Internship Position Description
Position Title:
Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Program Intern (unpaid internship)
Name and Location of Agency/Department Requesting Intern:
Health Care Agency
Environmental Health
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Internship may require some travel throughout Orange County.
Functions of Agency/Department:
Orange County Environmental Health’s Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) includes six hazardous material and hazardous waste regulatory programs: Hazardous Waste, Hazardous Materials Disclosure, Hazardous Materials Business Emergency Plan, Underground Storage Tank, Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank, and California Accidental Release Prevention Plan Program. The CUPA inspects regulated businesses annually to insure California laws and regulations are adhered to.
Intern Duties/Responsibilities:
The Hazardous Materials Program (HMP) internship offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to assist with administrative and educational outreach opportunities found within the CUPA. Duties may include one or more of the following assignments, depending upon an intern’s interest and experience level:
- Coordinate educational outreach events
- Assist in the development and implementation of the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Program
- Assist in business outreach for a new online CUPA form submittal process
- Assist in organizing and analyzing program data
Educational Requirements:
This position is best suited for students or recent graduates with a high level of interest in environmental protection. Preferred academic majors include Health Science/Education, Social Ecology, Biology, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or any related field with a strong science background. Interns must be at least 18 years of age with some college coursework completed.
Skills, Training or Qualifications:
Interns must have excellent oral and written communication skills and computer knowledge and experience. The ideal candidate is outgoing, able to work in a team environment and also independently as needed, and have a commitment to environmental protection.
Time Commitment:
Minimum 8 – 12 hours per week for 3 - 4 months. Hours are primarily scheduled during regular business hours (Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Schedules are flexible and can be arranged to accommodate school/work schedules. Interns who are able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for the internship generally gain a more in-depth experience.
Benefits Available to Intern:
Although the internship is an unpaid position that does not lead to paid employment, students and recent graduates are offered an excellent opportunity to:
- Build resumes and explore career options
- Apply academic skills and knowledge to the workplace
- Fulfill college/university internship requirements
- Network in their field of interest with professionals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in Orange County
- Intern with one of the premier employers in the region
In addition, interns will gain knowledge of six important environmental regulatory programs and education outreach methods.
Additional Information:
Occasionally, interns will join regulatory inspectors in field activities, which will require them to provide their own transportation. Mileage reimbursement is available for authorized travel. Interns who operate a vehicle as part of their duties must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance coverage for personal injuries and property damage.
Background screening for this internship does not require live scan fingerprinting.
