​​​California Ocean Science Trust 

Science to Inform Policy Internship​

Host: California Ocean Science Trust

The California Ocean Science Trust (OST) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing science advice and recommendations to decision-makers to accelerate progress toward a healthy and productive coast and ocean. Created by California legislation, OST formally bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and sound ocean management. We bring world-class research and innovation from the University of California, California State Universities and independent science institutions together with state policymakers to foster action. ​

Location: While this position is primarily remote, some in-person participation may occur if the opportunity arises at OST’s office in Sacramento, CA (map​). Otherwise, this position will reflect how  most OST staff are working; completely remotely from Sacramento, Oakland, and across California. 

Format: Primarily remote 

Internship Dates: June 2 - August 15, 2025

Stipend: $8,000

Time Commitment: The internship is a full-time (40hr/week), 11-week commitment. Over the 11 weeks, the intern may take up to five days off for personal reasons, vacation, or illness. If participation is less than 100 percent, the stipend will be prorated.

Position Description and Responsibilities: One (1) position is available to work to varying degrees with the full OST team. The intern will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of projects across many program areas and topics (e.g. insurance and nature-based solutions, climate-ready fisheries, seaweed aquaculture and blue carbon science, marine carbon dioxide removal, science-based indicators, etc.), based on a balance between OST’s organizational needs and the intern’s background and interests.​

Potential areas of engagement and tasks include:

​1. Science Services for the Legislature: OST provides science advice directly to California Lawmakers through formal and informal briefings, technical feedback on bill ideas, or rapid response requests for information via memo or connections to experts. This program provides policy-makers with scientific information on a range of ocean and coastal topics such as marine protected areas, whales and ship strikes, aquaculture, blue carbon science, offshore wind energy, and more. The intern may:

• Prepare science materials or memos on a diverse range of topics for staff in the Legislature and participate in planning meetings;     
• Assist with briefings including finding appropriate experts, drafting communication materials for legislative offices or the website, advertising, and providing technical support;     
• Support the team in assessing CA’s lawmaking priorities by researching bills, annual budgets, elected member profiles, following committee hearings, etc.​
  

2. ​Working with the Ocean Protection Council Science Advisory Team (OPC SAT): OST coordinates all activities of the OPC SAT, a team of interdisciplinary scientists from California and beyond that provide scientific and technical advice to the State. Through various activities, the OPC SAT helps to align OPC policy decisions with best available science across several priority areas, including the blue economy, equity, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The interns may support OST's work on OPC SAT activities, such as convening of working groups focused on advancing priority areas as noted above, or support communications around these and related efforts.​

3. Science Services Skills and Development Opportunities: 

• Translational science writing, literature review, and communications: Translating complex science for diverse audiences to provide a rigorous foundation for policy and management dialogues. This may include developing white papers, translational reports, and meeting summaries on a range of topics, and assisting with science communications and online content development (e.g., blogs, webpages, newsletters, social media);
• Project management: Project management tasks related to convening and coordinating groups of technical experts to develop products in support of management. This may include assisting OST staff with project scoping, developing work-plans and budgets, scheduling and hosting meetings, development and review of products, and communications; 
• Meeting and workshop planning: Assisting with planning and logistics for various meetings, conference calls, briefings, webinars and workshops with scientists and decision-makers;
• Inter- and Multidisciplinary Collaborations: develop competencies in engaging on a range of science and policy issues and topics (e.g. insurance and nature-based solutions, climate-ready fisheries, seaweed aquaculture and blue carbon science, marine carbon dioxide removal, offshore wind, science-based indicators, etc.).
  

Preferred Experience and Capabilities:

• Strong interpersonal, analytic, and communication skills;
  
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment;
  
• Interest in advancing a role for science in decision-making on behalf of California’s marine and coastal communities and ecosystems;
  
• Ability to take on diverse tasks and play a supporting role as needed to achieve organizational goals;
  
• Ability to participate in collaborative processes to generate timely products and to work effectively with diverse public and private partners; 
• Core internship duties may be performed by students with physical disabilities or limitations.
  

Skills Gained: This internship will provide a diverse educational and career experience, including numerous opportunities to interact with scientists, managers, policymakers, and other partners in the non-governmental organization and stakeholder communities. The interns will gain professional development by participating in meetings and workshops. OST will mentor the interns by supporting the development and pursuit of professional goals, offering assistance in resume building, and ensuring the interns are provided networking opportunities.

Eligibility/Requirements: The interns must be authorized to work in the United States. Travel within California may be required. Applicants are also subject to general eligibility requirements​​.