Our Commitment To Conservation

At Channel Islands Restoration, we are environmental activists helping create a more sustainable planet. As a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Santa Barbara, we work to restore native habitat along the Central Coast.

CIR staff play a vital role in our mission to provide environmental restoration, education, and research. Most of our team members live locally, in Santa Barbara or Ventura County. For 20 years, CIR has also partnered with businesses, organizations, and schools, offering volunteer services and educational opportunities for students and adults. We are recognized partners with Patagonia and REI. Join our team today and help make an environmental impact!

Reasons To Join Channel Islands Restoration

Make A Real Impact

Our restoration initiatives help rare and endangered native plant and animal species by restoring the natural habitats they depend on for survival. Our educational programs provide service-learning opportunities to the Channel Islands and the mainland. We prioritize helping underserved communities or those who may not have access to natural resources. When you join CIR, you’ll make a difference for the environment and help create an eco-friendly community.

Benefits and Growth

CIR provides opportunities for continuing environmental education and career growth. All employees are eligible for sick and vacation time, Simple IRA enrollment, and discounts on merchandise. Many employees have started as volunteers or interns and moved into management roles. Team members often stay for several years and develop skills and knowledge that enhances and expands their curriculum vitae.

Our Environmental Community

When you join Channel Islands Restoration, you’re not only joining an organization, but a group of individuals committed to helping the planet and one another grow. We value a healthy work-life balance and time to enjoy the outdoors. Our organization provides opportunities to network and partner with other like-minded professionals for further career development.

 

Internships

Environmental Management Internships at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve with Channel Islands Restoration

Posted May 19, 2025. Applications due by May 31, 2025.

Internship dates: June 23, 2025, to September 13, 2025 (50 hours of work per intern)

Channel Islands Restoration (CIR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeking up to 6 UCSB student interns to take part in a paid internship held primarily at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve in Santa Barbara. The environmental management interns can participate in conservation and restoration projects through several pathways, including:

  • Field work (seed collection, invasive species removal, planting, etc.)

  • Greenhouse and nursery work

  • Biological surveying and monitoring

  • Development of educational and outreach materials (e.g. for social media or our newsletter) *

  • Grant writing and project development

* * = dependent on student interest

Most of the intern hours will be spent at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve or at the nursery. The interns will also have the opportunity to conduct restoration work on Santa Cruz Island at Cavern Point for one day during the internship. The cost of transportation will be covered by CIR and the interns will be paid for this work.

These internships will be guided primarily by the staff ecologist and operations manager of CIR. These positions are funded by the UCSB Coastal Fund and will be paid out at $20/hour for 50 hours per intern. Internships must be completed by September 13, 2025. Only UCSB students may apply. Students must be currently enrolled or have been enrolled as recently as spring 2025.

No previous experience in restoration is required, but share any experience or passion for restoration ecology, environmental equity, conservation, or related topics. Please send in your resume and cover letter to CIR’s staff ecologist, Lauren Harris, at lauren@cirweb.org. Applications must be submitted by May 31.

We do not have any other internship opportunities available at this time, but please check back at a later date.

Careers

We currently do not have any open positions.