2022 EPIC Summer Fellow: Emily Zhao
2021 EPIC Summer Fellow: Molly Glickman
2020 EPIC Summer Fellow: Benek Robertson
2019 EPIC Summer Fellow: Jacqui Vogel
About the California Ocean Protection Council:
The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) works to ensure healthy, resilient, productive coastal and ocean ecosystems in California for current and future generations. We achieve this by advancing innovative, science-based policy and management, making strategic investments, and catalyzing action through partnerships and collaboration. Our priorities include: safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems and communities in the face of climate change; advancing equity across ocean and coastal policies and actions; enhancing coastal and marine biodiversity; and improving ocean health through a blue economy.
As a Cabinet-level state policy body nested within the California Natural Resources Agency, OPC advances the Governor’s priorities for coastal and ocean policy and works broadly to protect the coast and ocean in California. The seven-member Council is chaired by the Secretary for Natural Resources and includes the Secretary for Environmental Protection, the Chair of the State Lands Commission, two public members, and two members of the Legislature. OPC is led by an Executive Director who also serves as the Deputy Secretary for Ocean and Coastal Policy for the California Natural Resources Agency.
Project Description:
- Influence policy and lead collaborations that cascade across the California Natural Resource Agency
- Participate in cross-cutting state, regional and international initiatives
- Work with dedicated, passionate staff
- Obtain experience working at the intersection of science, policy, and management
Specific examples of the types of projects a summer intern might work on include:
- Advancing priorities in OPC’s 2020 – 2025 Strategic Plan to Protect California’s Coast and Ocean related to climate change, equity, biodiversity, equity, and the sustainable blue economy.
- Reviewing grant proposals for projects that support OPC’s programmatic priorities
- Monitoring and analyzing state and federal legislation affecting ocean and coastal policy
Desired Skills:
- Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
- Ability to think critically and develop innovative ideas
- Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
- Ability to understand and translate science for diverse audiences
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently
