Intern with AFC
Spend your summer outdoors learning about Los Angeles’ wildlife, plants, and ecology through wildlife camera research and habitat restoration. In partnership with Occidental College’s Computational Biology Lab, you’ll engage in urban conservation by studying wildlife corridors, learning to camera-trap, restoring native habitat, and conducting field research, all while expanding your skills as a naturalist. AFC takes an interdisciplinary approach to conservation, integrating science, culture, and community to help you grow not only as a scientist, but as someone deeply connected to the challenges and solutions shaping our world.
The summer 2026 College Internship Program application opens January 2026.
The summer 2026 High School Training Program application opens March 2026.
College internship program
The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy Summer Internship Program offers college students a unique 10-week experience in urban conservation, environmental science, and wildlife camera research. Projects support AFC’s mission, providing valuable information to inform conservation actions. Interns will work in diverse environments, from office settings to rugged field conditions, and will present their work at the Occidental Undergraduate Summer Research Conference. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university or have graduated within the past year. A strong passion for conservation within Southern California is highly desired.
Interns will gain knowledge and experience in the following areas:
- Identifying native and invasive plant species of Southern California
- Exploring ethnobotany and local history
- Participating in habitat restoration and trail work
- Conducting urban wildlife research
- Studying urban wildlife corridors
- Practicing wildlife tracking and remote wildlife photography
- Analyzing and interpreting data,
- Utilizing GIS, iNaturalist and eBird
- Gaining experience in project management and teamwork
- Engaging in community outreach and education
- Learning about local environmental issues, policy and advocacy
Program Details:
- Duration: 10-week program (May 26 – July 31, 2026)
- Commitment: 40 hours per week
- Benefits: $5,000 stipend + limited mileage reimbursement
High School Training Program
The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy High School Training Program is an intensive two-week internship designed for LA County high school students passionate about environmental conservation. Participants ages 15–18 will explore urban conservation through hands-on fieldwork, including habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and wildlife research, while also participating in college-level workshops to gain deeper insights into pursuing an education in conservation related fields. The program offers exposure to a wide range of environmental issues and highlights the intersectionality of challenges related to conservation, ecology, and climate.Â
Trainees will gain knowledge and experience in the following areas:
- Identifying native and invasive plant species of Southern California
- Exploring ethnobotany and local history
- Participating in habitat restoration and trail work
- Practicing wildlife tracking and remote wildlife photography
- Exploring topics such as Indigenous culture and history, fire ecology, geology, and more
Program Details:
- Duration: 2-week program (June 15-26, 2026)
- Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per day with varying start times
Questions? Contact Program Director, Kyle Cavazos, at kylecavazos@arroyosfoothills.org.