Summer Sustainability Intern

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