November 2016: Internships, Employment, & Volunteering

Internships:

Destination Higher Education
The African/Black Student Alliance's Program Destination Higher Education (DHE) is looking for interns. DHE introduces newly admitted students to the African/Black community and student life on the UC Santa Cruz campus. DHE provides personal, social, and academic workshops that focus on the Black Experience at UC Santa Cruz and are presented by African/Black students at UC Santa Cruz. If you interested in interning or if you have any questions, please email Destination Higher Education.

Bayview Elementary DROPS Program
Bayview Elementary School has partnered with students of the UCSC IDEASS program to aid in their water conservation initiative. They are currently seeking students for internship positions collaborating with the city and local professionals, and conducting water/soil testing or infiltration studies. Students from all majors and interests are encouraged to apply.  All internships are offered for academic credit (ENVS 183 or CLEI 150), with the possibility of paid positions for some interns.  For more information, email Tamara Ball.

National Outdoor Leadership School: Deadline November 4
NOLS is seeking a Sustainability Intern to work at their headquarters in Lander, WY from January to May 2017. This paid NOLS sustainability intern will assist the environmental stewardship & sustainability director and sustainability coordinator with a variety of tasks related to sustainability initiatives at NOLS, community outreach, and public policy. Application deadline is November 4th. There are also a number of other internships and job opportunities at NOLS. Visit the NOLS website for more information.

Employment:

Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Education Programs Coordinator: Deadline November 23
Based out of San Jose, CA, the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is an organization that serves to create a healthy community, environment, and economy through bicycling for people who live, work, or play in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.  The Coalition is hiring an Education Programs Coordinator, who will develop bike to school programs, coordinate with partner organizations, and instruct driver education classes.  Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field and experience with bicycles and education. Visit their website for more information.

Bike Santa Cruz County Seeks Executive Director: Open until filled
Local bicycle advocacy group Bike Santa Cruz County is looking to hire an Executive Director.  Responsibilities include managing and empowering staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors, managing the budget, and generating content for their newsletter. Applicants should be passionate cyclists, have leadership and communication skills, and knowledge in finance and local government.  Visit the website for more information and application details.

Fund for the Public Interest Canvass Director: Deadline November 4
Fund for the Public Interest is a national, non-profit organization that builds the people power for America’s leading environmental and social change organizations. They are hiring for a number of positions, including Canvass Director. Here in Santa Cruz they are working with CALPIRG on a campaign to stop the overuse of antibiotics in factory farms.  Volunteers can make $450-$650 a week while gaining valuable skills and experience. Full-time and part-time positions available, starting immediately.  Visit the Fund's website for full details and to apply. For more information, email Hannah Furbush.

Stillwater Sciences: Various positions
Stillwater Sciences is an environmental consulting firm specializing in science-based, technical approaches to environmental issues. Stillwater is currently seeking curious and energetic scientists at all levels - from Bachelors through Ph.D. - with expertise in terrestrial and aquatic biology, botany, water quality, or geomorphology. Open positions include Junior Geomorphologist or Environmental Engineer, Restoration/Civil Engineer, Senior Scientist / Project Manager, and Environmental Scientist/Project Manager. More information about these positions, the firm, and how to apply is available on their website.   

Volunteering:

UCSC Arboretum Succulent Wreath Volunteering
Help make beautiful and unique succulent wreaths for the Arboretum's November Gift & Wreath Sale!  The group meets Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 12 noon.  Apply to be a wreath-maker at the Arboretum's website and explore other volunteer opportunities.  For more information, email Arboretum Volunteer Program Coordinator Katie Starr Cordes.

Remove Invasive Plants with Land Trust of Santa Cruz County: November 12
Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is a local conservation group that protects, cares for, and connects people to the extraordinary lands that make this area special.  The Trust is in need of volunteers to help remove invasive plants from the Randall Morgan Sandhills Preserve in Scotts Valley (9250 Geyer Rd). The "broom pull" will be November 12 from 9am to noon.  Volunteers should bring sturdy boots, weather-protective clothing, water, and a lunch. More information about the volunteer day is available on the Land Trust's website.

"Put A Price On It" Campaign
In partnership with Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL),  this campaign is currently looking for students to help with climate solution efforts on campuses across the country. The goal of the campaign is to put a price on carbon pollution and secure our transition to a 100% clean energy economy. The campaign elevates the importance of carbon pricing through film, social media, and celebrity endorsements, while empowering students to participate in the democratic process and become more skilled in civic engagement. Opportunities for students include joining our Fellowship program (opportunity for paid positions), becoming a Field Representative, and/or joining our National Action Team. Learn more about each opportunity at the Our Climate website, and email Tom if you have any questions. Let's #PutAPriceOnIt!

Volunteer at the Bike Santa Cruz County Annual Dinner: December 4
The Bike Santa Cruz County Annual Dinner & Auction returns this holiday season on Sunday, December 4th from 5:00-8:00pm at the Food Lounge in downtown Santa Cruz. They need help with this fundraising event celebrating their 2016 accomplishments and Santa Cruz County's top bicycle advocates. There will be live music, a silent auction, and catered food. Sign up for volunteer positions here.

November 2016 Sustainability Profile: Ivy Young of Santa Cruz Community Compost Co.

Each month, our newsletter features a person or group that is working toward a more sustainable world. This month we are featuring Ivy Young of Santa Cruz Community Compost Co., which employs a number of UCSC alumni and turns Santa Cruz residents' food scraps into rich compost.

What does your organization do?

Santa Cruz Community Compost Co. is a bicycle-powered, community oriented, compost collection service. Customers collect their food scraps and other compostables in the bin we provide. Then, we pick it up weekly via cargo bike and deliver it to a local urban farm where we transform it into high quality fertile soil that is either returned to our customers or made available to the host farm.

How many pounds of food scraps does your organization divert from the landfill each year in creating compost? How many miles do your riders bike compost each year?

Since our first haul in June 2014 we have diverted more than 130,000 lbs of waste from the local landfill and we’re hauling around 2000 lbs more every week from around 250 local homes and businesses. Though we don’t track our riders’ miles, we cover ground from Shaffer at Delaware all the way to 42nd Ave and even take a trip up to the UCSC faculty housing once a week.  

How did you decide to use bicycles for transporting the compost?

The idea was originally sparked by a company in Austin, TX, the Compost Pedallers, that operates using a similar model. While bicycle transport does present some challenges, we believe in operating our business in a way that is energy efficient, inspiring and honors our core values. Bicycles are clean, quiet and when people see us out riding it puts a smile on their face.  

What’s one of your favorite memories associated with your organization and composting?  

I’m a single mom and in the first 6 months of operating routes, I often had my then 5 year old son riding on the back of my bike with me as I trekked all over town.  He would keep me company by singing “Keep on the Sunny Side” and he would chant “go mama, go mama, go” whenever I had to go up a hill.  I feel so grateful that he has been able to share in this experience and see what is possible when you work hard for something you believe in.

How did you get involved with composting?

I grew up composting so I’m someone who feels very strange whenever I’m faced with throwing a banana peel in the trash.  Most of my previous knowledge, however, was in the realm of small, backyard piles.  I have had to learn as I go about how to handle such large amounts of organic waste and I still have a lot more to learn.  I have become so excited now about the microbial universe living within a compost pile and the incredibly transformative process that occurs there that the work I’m doing is becoming a sort of philosophy to me.  

What does “sustainability” mean to you?

I don’t think that “sustainable” is just a catch phrase for the green movement.  To sustain something is to find the balance between what is possible and what is plausible. Sustainability is getting out on your tiptoes, reaching out for your most perfect Ideal, but not letting your feet leave the ground because you can’t inspire others when you’re floating in a bubble way out of reach, and it’s our collective efforts that will really make a difference. Sustainability to me is waking up each day, doing the very best you can and believing that your neighbor is doing the same.  

Has this job influenced you to live more sustainably in other ways?  

This work pushes me to my limits sometimes physically, socially and emotionally and while I had always considered my lifestyle to be sustainable because I eat organic, compost, and reuse my plastic bags and twistie ties at the bulk bins, I had never considered whether my inner life, social life or physical existence were truly sustainable. I’ve really tried in the last few years to apply the spirit of sustainable living to more than just how I consume things. Now, I ask myself questions like, “Am I an energy efficient vehicle?” “How does the energy I expend contribute positively to my community?” “Where is my time/energy/spirit being wasted and where is it being transformed into something useful?” I see the transformation that occurs in my piles--rotting detritus that smells somewhat like baby vomit becoming fresh living healthy soil that smells like the rain forest--and it gives me hope that even the most rotten things in life can, with time, be transformed into something beautiful.

Thank you, Ivy Young, for sharing about your work and inspiring us! To learn more about Santa Cruz Compost Co., visit their website.

Bike to Work Week Activities 2016

UCSC's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) has joined with Ecology Action to host the 29th annual Santa Cruz County Spring Bike Week, May 6 -13, 2016. The Bike Week program aims to provide a safe, supportive and festive environment for local commuters to take their first pedal in traveling by bike. Commuters often find that cycling provides many benefits—from being environmentally-friendly and economical to reducing stress and improving personal health.

To prepare for Bike to Work week, on Tuesday, May 3rd, TAPS will be conducting a Bike Skills and Safety Campaign, and will be giving away helmets from 12:30pm-5:00pm (while supplies last) at the Barn Theater. Helmets are only available to UCSC affiliates; a UCSC student or employee ID card is required. Participants will complete a 5-10 minute bike safety survey to receive a helmet. Free bike maintenance and bike licensing will also be available.

On the following Thursday, May 12th, cyclists get a free breakfast at sites throughout Santa Cruz County, including two UCSC sites available from 6:30am - 9:30am:

• UCSC Main Entrance, Bay & High St
• UCSC Family Student Housing at Koshland Way

On Friday, May 13th, TAPS and the Student Environmental Center (SEC)  are hosting the Transportation Festival from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Quarry Plaza. Join the event for bicycle-powered music, activities, and workshops. Free helmets and bike lights will be available while supplies last.

Other resources to help you ride your bike safely are also available at http://taps.ucsc.edu/commute-options/bikes/index.html. To learn more about the many events taking place during Bike Week, visit http://www.bike2work.com/s_cruz.

Main Bike Path Closed for Construction

Bicycle Safety Improvement Project, Summer 2016 

Main Bike Path Closed for Construction 

Please note that the entire Main Bike Path (starting at the intersection with Ranch View Road and ending at the top of the path near the Music Center) will be CLOSED this summer after Commencement on June 13 through September 16, 2016. 

This area will be closed to bicyclists, pedestrians, and personal vehicles. Please be aware and use alternate routes. This construction project proposes to realign and re-grade the downhill bike path near the Village Road/Farm Service Road crossing including realignment of the intersection. The combination of the proposed intersection improvements and the bicycle path grade changes and realignment will greatly increase the sight distance for both cyclists traveling downhill and vehicles entering the intersection. Cyclists will also be able to maintain better control of their speed and bicycle as they approach this intersection due to a longer, smoother, curve.

Reconstruction of this section of the bike path is a campus priority in order to reduce the number of bicycle-related accidents and injuries. It will be constructed in conjunction with the development of the first phase of the Recycle Recovery Yard facility above the Farm.

The UCSC campus has been awarded $383,000 in state Active Transportation Program (ATP) funds for safety improvements and realignment of the Great Meadow Bike Path Safety Improvement Project. The grant funds will be supplemented with approximately $50,000 in campus funds.

View the closure map here.

Help Team Bike Santa Cruz County reach fundraising goal

Help Team Bike Santa Cruz County reach their fundraising goal!

Please consider joining the team by registering for this year's Climate Ride. By clicking here you'll be able to register online and customize your own personal webpage.

Bike Santa Cruz County works for better bicycling in Santa Cruz County through advocacy, education and community building. They envision a world where everyone feels comfortable using their bikes for daily trips, where the Coastal Rail Trail provides a bike superhighway through Santa Cruz County, and where people have all the information they need to bike safely.

Climate Ride California is a gorgeous cycling adventure that begins in California's historic Redwood Empire near Eureka, travels along the scenic coast, and ventures into the famed Russian River Valley before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Climate Ride California is more than a bike trip – it’s an inspiring journey with like-minded people who are united by their passion for sustainability, renewable energy, and bicycles - the ultimate carbon-free form of transportation.

Help them get there by making a donation to support their team!

Cool Campus Challege update

As the end of Fall quarter approaches, so too does the end of the Cool Campus Challenge. This event supports the UC Office of the President’s 2025 Carbon Neutrality Initiative and raises awareness on being greener amongst student staff and faculty. While a friendly competition with the other UCs on which campus can be the “Coolest Campus,” UCSC is currently in 4th place! As a point of Slug pride (and the chance to win cool prizes like a Momentum Bicycle), let’s move up in number of participants and green pledges, showing the UCs we care about Carbon Neutrality. 



If you make it to 10,000 points, you'll be entered into a raffle to win a momentum bike (in UCSC school colors) and right now, with only 140 people at that level your odds are pretty good!


Let's go UCSC! Go ‪#‎CoolGreenSlugs‬! Go to coolcampuschallenge.org and (bike) rack up those points!

December 2015: Internships, Employment & Voluntering

Employment

Student Environmental Center (SEC) is Looking For Two New Student Organizers

Both organizers will work with SEC's Blueprint Coordinator to compile the 2016-2017 Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus. The Blueprint is a document re-written by students each year. It outlines students' visions and actions for on-campus sustainability. Work includes researching topics in sustainability (see Blueprint topics), attending working group meetings, writing and editing. Both positions start Fall quarter and end in June, requiring about 8-10 hours a week. Applicants must have previous experience in a student organization. To apply, email: seclead-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu and indicate SEC Student Organizer Job in subject line.

Education Manager at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

SCMNH is seeking a creative, team-oriented Education Manager to lead our programmatic efforts. The Education Manager has primary responsibility for all of the Museum’s educational programs, including public and school programming. They will lead the Education team as well as implement programs themselves. The ideal candidate will be experienced in developing, leading and evaluating informal science education programs, preferably in a museum setting. They will have great managerial, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Above that, they will have a love of nature and will enjoy being part of a close team whose primary goal is to engage people of all ages in the fascination of the natural world. To apply, submit a cover letter and detailed resume to Angela Ward (employment [at] santacruzmuseum [dot] org) by December 4th. Click here for more detail.

Sustainability Coordinator at Watsonville

The Sustainability Coordinator will support the Senior Sustainability Manager through research and collaboration within Driscoll’s and outside the company. The goal is to grow our cross-functional integration of sustainable practices, while establishing ownership in each area of the company’s operations. The Sustainability Coordinator will support the Senior Sustainability Manager in the development and implementation of Driscoll’s sustainability goals, customer and regulatory compliance, and all other Sustainability efforts. Research, facilitation, support and communication will be critical functions of this role. Click here for more detail.

Restoration Monitoring Data and Information Specialist

The National Wildlife Refuge Association, in partnership with Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and the USFWS Pacific Region Inventory and Monitoring Program, seeks an individual with strong restoration ecology, database development, and ecological monitoring design skills for an 18-month period to help Refuge staff meet scientific information needs associated with expanding habitat restoration and weed control programming. The selected individual will be an employee of the National Wildlife Refuge Association and will work closely with Refuge staff and volunteers to develop robust data collection procedures, design databases, and data management systems for currently implemented weed control, native plant propagation and habitat restoration activities. The primary goal of this position is to set-up a robust habitat restoration monitoring system that can be utilized and maintained by USFWS staff to holistically evaluate the success of restoration efforts, encompassing and integrating complex and large-scale weed control and native plant propagation programs. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, and list of at least 3 professional references to both Anne Truslow (atruslow [at] refugeassociation [dot] org) and Meg Duhr-Schultz (meg_duhrschultz [at] fws [dot] gov) by December 11. The selection is made by January 15, 2016. The project will take place at Midway Atoll April 12, 2016-September 2017. For more information, click here.

Cormorant Diet Technician, Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge

The non-profit Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge seeks two, half-time technicians to process Brandt’s Cormorant diet samples in a temporary position. The data collected from the seabird diet samples will be used in an ecosystem scale analysis to inform recommendations for fisheries in the California Current System. Work for this position will be conducted at the Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, California Department of Fish and Wildlife office in Santa Cruz, California. Primary duties will include processing and sorting cormorant pellets and removing prey hard parts for subsequent identification in a laboratory setting. Position start date is no later than December 10, 2015. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Erica Donnelly-Greenan (erica [at] oikonos [dot] org). Click here for more information.

Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships at Michigan State University

Graduate assistantships/fellowships are available for outstanding self-motivated students to conduct innovative and high-impact research at the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (CSIS) at Michigan State University (MSU). With support from the U.S. National Science Foundation and other funding sources, research topics may include sustainability science, coupled human and natural systems, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, human well-being, land change science, forest and landscape ecology, global change, systems integration and so much more. If interested in applying, click here.

Internships

Purple is the new Green - Porter Purple Pipes

Collaborate with engineers, planners, and plumbers to participate in the whole process of planning, designing, and constructing a tank to toilet rainwater catchment system implemented in porter dorms. IDEASS Interns will have fun learning the details of real world systems and gain experience that opens up great job opportunities. To get involved contact Tamara Ball at (ball [at] ucsc [dot] edu)

Smarter Water Ways: Rainwater Harvesting and other Savvy Solutions for Water Use in California

This IDEASS project will involve designing, implementing, and monitoring the impacts of LID features such as rain gardens and bioswales, permeable paving, and rainwater catchment systems that will be integrated with the school’s life lab program. Selected applicants will be eligible for paid internship positions based on their performance and overall contributions. To get involved contact Tamara Ball at (ball [at] ucsc [dot] edu).

Environmental Studies Internships Open to All Majors

The Environmental Studies Internship Office has many different internship opportunities available for fall. These 2 and 5-unit internships are open to all majors. Review some of the internships and learn how to apply on the Environmental Studies website here. Contact Chris Krohn for more information and additional internship listings at ckrohn [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Student Environmental Center (SEC)

Their organization is a great way for students to grow as individuals, learn leadership skills, and gain invaluable work experience. Volunteers with the Student Environmental Center learn about current campus projects and policies and have the opportunity to participate or take on leadership roles in many topic areas.

Concerned about our drought? Get involved in rainwater catchment on campus!

A rainwater catchment system is being implemented in Porter dorms where purple pipes will recycle rainwater captured from the rooftop runoff to then be used to flush toilets. Students have the opportunity to work with both on-campus and off-campus engineers and UCSC alum to help design the system and work on incorporating creative approaches that promote and raise awareness for the project both on campus and to the wider community.

A possible paid internship is offered for students interested in helping design drainage systems at Bay View Elementary. To get involved or learn more email khurshma [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Green Magazine Startup

Join a regional green living magazine startup with Eco-Shift in conducting local market research.

InnerView Intern

InnerView Interns spend a few hours a week (2-4) connecting with student leaders, event organizers and campus staff. They partner and help spread the word about events and programs and help participants get recognition for their activities - all to amp up the good on our campus. Click here to learn more and to apply.

Volunteering

Campus Clean-Up Day

Are you interested in helping plan the second annual campus cleanup day? The Sustainability Office is looking for volunteers. If you are interested email Bella Montez (bmontez [at] ucsc [dot] edu). She looks forward to working with you. Here's some information about our first campus cleanup.

Bike Santa Cruz County looking for help with bike club at school program

They are currently hosting 2x clubs, one at Mission Hill middle school and one at Branciforte middle school, both in Santa Cruz.  Help support these super enthusiastic up and coming pedal-powered climate protectors! Bike Santa Cruz County meets every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters at both of the schools mentioned.

Please contact Tawn Kennedy at greenways [at] bikesantacruzcounty [dot] org for more info. No experience necessary.

Support Rooftop Solar

Passionate about solar? Take Action with Sunrun Policy by writing a letter to the UPUC Commissioners in support of rooftop solar and net metering in California. Thier letter writing campaign is here.

Volunteer at a Campus Garden

Want to get your hands dirty and nurture the plants in our campus gardens? Visit the calendar to find out when garden work days are happening here.

Get Involved with UC Global Food Initiative

The UC Global Food Initiative aims to address global issues in the food system. All 10 UCs are working collectively towards this effort to support sustainable agriculture, healthy eating, and food security. UCSC is playing a critical role in this effort with the support of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. Join a subcommittee and get involved by contacting ucscfswg [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Conduct Free Local Business Energy Audits

Interested in greening offices and energy conservation? The Green Impact Campaign is a national student-powered movement working to raise awareness of energy consumption. Become part of the movement today and join Green Impact Campaign, here.

The Bike Church Community Repair Shop Seeking Volunteers

Have a knack for cycling, biking and learning to maintain bikes? Interested in learning to divert bike parts from the waste stream? Then this is the opportunity for you! Click here for more information.

Sprout Up Environmental Education Opportunity

Sprout Up Santa Cruz is seeking college student-instructors instructors to deliver free environmental education to 1st and 2nd graders in the Santa Cruz community, cultivating the next generation of passionate caretakers of the earth. Commitment is maximum 3 hours/week for 8 weeks, by UCSC academic quarter. For more information, please contact directorsc[at]sproutup[dot]org, and visit their website at www.SproutUp.org.

Smart Bike Lockers

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) is pleased to announce that 12 additional, “smart” bike lockers have been installed at campus locations. Lockers are now available to all UCSC employees, students and visitors at seven locations on the main campus and the Marine Science campus: OPERS, Porter College, the Science Library, Engineering 2, Baskin Engineering, the Seymour Center and the Center for Ocean Health. These lockers are available first-come, first-served and provide on-demand, safe, secure, and covered bike parking that can be shared by multiple cyclists. All lockers are operated as part of the Bikelink network and a fee of $.05 per hour will be collected at the locker. For more information or to purchase a BikeLink card, please go to www.bikelink.org.

Bicycle Traffic School

Did you receive a ticket while on a bicycle? This information is for you!

Bicycle Traffic School (BTS) is for cyclists that have been given a ticket for a traffic citation while riding a bike. BTS gives cyclists a one-time option of attending a two-hour bicycle safety class for a fee of $35 instead of paying the violation fine. A court order to attend BTS must be granted by the Traffic Court Judge.

 In order to participate in BTS you must:

1. Appear in traffic court on your scheduled court date and ask the judge for a court order to attend Bicycle Traffic School. 
2. Obtain a BTS registration form from the court clerk.
3. Follow the instructions on the form for paying the $35 fee. 
4. Register for a class within 30 days of your court referral date. 

 * SAVE MONEY * LEARN SAFE CYCLING SKILLS * ATTEND BICYCLE TRAFFIC SCHOOL

 For more information call (831) 454-7551 or log on to www.sctrafficsafety.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Santa Cruz County Bike Smart Rodeos - Fall 2015

Although it still feels very much like summer, you may be surprised to learn that it is in fact, FALL. And, of course, that means that school is back in session and Bike Smart bicycle safety education team is ready for weekly rodeos. They've been hard at work for the last few weeks in preparation for the rodeos, but the schools and students are so grateful to get the chance to experience the Bike Smart program!

Here are the events scheduled for Santa Cruz County:

Sunday, October 11th - Santa Cruz Open Streets Public 
Rodeo Event 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Wednesday, October 14th - Bay View Elementary 
Rodeo #1 8:20AM - 10:20AM
Rodeo #2 11:20AM - 12:40PM

Thursday, October 15th - Bay View Elementary 
Rodeo #1 10:40AM - 12:20PM

Monday, October 19th - Mar Vista Elementary 
Rodeo #1 8:05AM - 10:05AM
Rodeo #2 10:20AM - 12:20PM

Tuesday, October 20th - Mar Vista Elementary 
Rodeo #1 8:05AM - 10:05AM

Please RSVP with Kira Ticus at kticus [at] ecoact [dot] org with the rodeos you're available to assist with. Once you've signed up for the rodeo time slots, she'll send a follow up email with relevant information about the school site and event details as the event date gets closer.

June 2015: Internships, Employment & Volunteering

EMPLOYMENT

University of Southern California Seeking Sustainability Coordinator
USC Auxiliary Services is seeking a Sustainability Coordinator to join its USC Housing Team. This individual would be responsible for creating sustainable activities geared towards achieving buy-in and habit transformation, coordinate program services and activities, and assist the Director of Housing in defining goals, performance metrics and long range plans for sustainability, to name a few. Applicant must have a Bachelor's degree, 1 year combined education/experience, and experience with administrative support services. For more information, please click here.

UC Riverside Hiring Energy & Sustainability Manager
This is a full-time position located in Riverside, CA. The Energy & Sustainability Manager works to decrease energy cost, examines mechanical, electrical, water and gas systems to make sure they are functioning at the highest level possible. For more information about position requirements, and to apply, click here.

Conservation Corps Seeking College Students and Recent Graduates
Conservation Corps North Bay currently has three open positions: 1) Community Education and Event Associate (20-30 hours/week, flexible schedule, $11/hour). 2) Community Recycling Crew Staff Driver (M-F, 7:00am-3:30pm, scheduled weekend dates, $13/hour). 3) Natural Resource Crew Seasonal Corpsmember (M-F, 7:00-3:30pm, $10/hour). To see the full descriptions and to apply, click here.

Bike Santa Cruz is Seeking Part-time Bookkeeper/Membership Coordinator
Bike Santa Cruz is looking for an awesome, enthusiastic individual to work 5 hours/week tracking Bike Santa Cruz finances, handling member correspondence, and maintaining their membership database. Please read posting for more information.

Seeking Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Program Assistant
This individual will open and close the center, troubleshoot computer equipment, greet and receive visitors, assist in tours, assist Volunteer Coordinator, data entry and management, and much more. Please send a cover letter, resume and three professional references to explorationcenter [at] noaa [dot] gov and indicate SEC Program Assistant Job in subject line.

Alliance to Save Energy Seeking Programs Associate
The Alliance to Save Energy is seeking a full-time Program Associate to assist with implementing PowerSave Campus. Applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, energy, education and 1-2 years of work experience is preferred. For more information, click here.

University of Utah Hiring Sustainability Communication and Outreach Coordinator
The Sustainability Office at U of Utah is seeking a Communication and Outreach Coordinator. This individual will support the campus mission by acting as a resource to faculty and staff within the Sustainability Office and coordinating internal and external communications with other public outreach efforts. For more information and to apply, click here.

INTERNSHIPS

IDEASS Internship Program Accepting Applications for 2015-16

Impact Designs Engineering and Sustainability through Student Service is a 9-month upper division service-learning class that fulfills the ENVS (and other majors) senior exit/thesis requirement by allowing entrepreneurial students to work on experimental sustainable designs and keep on the cusp of innovation. The potential projects span a cornucopia of topics, including: energy, water, food, transportation, and waste. IDEASS encourages students of all disciplines to apply. Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 year. To apply, visit the application page here. 

Food Systems Internships Available

The Food Systems Working Group has an exciting new cadre of student leaders working across their partnerships with Dining, the Farm, and Garden efforts. Are you looking for an internship to join them? Email ucscfswg [at] gmail [dot] com if you'd like to find out more!

CASFS Farm Seeking Interns for Summer
If you're interested in working on the farm this summer, and supporting ongoing student engagement efforts in agroecology and ecological horticulture please email Damian Parr at dmparr [at] ucsc [dot] edu for more details. 

FSWG Leadership and Recruitment Seeking Interns 
Are you a continuing student who is passionate about food and farming systems? Look no further than an intership with FSWG (Food Systems Working Group). Please email Crystal and Alyssa at ucscfswg [at] gmail [dot] com to find out more. Or, join in during a weekly meeting, which takes place on Fridays from 11am-12pm in Oakes Room 220. 

Summer Bike Advocacy Internships Available
Bike Santa Cruz County is looking for summer interns to help with bicycle advocacy, event planning, and outreach. Bike Santa Cruz County advocates for better bicycling around the county, plans fun bike events, and participates in local planning for bike projects and policies. For more information, contact Amelia Conlen at director [at] bikesantacruzcounty [dot] org.

Writers & Social Media Interns Wanted for Hilltromper
Hilltromper, the one-stop outdoor recreation web resource for Santa Cruz County, is looking for an intern to help run the calendar, write about recreation and the environment and contribute to social media. Tromping strongly encouraged! If interested, please email Traci [at] hilltromper [dot] com.

Coastal Watershed Council Internships Available
The Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) has many great internship opportunities to learn about local watersheds, build your resume, and contribute to cleaner, healthier watersheds in Santa Cruz. They're looking for motivated college and high school students. For more information, call (831) 464-9200 and view a full list of internship opportunities here.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer at a Campus Garden

Want to get your hands dirty and nurture the plants in our campus gardens? Visit the calendar to find out when garden work days are happening here.

Green Building Student Alliance

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a building energy, water, and waste efficient? How can UCSC support sustainability in building designs and retrofits? Tatiana Gefter (Green Building Campaign Coordinator for the Student Environmental Center), Grant Waldron (Provost's Sustainability Intern for Climate Action), and other students are collaborating to create a Green Building Student Alliance. This group will serve as a student advising resource to campus architects and project managers with a goal of increasing student participation in campus infrastructure design to keep the environment in mind. Email Tatiana at tgefter[at]ucsc[dot]edu for more information and to join!

Get Involved with UC Global Food Initiative

The UC Global Food Initiative aims to address global issues in the food system. All 10 UCs are working collectively towards this effort to support sustainable agriculture, healthy eating, and food security. UCSC is playing a critical role in this effort with the support of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. Join a subcommittee and get involved by contacting ucscfswg [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Get Involved with Integrated Climate & Energy Study

Interested in climate and energy sustainability? Want to get hands-on experience exploring these topics in relation to our campus? Chrissy Thomure, Climate Action Manager in the Sustainability Office, is coordinating an Integrated Climate & Energy Study with key stakeholders and a consultant. The study launches this year, and students are encouraged to participate! Email Chrissy at cthomure [at] ucsc [dot] edu to find out more information.

Volunteer at the Homeless Garden Project Downtown Store
Volunteer in the store, on the register, for merchandising, and providing customer service. New volunteers receive orientation during their first shift. Click here to see the schedule, then contact Jes at jesw [at] homelessgardenproject [dot] org to sign-up. 

Call for Students! Conduct Free Local Business Energy Audits

Interested in greening offices and energy conservation? The Green Impact Campaign is a national student-powered movement working to raise awareness of energy consumption. Become part of the movement today and join Green Impact Campaign, here.

Global Student Embassy Seeking Garden Leader
Global Student Embassy (GSE) Santa Cruz initiates and runs several high school garden projects here in Santa Cruz county. GSE is seeking a Garden Leader who will commit to meeting one to two times/month, plan community workdays, lead after school workdays, and facilitate discussion-based workshops. Contact Wyeth Wunderlich at wyeth [at] globalstudent embassy [dot] org to participate in this awesome program.

Sprout Up Environmental Education Opportunity

Sprout Up Santa Cruz is seeking college student-instructors instructors to deliver free environmental education to 1st and 2nd graders in the Santa Cruz community, cultivating the next generation of passionate caretakers of the earth. Commitment is maximum 3 hours/week for 8 weeks, by UCSC academic quarter. For more information, please contact directorsc[at]sproutup[dot]org, and visit their website at www.SproutUp.org.

The Bike Church Community Repair Shop Seeking Volunteers
Have a knack for cycling, biking and learning to maintain bikes? Interested in learning to divert bike parts from the waste stream? Then this is the opportunity for you! Click here for more information. 

Community Engagement with San Lorenzo River Alliance
Help the San Lorenzo River Alliance have more positive attention on and more positive engagement with the San Lorenzo River by signing up to be a community engagement volunteer. To learn more or volunteer, email Laurie Egan at legan [at] coastal-watershed [dot] org. Also, check out their website here.

Teach K-12 Watershed Conservation Lessons
Coastal Watershed Council presents lessons to K-12 grade students at public schools throughout the county. Volunteer to present lessons on the link between watersheds and our water supply, recycling and composting, water pollution prevention, how to pack a trash free lunch, wise energy use, and many other topics related to climate change and wise resource use. To learn more and sign up, email Stew Jenkins at sjenkins [at] coastal-watershed [dot] org or call him at (831) 464-9200. Learn more here.

Carneros Creek Winter Monitoring
Want to gain field experience in beautiful wetland areas? Volunteer with the Carneros Creek Water Quality Monitoring Program to help monitor seasonal Carneros Creek, a primary freshwater tributary to Elkhorn Slough. You'll be professionally trained to test for field measurements and flow, including how to collect water samples that will be analyzed at a certified lab for bacteria, nutrients, total suspended solids, and pesticides. Contact Debie Chirco-Macdonald at djchirco [at] coastal-watershed [dot] org or (831) 464-9200 to get involved. Learn more here.

Bike Santa Cruz County Releases 2015 Cycling Report

One of Bike Santa Cruz County’s first projects under our new name was the publication of the 2015 State of Cycling report. The report brings together the work of bike organizations throughout the county in 2014, and showcases the cumulative impacts of biking. Through the report, we hope to show that high rates of participation and economic impacts make bicycling a major force in Santa Cruz County, and make the case for more investment in bicycle infrastructure, programs and events.

Highlights from the report include:

• According to the most recent census data, the City of Santa Cruz ranked second in California for bike to work trips, ahead of San Francisco, Palo Alto and Berkeley.
• There were nine organizations that did some kind of cycling education and together they reached more than 5,000 youth and adults in Santa Cruz County.
• Bike industry in Santa Cruz County was estimated to generate more than $800M and employ more than 1,000 people.
• Revenue-generating bike events raised nearly $300K and drew more than 13,000 participants.
• We saw tremendous wins for advocacy and new bike infrastructure, including the first green lane treatments in the County, the first two segments of the Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail completed, and the completion of the Arana Gulch Trail.

Check out the full report here.

Innovative Approaches to Sustainability at Other Campuses

Here are a few selections of the innovative approaches to sustainability taking place on other college campuses. Each of these examples was chosen because they represent ideas that UCSC could potentially implement in some form, or in some cases, already has begun to. If you see something here that you want to make a reality at UCSC, contact the Sustainability Office at sustain.education [at] ucsc [dot] edu and we will help you direct your ideas toward fruition!

Food

Six Vermont Schools Participate in Food System Tour
As part of an effort to study local and global food systems, students from around the U.S. will visit Green Mountain College, Middlebury College, Sterling College, University of Vermont, Vermont Law School, and Vermont Technical College. The 21-day tour explores urban food systems, the local dairy industry and carbon economy, food system advocacy in the context of genetically-modified food, conservation, and climate change and its impacts on global food system.

Transportation

GMR Institute of Tech Imposes Vehicle Restrictions on Campus (India)
In an effort to curb noise and air pollution at the institution, the university recently banned vehicles on campus every Thursday whereby all faculty, staff and students park their motorized vehicles in assigned locations and reach campus by foot.

USA Today: Campus Bike Reuse Programs
The recently released article points out some universities and colleges that are collecting unwanted bikes, repairing them to working order, and lending them to students who might not otherwise be able to afford a bicycle.

Nashville, TN Walk Bike University Free Public Bike Classes
Walk/Bike Nashville's Walk Bike University (WBU) seeks to grow the number of Nashvillians biking and walking through education, raising awareness, and cultivating bicycle and pedestrian leaders. They host workshops on bicycle skills, bicycle maintenance, pedestrian advocacy, and various other bicycle and pedestrian issues. Classes are fun, informative, and open to the public.Some classes include: Adult Learn to Ride a Bike; Bicycling 123 refresher course; Basic Bike Skills on off-street (parking-lot) skills course; and City Cycling.

Ohio State U Enters Negotiations with Bike Sharing Company 
The recent negotiations, if agreed upon, will bring Zagster, a bicycle-sharing system, to campus with 115 bicycles including tandem, hand cycle, electric assist, heavy duty, and three-wheeled cargo bikes.

Big Idea: $1 To Save Bicycling on Campus
A graduate student studying urban planning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign successfully lead a campaign on campus to institute a $1 semesterly fee for bicycle programs and infrastructure. The fee not only passed, but it sailed through a vote with 73% of students in support.

Awareness, Education, and Engagement

California State U Monterey Bay Opens New Sustainable Degree
The new bachelor of science in sustainable hospitality management provides students with local, regional and global perspectives on current and pressing sustainability issues and problems within the hospitality industry. Concentrations exist in sustainable hotel, resort and event management, and sustainable ecotourism management.

Portland State U Launches Graduate Certificate in Public Design
The university's School of Architecture's new certificate in Public Interest Design aims to prepare students in sustainability, community development and architecture to aid underserved populations through sustainable, human-centered design methods via in-classroom studies and hands-on field experience, working directly with communities in need.

U Virginia Begins Employee Sustainability Program
Seeking to reduce its environmental impact by building more efficient spaces, the university's sustainability committee has started its new, self-reporting Green Workplace Program, which uses a checklist of 60 actions that workplaces can implement to improve operations and reduce cost, and includes eight categories: energy, transportation, purchasing, zero waste, community, health, food and bonus credits. If UCSC held sustainability trainings for employees, would you attend? Comment below!

Maharishi U Offers Masters Program in Sustainable Living
During the first year of the program, beginning fall 2015, students will spend half their time in class and half in the community addressing challenges. The second year will be entirely devoted to a major community project, with one option being a 25-month hitch in the Peace Corps.

U North Carolina Chapel Hill Announces Campus Climate Dialogues 
Inspired by the rising level of national and local discourse surrounding events and issues of equity and inclusion related to race, intellectual diversity, religion, identity and culture, the university recently began Carolina Conversations, a coordinated effort that gives the campus community an avenue to share thoughts and opinions with the administration. The campaign includes an interactive website, a calendar of all campus events related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and a series of ongoing events to encourage dialogue.

Waste

Fitchburg State U Removes Drinking Straw Option
In an attempt to improve waste reduction, recycling and composting, the university removed the straws, which are hard to spot when conducting post-consumer, dish room garbage separation.

University of Washington Students Hold Trashion Show
The first annual UW "Trashion" Show was hosted by EcoReps to celebrate Earth Day and beckon audience members to reimagine and critically think about "waste."All clothing made through upcycling scavenged materials. Something like this would be a great opportunity for the Theater and Art and Environmental Studies departments to collaborate on something environmentally creative.

Energy

Cambridge U Studies Plant-Powered Bus Shelter (U.K.)
The prototype hub at the university's botanical garden has walls of plants in pockets made of carbon fiber that receive electrons, produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis, that power a light in the shelter.

Climate Change

Stanford U Students Hold Panel on Climate Change Education
Students for a Sustainable Stanford and the Stanford School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences recently held a panel to raise public awareness of the interdisciplinary importance of global climate change.

December 2014: Innovative Approaches to Sustainability at Other Campuses

Here are a few selections of the innovative approaches to sustainability taking place on other college campuses. Each of these examples was chosen because they represent ideas that UCSC could potentially implement in some form, or in some cases, already has begun to. If you see something here that you want to make a reality at UCSC, contact the Sustainability Office sustain.education [at] ucsc [dot] edu and we will help you direct your ideas toward fruition!

UCLA Creates Nation’s Largest Self-Replenishing Fund For Green Projects 

UCLA is the 46th institution in the nation to join the Billion Dollar Green Challenge, which encourages colleges and universities to create their own sustainability-focused revolving funds — pools of money that are continually replenished when loan recipients return some or all of their cost savings each year. Now, the savings from energy efficiency and other projects will fund future projects. UC Santa Cruz has a Green Revolving Loan Fund that’s similar to this, which you can learn more about on our website or by emailing Chrissy at cthomure [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Students’ ‘Feeding Forward’ Fights Hunger, Food Waste
A student at UC Berkeley has created a "Feeding Forward" website, a food-recovery platform that connects organizations that have surplus perishable food with social agencies that feed the hungry. More than 400 donor groups — including Cal Dining, Cal Catering and scores of Bay Area restaurants — are currently registered on the site, along with some 100 recipient nonprofits. More than a half-million pounds of food have been recovered since the platform’s launch spring 2013.

Pomona College Diverts 23 Tons From Landfill and Saves Students Money
Pomona College has a "Clean Swap" that goes through the residence halls collecting items left behind by students after move-out. Last May, the student team collected 23 tons of used appliances, dorm furnishings, books and other items. In the fall, those items were offered for sale at discounted prices to students, raising more than $9,500 for sustainability programs. Operation Clean Sweep began as a pilot project in 2007 and recovered 17 tons of items. Over its eight-year span, the program is estimated to have diverted more than 150 tons of material from landfills, saved students thousands of dollars and helped a number of local charities. UC Santa Cruz has zero-waste move out stations at all of the colleges each spring that include donation bins for unwanted items. We also have a surplus store, which you can learn more about here.

Indiana State University to Host Community Sustainability Contest 
The event kicks off with a poster competition for students in kindergarten through college. Students will be divided into groups based on their ages and will be given a sustainability-related question that they will have to answer using a poster. What a great way to connect college students with the local community through art and sustainability!

Flintstones Meets the Jetsons: Solar Powered Pedal Car at Bridgewater College
At the cost of $6,000 and load capacity of 150 pounds, the ELF (Electric, Light, Fun) vehicle, gifted by alumni, is now used by students as part of the campus' student-operated recycling program. The vehicle requires solar, a corresponding range of 15 miles, and/or human power to operate.

U Illinois Proposes Bike Fee 
A recent referendum proposed a $1 student-initiated bike fee that would be slated for creating better bike infrastructure, safety courses and education. What do you think about this idea? At UC Santa Cruz, all sustainable transportation services provided by TAPS are subsidized by parking fees--which ultimately means that to continue to have free bike shuttles, loop buses, and other programs, people have to keep buying parking permits. Would this be a possible partial funding solution here?