05/07/2026
The Ocean Access: Benefits and Barriers project is hiring a summer intern to support the Tribal aspect of the project, including synthesizing information from the interviews and focus groups we will be holding this summer.
This summer internship involves analyzing qualitative data from Tribal interviews and focus groups to support equitable coastal management.
We seek a graduate student, recent graduate, or experienced upper-level undergraduate who is familiar with California's Tribes and has a background in Native American Studies, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Environmental Studies, or related fields.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate qualitative analysis skills and approach Tribal engagement with cultural humility, sensitivity, and awareness of the emotional dimensions of this research. We hope that the intern will continue part-time in the fall as a paid research assistant.
Page 1: Project Overview & Qualifications
Header and Visuals
The top of the flyer features logos for the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF), California Ocean Access & Management, and Native Coast Action Network. An illustration shows diverse groups of people enjoying a California beach: a surfer walking with a child, a family having a barbecue, and two people fishing from the shore.
The Project
This initiative aims to understand how Californians value and access the ocean, with a specific focus on underserved and Tribal communities. Research methods include:
A multilingual survey of approximately 5,000 respondents.
Tribal and community interviews.
Focus groups held across California.
Who We Are
A team of researchers and scientists from the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, CSU San Marcos, and Native Coast Action Network, working with community partners.
Internship Description
The role focuses on the "Tribal component" of the research, using a "two-eyed seeing" approach that integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge. The intern will analyze qualitative data from interviews and focus groups to support equitable coastal management.
Qualifications
Graduate students, recent grads, or upper-level undergraduates in Native American Studies, Social Sciences, or Environmental Studies.
Experience working with Tribal communities and familiarity with Indigenous Research Methodologies (e.g., CARE).
Skills in qualitative research and thematic coding.
High comfort level with public engagement and interacting with strangers.
Strong communication and data management skills.
Ability to continue as a paid research assistant in the fall.
Page 2: Logistics & Application
What is Ocean Access?
This section defines ocean access as the ability to obtain benefits like food, jobs, and ceremonial connection. It notes that barriers to access are often part of larger systemic injustices. It highlights the need for equitable management that respects Tribal sovereignty.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) & Sanctuaries
The flyer notes there are 124 state MPAs and 5 National Marine Sanctuaries in California. An inset map shows the California coastline with these protected areas highlighted in blue.
Internship Logistics
Duration: 12 weeks, approximately 40 hours per week.
Stipend: $8,500.
Dates: Preferred May 28 – Aug 28.
Location: In-person in Santa Barbara is preferred; some funded travel may be required.
Schedule: Weekdays, with occasional weekends and evenings.
How to Apply
Applications are reviewed starting April 30.
Required: Resume/CV and a brief statement of interest in the email body.
Contact: Send to [email protected] and CC [email protected].
Footer
A row of logos representing partner organizations including UC Santa Cruz, Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, UCSB, NOAA, and various local conservancy groups.
