Research Intern (California Water)

Location: Remote; requires availability to coordinate with team members based in Pacific Time. 

Job Type: Paid internship; $30 per hour 

Duration and Hours: This is a 2-month internship requiring a commitment of 25-35 hours per week. Flexible Schedule. Extension beyond the initial period may be possible based on performance and funding. 

Start Date: Available immediately. Must start no later than July 7, 2025. 

To Apply 

Please submit the following: 

• A cover letter of no more than one page that shares your interest in the work of the Pacific Institute, your fit for the role, and what you hope to gain from the internship. 
• Your resume. 
• A writing sample no more than three pages long (including formatting/images). Please attach your writing sample with your resume. 

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: 

This Research Intern role will conduct a water security and risk analysis for a large water user in California (15-25 hours per week). With mentorship and guidance from senior research staff, the Research Intern will perform desktop research and develop a technical report for an external client about the current and future status of California’s water resources. The report has three components. First, it will synthesize existing research and reports to provide a clear and concise overview of the present status of water resources and governance, as well as future risks and challenges at a statewide level. Second, it will dive into specific regions and watersheds where the client has operations, providing information on key water risks and local water management, planning, and governance. Finally, the report will provide high-level recommendations on actions to mitigate water-related risks.  

If the candidate has capacity for full-time work, they will also support an update to the Water Conflict Chronology (WCC) (5-10 hours per week). This will focus on the ongoing effort to evaluate external conflict databases for possible new entries for the WCC. This essential work requires organization, data management, and writing. Basic GIS skills may also be applicable. Additional work will support improving the WCC database both for outside users and for the research staff who work with the WCC database. 

This internship provides an opportunity to gain professional skills and insights into topics such as California water management and policy, corporate water stewardship, water risk, water and climate change planning, and water-related conflict. It offers meaningful experience in technical writing, data management, and independent research, as well as professional mentorship and an opportunity to contribute to the Pacific Institute’s mission. 

Responsibilities: 

California Water Security Analysis: 

• Desktop research and information synthesis 

• Technical report writing with oversight from senior research staff  

• Regular check-ins with project manager  

• Periodic client calls and incorporation of client feedback on work products 

Water Conflict Chronology Update: 

• Data collection and information synthesis 
• Data entry and management using Excel  

Minimum requirements: 

• 2 years of relevant work experience (can include internships while in school). 
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, political science, or related field.  
• Background or coursework in California water systems, management, and/or policy 
• Experience writing technical reports and strong writing skills.  
• Experience working with large data sets in Excel.  
• Ability to synthesize complex information into simple summaries.  
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 
• Communicative and responsive team member.  
• Ability to function well in a self-directed, asynchronous work environment.  

Preferred qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in environmental science, political science, or related field.  
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in a research-oriented role.  
• Expertise in California water issues.  
• Basic experience with GIS (e.g., ArcMap, Google Earth, or QGIS). 

No phone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

About our recruitment process: 

Here’s what you can expect: 

• Application review 
• Schedule a Phone Screen interview with the HR Manager or Hiring Manager 
• Schedule a group interview with the Hiring Manager and Team 
• References (upon request) 
• Decision  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  

The Pacific Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Diversity is a core value at Pacific Institute. We are dedicated to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and culture for two reasons: 

To stay true to our values and principles: We recognize that historical and current injustices have left out certain voices and perspectives from decision-making about accessing and managing water resources. We acknowledge that the representation of these groups in water-related decision-making and careers is an important step towards addressing past and current injustices. Because the Pacific Institute participates in water-related decision-making, we acknowledge that hiring and retaining a diverse staff can contribute to a broader need to address systemic injustices.  

To better achieve Pacific Institute's mission and vision: We know that having diverse perspectives makes for better research, creative solutions, and can help us achieve our mission. We recognize that a diverse team with varied perspectives, skills, and experiences is essential for generating and scaling innovative ideas that solve increasingly complex challenges. We make an active effort to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, heard, validated, empowered, and celebrated across different identities and cultures. We aim to constantly evolve our approach to DEI to reflect best practices in this work, just as we do with our water and climate research.