Call for Applications: Summer Work Experience

Two students in a field doing research

Thank you for your interest in the Center for Planetary Health Summer Work Experience Program! This program offers students a unique hands-on opportunity to work on projects related to natural resources, agriculture, climate change, and environmental and health policy.

About

Fellowships start in June 2023. Selected students are also expected to attend the 2023 Summer Work Experience Kick-off Orientation on Saturday, May 20, 2023 (subject to change). The orientation is designed to introduce students to effective strategies for science outreach and stakeholder engagement.

This program is coordinated by the UCGHI Planetary Health Center of Expertise in partnership with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension (UC ANR) and California Department of Conservation (DOC).

Apply

To apply for a summer fellowship, please complete and email the application and supporting materials requested below to planetaryhealth@ucdavis.edu by March 31, 2023. Following submission of their applications, applicants will be asked to review and rank (based on preference) specific fellowship opportunities available through the DOC and UC ANR Cooperative Extension. Interviews will be conducted, and successful applicants will be matched to the fellowship opportunities based on interest and best fit.

Support Materials Requested:

  • Resume including education, employment, honors, and publications
  • Contact information for three references
  • Personal statement that describes your interests, career goals, which institution(s) (DOC and/or UC ANR Cooperative Extension) you would be interested in working with for your fellowship, and what you hope to gain from a summer fellowship (1 page maximum)

Please direct any questions about the fellowship program or application to planetaryhealth@ucdavis.edu.

Host Mentor Information & Opportunities

UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension

UC ANR Cooperative Extension Summer Experience: Host Application

Fellowship Location: UC ANR Cooperative Extension Field Offices in California

Examples of activities that the fellow may be involved in:

  • Developing and delivering outreach and educational material for ANR’s youth, families and communities programs.
  • Assisting with research to assess resource utilization and improve farming practices in California.
  • Providing support to programs evaluating the benefits of integrated pest management in agriculture.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities of the fellow:

  • Undergraduate or graduate student status at a UC campus.
  • Minimum GPA 2.8 to be eligible for the fellowship.
  • Strong desire to learn, proactive and solution oriented attitude, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information from various sources.
  • Ability to prepare reports, factsheets, and other public communications tools.
  • Ability to work and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Confident, self-motivated, well-organized, and able to work independently and on teams.

California Department of Conservation and Other State Agencies

Fellowship Location: Sacramento, CA

Examples of activities that the fellow may be involved in:

  • Analyzing legislation, engaging with stakeholders, and developing natural resource policy solutions.
  • Assisting with research and outreach related to natural resources and agricultural land conservation.
  • Developing talking points and presentation materials related to state policy initiatives.
  • Assisting with educational outreach initiatives, including organizing workshops and compiling materials for online education resources.

Desired skills, experience, and qualities of the fellow:

  • Graduate student status at a UC campus.
  • Minimum GPA 2.8 to be eligible for the fellowship.
  • Strong desire to learn, proactive and solution oriented attitude, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information from various sources.
  • Ability to prepare reports, factsheets, and other public communications tools.
  • Ability to work and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Confident, self-motivated, well-organized, and able to work independently and on teams.
  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a plus.

Meet the 2022 Summer Work Fellows!

Learn more about previous year's cohorts of summer fellows!