Summer Sustainability Intern at CSUB Business & Public Administration, Dean's Office

Wayne State University; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 20,457 - 29,136; Part time

Job summary

Wayne State University offers a Summer Sustainability Internship focused on urban tree identification and assessment in city parks. Interns will support a six-week project with an emphasis on smaller parks in underserved areas of east Bakersfield. The role includes training in tree species identification and data collection.

Interested candidates should have a passion for urban ecology and the ability to learn independently. Pay is $18/hr with a duration of six weeks, starting immediately.

Qualifications

• Interest in urban ecology and sustainability.
• Willingness to learn about tree identification and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Support field-based project on urban tree identification.
• Assess overall tree health and contribute to data collection.
• Participate in fieldwork in underserved parks.

Job description

ERM Program 2026 Summer Sustainability Intern

Pay: $18/hr

Duration: Six weeks at 6 hrs per week

Starts: Immediately

Scope of work (6-week summer project): The student intern will support a field-based project focused on urban tree identification, assessment, and data collection in local city parks. The initial focus will be on smaller parks, particularly in underserved areas of east Bakersfield.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn to identify tree species commonly planted in city parks using municipal tree inventories, published plans, and reference materials
• Use plant identification tools (e.g., Seek by iNaturalist) to assist with species identification when trees are flowering or fruiting
• Assess overall tree health by evaluating:
  • Canopy fullness
  • Bark condition
  • Presence or absence of dieback
• Measure tree trunk diameter to support data collection efforts
• Help identify mature or established trees that may warrant additional protection or management attention
• Participate in fieldwork in neighborhood parks, with an emphasis on smaller parks and underserved areas
• Receive training and progressively work toward conducting assessments independently
• Compile and contribute data to be shared with the Bakersfield City Department of Recreation and Parks to support:
  • Expansion of tree canopy coverage
  • Reduction of urban heat disparities