Job Description

About The Pacific Institute  

The Pacific Institute is a global water think tank that combines science-based thought leadership with active outreach and engagement to influence local, national, and international efforts in water sustainability and resilience. Our vision is to create a world in which society, the economy, and the environment have the water they need to thrive now and in the future. Since 1987, we have worked with diverse groups ranging from major corporations to frontline communities with a mission of creating and advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. Our work is routinely featured in national and global top-tier media, and we engage over 270 partners, including NGOs, utilities, policymakers, businesses, and others. 

About the Role 

The California Water Intern will support the Pacific Institute’s work advancing water resilience in California, with a focus on corporate water stewardship, public-private partnerships, and state water policy. The intern will contribute to ongoing efforts under the California Water Resilience Initiative (CWRI), a private sector–led effort to accelerate action to achieve a water-resilient future for California. This role will also support related workstreams, including research and analysis on California water policy and planning.  

The internship provides an opportunity to gain experience at the intersection of water policy, corporate sustainability, and applied research, while contributing to real-world projects and processes. It offers experience in data management, independent research, and stakeholder engagement, as well as professional mentorship and an opportunity to contribute to the Pacific Institute’s mission. 

Responsibilities 

Support Corporate Water Stewardship Research & Engagement

• Update and manage a database of California water stewardship projects, create data visualizations, and support integration with other data platforms.  

• Conduct research on water stewardship project opportunities across California (e.g., water efficiency, groundwater recharge, watershed restoration). 

• Support development of project summaries, slide decks, briefing materials, and other external-facing content. 

Support California Water Policy & Planning Engagement 

• Conduct background research and synthesis on California water policy topics (e.g., water supply planning, groundwater management, reuse, ecosystem restoration). 

• Track key policy developments and identify opportunities for alignment with corporate and cross-sector action. 

General Support 

• Participate in team meetings and contribute to internal coordination. 

• Provide administrative and logistical support as needed across projects. 

• Provide research support to Pacific Institute projects outside of California Water topics as needed.  

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a master’s degree in environmental science and management. Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, political science, or related field. 

• Coursework and/or demonstrated interest in California water issues, water resilience, and/or environmental policy. 

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. 

• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise summaries. 

• Proficiency in using Microsoft and Google software suites.  

• Experience working with large data sets in Excel and/or Google Sheets. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills.  

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across a distributed team.  

Preferred qualifications 

• Familiarity with California water systems, institutions, and key policy frameworks. 

• Interest in corporate sustainability or water stewardship. 

• Experience with content design in PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe Acrobat, or other similar platforms.  

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