New in 2023!
The Water Resources Group is pleased to announce a new opportunity for local California Community College students that have an interest in geoscience. This ten-week, paid summer internship will expose interns to caree pathways in the geosciences, assist in professional development and communication skills, and develop introductory research skills, including data collection, quality control, interpretation, and analyis.
Interns will work as part of the Geology Department Water Resources Group. This group is funded by the United States Geological Survey to study the potential effects of oil and gas production on usable groundwater resources in California.
Program at a glance
Program Dates: June 2nd through August 15th, 2023.
Research Project: Interns will work in pairs on a research project with a project mentor. Each intern team will be responsible for data collection and interpretation for one oil field. Specific projects and data collection will depend on overall project needs.
Geoscience Pathways: Interns will have several opportunities to interact with local geoscience professionals, including state and federal scientists and private consultants. Guests will share their career experiences, from pursuing their degrees in Geology to finding a job to working as a professional.
Professional Development Fridays: Interns will learn the ins and outs of the job search, from resume and cover letter writing to interview skills. Interns will also learn valuable research and science communication skills.
Mentorship: In addition to their project mentor, each intern will be paired with either an upper- division undergraduate or graduate student mentor, who will provide project support and general guidance.
Field trips to see local geology: Interns will have the opportunity to explore local geology by participating in two day trips.
Final Presentation: Interns will present their work at an in-house poster session at the end of the summer. Optionally and with PI approval, students will present their work at other local and on-campus events (ie the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Fall Forum).
Professional Conference: Students will have the opportunity to present their work at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San Francisco .
Application
Internship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be authorized to work in the U.S. If you are a foreign student, you must provide appropriate Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) documentation that specifically authorizes employment.
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be enrolled and currently attending classes at a community college within a 50-mile radius of Sacramento. Eligible community colleges include:
- Any School in the Los Rios Community College District
- Woodland Community College
- Sierra College
- Yuba College
- San Joaquin Delta College
- Solano Community College
- Los Medanos College
- Napa Valley College
- Have an interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)
- Have completed or are currently enrolled in college algebra (or equivalent)
- Have completed or are currently enrolled in one physical science course (including physics, earth or environmental science, chemistry, astronomy, or related field; completion of the Geology 10 or equivalent preferred)
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Prepare a separate document with responses to the Applicant Questionnaire (below) and submit unofficial transcripts
No prior experience is required!
Application Instructions
Our internship program is run through University Enterprises, Inc. and applicants will apply through Workforce. Applicants will need to create an account in Workforce in order to create an application. This also allows applicants to save their progress. Please complete all required fields. Note that demographic information is optional and is never shared with the hiring manager or review panel.
All applications much be complete and submitted by the deadline of April 21st, 2023. Finalists will be invited for an interview by the end of April, with virtual interviews taking place during the first week of May. Interview questions will be sent in advance to allow candidates time to prepare.
Applicant Questionnaire
- Briefly introduce yourself. How did you become interested in the earth or environmental sciences? What are you passionate about?
- What are your career and academic goals? How will participating in this internship help you achieve these goals?
- What topic in the geosciences interest you most?
- List any college-level science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) courses that you have completed or are currently enrolled in.
- Does your academic record accurately reflect your ability and/or potential? Discuss any adversity (physical, mental, educational, economic, social, or otherwise) that you have had to overcome in pursuing your academic goals.
- Have you previously earned a degree? If so, how will this program benefit you?
- Do you participate in any extracurricular activities during the academic year (clubs, employment, volunteer work)?
- Is there any additional information that you would like to share with us? This can include any information that you feel is relevant not addressed in the other questions or any concerns you have about participating in this program.
