Climate Intern

Department: San Diego Chapter

Location: San Diego, CA

Reports To: Deputy Chapter Director

Supervises: N/A 

Duration: 15-20 hrs/week for 5 months 

Context:  At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: This intern will support climate action, conservation, and grassroots organizing campaigns by assisting with community outreach, volunteer engagement, and advocacy initiatives. Intern will conduct policy and environmental research, developed educational and campaign materials, and helped organize public events, meetings, and volunteer activities. Collaborate with staff, community partners, and local stakeholders to advance environmental and chapter priorities, promote sustainable policies, and protect natural resources throughout the San Diego region. Assist with communications, data tracking, and campaign coordination to strengthen public engagement and support organizational goals.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

1. Assist with a variety of Chapter initiatives that advance Sierra Club San Diego's conservation, climate, environmental justice, and community engagement priorities. Responsibilities may include supporting campaigns, research, outreach, events, and other projects based on organizational needs and emerging priorities.

2. Support staff, volunteer leaders, and committees by assisting with meeting coordination, communications, scheduling, data management, research, and preparation of educational or advocacy materials. Help ensure Chapter programs operate efficiently and effectively.

3. Assist with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, retention, and engagement efforts while helping build meaningful relationships with community members, partner organizations, and coalition groups. Support community events, workshops, meetings, and outreach activities that strengthen the Chapter's impact.

4. Conduct research, monitor public processes, and assist with advocacy efforts related to local environmental and conservation priorities. Activities may include attending public meetings, preparing summaries or educational materials, supporting committee work, and helping advance Chapter policy goals and community-based initiatives.

5. Provide flexible support for Chapter-wide initiatives, including grant-funded projects, conservation programs, organizing campaigns, environmental restoration efforts, and other strategic priorities as assigned. The intern will have opportunities to gain experience across multiple program areas while contributing to the Chapter's mission.

6. Support Sierra Club San Diego's climate policy and advocacy efforts by researching, tracking, and analyzing Climate Action Plan implementation, local government actions, and related policy opportunities, leading advocacy efforts across the county to implement climate policies and support committee members, partners, and community stakeholders.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

• Strong communication skills. Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication and the ability to interact professionally with volunteers, staff, community members, and partner organizations.

• Organization and time management. Able to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

• Research and critical thinking skills. Able to gather, synthesize, and communicate information to support advocacy, education, outreach, and organizational priorities.

• Commitment to environmental and social justice. Demonstrates an interest in environmental protection, community engagement, public policy, or related fields, with a willingness to learn and contribute to Sierra Club's mission.

• Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

• Familiarity with environmental issues, public policy, or community organizing. Coursework, volunteer experience, or demonstrated interest in climate, conservation, environmental justice, or civic engagement is beneficial.

• Experience working with volunteers or community groups. Comfortable collaborating with diverse stakeholders, building relationships, and supporting community-based initiatives.

• Knowledge of local government or nonprofit organizations. Familiarity with public meetings, advocacy processes, grant-funded programs, or nonprofit operations is a plus but not required.

• Experience with communications and digital engagement. Ability to assist with social media, newsletters, presentations, event promotion, or other outreach materials is valuable.

• Adaptability and initiative. Demonstrates curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to take on a variety of projects while learning new skills and contributing wherever support is needed.