and adult volunteers, and interested in connecting people to nature
Enjoys working in a team and independently
Desired Qualifications
Proficiency in Spanish
Grassroots Ecology works at sites and with communities and partners in San Mateo County and Santa Clara County. Currently or previously residing in either county is not required, but is a plus.
Compensation
This is a paid internship at $25.00/hour, with an average of 10-15 hours/week. Over 10 months, the total maximum employment per intern is 550 hours. Accrued sick time is available. If applicable, interns are also encouraged to pursue academic credit from their school.
A 3% Bilingual Pay Bonus is available for interns who deliver programming in Spanish and English.
Some interns may be eligible to participate in this program through the California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC) instead of getting paid through Grassroots Ecology. CYLC interns are paid up to $15,000 per year by CYLC and work up to 10 hours per week. Along with the responsibilities listed above, CYLC interns take courses at De Anza College to earn a Certificate in Leadership and Social Change. We encourage community college students to consider this program and will discuss this option with qualified candidates during the interview process.
To Apply
Applications are due through the online form by Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM . The application questions can be viewed here. Panel interviews with qualified candidates will be held in July 2026. Acceptances will be announced by Friday, August 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM. We will contact all applicants.
Learn more about the Habitat Restoration Internship by attending a virtual informational session. The same information will be covered at all sessions. Attending one information session before submitting an application is highly recommended