Case Manager
A case manager coordinates environmental health and safety services, assesses client’s needs and develops action plans to address environmental concerns. They may conduct environmental regulation audits to monitor contamination, emissions, and damage, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Field Study Placements:
- Municipal Water District of Orange County (Site #451)
- South County Outreach (Site #514.1)
- The Illumination Foundation (SITE #507.1)
- West Hive Capital (Site #427)
City Manager
A city manager is a professional administrator who oversees city operations. This role involves developing, implementing, and managing environmental and sustainability programs. City managers supervise city staff, manage budgets, and coordinate activities across various departments. They may serve as a liaison with the public, community groups, and other government agencies.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree recommended, but not required
Field Study Placements:
- City of Newport Beach (Site #424)
- Pocket Park and Garden Climate Solutions (Site #450)
- South County Outreach (Site #514.1)
- The Illumination Foundation (SITE #507.1)
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects. These projects may include facilities, bridges, roads, tunnels, and water and sewage systems. They collaborate with other professionals to mitigate the negative effects of construction projects on the environment.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree recommended, but not required
Field Study Placements:
- Earth Microbial (Site #440.1)
- Impact Alliances Group, Inc. (Site #431)
- Los Angeles Food Policy Council (Site #422)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- Wyland Foundation (Site #622.1)
Code Enforcement Officer
Code enforcement officers make sure that people and organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements. They need to stay current on relevant laws and regulations and advise individuals and organizations on how to comply with them. They develop and implement policies and procedures and document findings, recommendations, and other information.
Education:
Minimum high school diploma
For government agencies a Bachelor’s degree may be required
Field Study Placements:
- City of Norwalk (Site #405)
- City of San Clemente, Planning Division (Site #412)
- City of Whittier, Planning Division (Site #421)
- Municipal Water District of Orange County (Site #451)
Community Organizer
A community organizer builds relationships with community members, leaders, and partner organizations. They conduct research on local issues and trends to identify problems and develop effective solutions. They may develop and implement organizing campaigns around social justice, housing, education, environmental, or other community issues.
Education:
Associate’s degree required
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Field Study Placements:
- City of Anaheim Planning Division (Site #434)
- Long Beach Organic (Site #435)
- Municipal Water District of Orange County (Site #451)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- Pocket Park and Garden Climate Solutions (Site #450)
- Project Access Inc. (Site #500)
- Santa Ana Zoo (Site #404)
- South County Outreach (Site #514.1)
- The Illumination Foundation (SITE #507.1)
- UCI Dining (Site #415)
- UCI Herbarium (Site #423)
- UC Irvine Housing Sustainability (Site #445)
- UCI Science Project & Magnolia Agriscience Community Center (Site #323)
- Wyland Foundation (Site #622.1)
Conservation Biologist/ Ecologist
Conservation biologists manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. They oversee conservation and forestry activities to ensure compliance with government regulations and protection of habitats. Ecologists may collect, study, and report data on air, food, water, and other sources and then recommend action.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required
Master’s or PhD degree for higher positions
Field Study Placements:
- Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (Site #400)
- A-Tech Consulting, Inc (Site #420)
- OC Zoo (Site #402)
- UCI Herbarium (Site #423)
- Water UCI (Site #418)
Data Analyst
Data analysts use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data. They determine which data is available and useful for the project, collect, categorize, and analyze data and create, validate, test, and update algorithms and models.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required
Masters and PhD degree for higher positions
Field Study Placements:
- City of Norwalk (Site #405)
- Crystal Cove Conservancy Site (#438)
- Eco Now (site #425)
- Jamboree Housing Corporation (Site #409)
- Los Angeles Food Policy Council (Site #422)
- Project Access Inc. (Site #500)
- UCI Herbarium (Site #423)
- Wyland Foundation (Site #622.1)
Educator/Teacher
Teachers educate students of all ages. They create lesson plans to teach students a subject, assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. They teach lessons, grade students’ assignments and exams, and work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
State Teaching License (public school)
Master’s degree (depending on school)
For private schools, credentials vary.
Field Study Placements:
- City of Whittier, Planning Division (Site #421)
- Crystal Cove Conservancy Site (#438)
- Eco Now (site #425)
- Empowering Readers OC (Site #336.1)
- Heritage Farm (Site #437)
- hydroGEOPHYSICS (Site #422)
- Innovative Housing Opportunities, Inc (site #408)
- Jamboree Housing Corporation (Site #409)
- Laguna Ocean Foundation (Site #438)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- OC Human Relations (Site #510.2)
- OC Zoo (Site #402)
- Pacific Planning Group (Site #414)
- Project Access Inc. (Site #500)
- Santa Ana Zoo (Site #404)
- THRIVE Santa Ana Land Trust (Site #444)
- Turtle Rock-Catalyst Kids (Site #54)
- UC Irvine Housing Sustainability (Site #445)
- UCI Sustainability Resource Center (Site #436)
- Unidos South OC (SITE #538.1)
- Wyland Foundation (Site #622.1)
Environmental Consultant
An environmental consultant assesses a client’s operations to identify and mitigate negative environmental impacts, ensuring compliance with regulations. They may conduct assessments, data analysis, develop plans to improve environmental performance, and oversee projects.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree recommended
Field Study Placements:
- Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (Site #400)
- A-Tech Consulting, Inc (Site #420)
- City of Manhattan (Site #432)
- City of Santa Ana- Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) (Site #439)
- City of Whittier, Planning Division (Site #421)
- Crystal Cove Conservancy Site (#438)
- hydroGEOPHYSICS (Site #422)
- LTD Corporation (Site #449)
- Municipal Water District of Orange County (Site #451)
- No Orange Heights, a project of Naturalist For You (Site # 543 & 543.1)
- Pacific Planning Group (Site #414)
- Pocket Park and Garden Climate Solutions (Site #450)
- UCI Sustainability Resource Center (Site #436)
Environmental Justice Researcher
An Environmental Justice Researcher investigates the disproportionate environmental burdens and health impacts on marginalized communities, particularly low-income populations and communities of color. They conduct research, analyze data, and develop policy recommendations to address environmental inequities.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required
Master’s degree required
PhD for higher level jobs
Field Study Placements:
- City of Santa Ana- Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) (Site #439)
- Long Beach Organic (Site #435)
- No Orange Heights, a project of Naturalist For You (Site # 543 & 543.1)
- Pacific Planning Group (Site #414)
- THRIVE Santa Ana Land Trust (Site #444)
- UCI Science Project & Magnolia Agriscience Community Center (Site #323)
- UCI Sustainability Resource Center (Site #436)
- Water UCI (Site #418)
Environmental Lawyer
An Environmental Lawyer specializes in laws, regulations, and policies related to environmental protection, natural resources, land use, pollution control, and sustainability. They represent clients in regulatory compliance, litigation, policy development, and transactions involving environmental issues.
Education:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Bar Exam
Field Study Placements:
- City of Santa Ana- Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) (Site #439)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- SCAG - Department of Integrated Planning & Programming (Site #443)
- UCI Sustainability Resource Center (Site #436)
Farm Management
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products. They typically supervise all steps of crop production, including planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and herding. They make decisions about crops or livestock by evaluating factors such as market conditions, disease, soil conditions, and the availability of federal programs.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Optional Master’s degree
Field Study Placements:
- Heritage Farm (Site #437)
- OC Zoo (Site #402)
Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist
Gather geographic data through field observations, maps, photographs, satellite imagery, and censuses. Collect, analyze, and display geographic data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Write reports and present research findings, assist, advise, or lead others in using GIS and geographic data.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
GIS Certificate Program
Master’s degree preferred for higher level jobs
Field Study Placements:
- hydroGEOPHYSICS (Site #422)
- The Kennedy Commission (Site #429)
- West Hive Capital (Site #427)
Human Resources (HR)
Human resources recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. They also may handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations. They typically consult with employers to identify hiring needs, check applicants’ references and backgrounds, hire or refer qualified applicants and help with new employee orientation.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Field Study Placements:
- City of Irvine (Site #700)
- City of Newport Beach (Site #424)
- OC Human Relations (Site #510.2)
- Patriot Conceptions (Site #702)
Market Researcher
Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. They monitor and forecast marketing and sales trends, measure the effectiveness of marketing programs and strategies, and devise and evaluate methods for collecting data.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree recommended
Field Study Placements:
- Crystal Cove Conservancy Site (#438)
- Orange County Coastkeeper (Site #403)
- Project Access Inc. (Site #500)
- Unidos South OC (SITE #538.1)
- West Hive Capital (Site #427)
Nonprofit Worker
There is a wide range of positions and duties that nonprofits offer. Someone may write grant proposals, oversee operations, programs, and strategic directions of nonprofit organizations. They may also develop programs that fulfill the organization’s mission, manage budgets, and work with boards of directors to achieve organizational goals.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree preferred
Field Study Placements:
- Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (Site #400)
- Crystal Cove Conservancy Site (#438)
- Grades of Green (Site #447)
- Innovative Housing Opportunities, Inc (site #408)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- OC Human Relations (Site #510.2)
- OC Zoo (Site #402)
- No Orange Heights, a project of Naturalist For You (Site # 543 & 543.1)
- Pacific Planning Group (Site #414)
- South County Outreach (Site #514.1)
- The Kennedy Commission (Site #429)
- THRIVE Santa Ana Land Trust (Site #444)
Outreach Coordinator
Outreach Coordinators build relationships between organizations and their target communities. They develop and implement outreach strategies, organize events, conduct presentations, recruit participants or volunteers, distribute information, and serve as the primary liaison between the organization and the public to increase awareness, engagement, and participation in programs or services.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Field Study Placements:
- Grades of Green (Site #447)
- Impact Alliances Group, Inc. (Site #431)
- Innovative Housing Opportunities, Inc (site #408)
- Laguna Ocean Foundation (Site #438)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- OC Human Relations (Site #510.2)
- Orange County Coastkeeper (Site #403)
- No Orange Heights, a project of Naturalist For You (Site # 543 & 543.1)
- Project Access Inc. (Site #500)
- Santa Ana Zoo (Site #404)
- South County Outreach (Site #514.1)
- UCI Dining (Site #415)
- UCI Herbarium (Site #423)
- UC Irvine Housing Sustainability (Site #445)
- Wyland Foundation (Site #622.1)
Plant Pathologist
Plant Pathologists study diseases in plants caused by pathogens and environmental factors. They diagnose plant diseases, develop management strategies, conduct research on disease resistance, and work to protect crops, forests, and ornamental plants from diseases that threaten food security, ecosystems, and agricultural economies.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree for entry level positions
Master’s degree required for Professional Positions
PhD required for higher level positions
Field Study Placements:
- Heritage Farm (Site #437)
- UCI Herbarium (Site #423)
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst research, analyzes, and evaluates policies and programs to help government agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, and corporations make informed decisions. They examine social, economic, and political issues, assess policy alternatives, forecast outcomes, and provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree for entry level positions
Master’s degree for professional positions
PhD for higher level positions
Field Study Placements:
- Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (Site #400)
- A-Tech Consulting, Inc (Site #420)
- City of Manhattan (Site #432)
- Impact Alliances Group, Inc. (Site #431)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- OC Zoo (Site #402)
- Pacific Planning Group (Site #414)
- Pocket Park and Garden Climate Solutions (Site #450)
- SCAG - Department of Integrated Planning & Programming (Site #443)
- The Kennedy Commission (Site #429)
- THRIVE Santa Ana Land Trust (Site #444)
- UCI Dining (Site #415)
- UC Irvine Housing Sustainability (Site #445)
- UCI Transportation & Distribution Services (Site #220.1)
- Unidos South OC (SITE #538.1)
- Water UCI (Site #418)
Politician
Politicians are elected or appointed officials who represent constituents, create and vote on legislation, shape public policy, allocate government resources, and make decisions that affect communities, states, or nations. They campaign for office, serve in legislative, executive, or judicial roles, and work to address public issues while balancing diverse interests and political considerations.
Education:
No specific degree required
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate degree recommended
Field Study Placements:
- American Planning Association- APA (Site #413)
- Community Action Partnership of Orange County (Site #421)
- Davis Vanguard (Site #934 & 934.1)
- No Orange Heights, a project of Naturalist For You (Site # 543 & 543.1)
- Water UCI (Site #418)
Program Manager (NGOs)
Program Managers in NGOs/nonprofits design, implement, oversee, and evaluate programs that fulfill the organization’s mission. They manage staff and volunteers, coordinate program activities, monitor budgets, ensure compliance with grant requirements, measure program impact, and work with stakeholders to deliver services effectively to target populations.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree for higher level positions
Field Study Placements:
- Anteater Recreation Center (Site #200.1)
- City of Santa Ana- Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) (Site #439)
- City of Whittier, Planning Division (Site #421)
- Eco Now (site #425)
- Heritage Farm (Site #437)
- Innovative Housing Opportunities, Inc (site #408)
- Los Angeles Food Policy Council (Site #422)
- LTD Corporation (Site #449)
- Orange County Coastkeeper (Site #403)
- No Orange Heights, a project of Naturalist For You (Site # 543 & 543.1)
- Project Access Inc. (Site #500)
- The Illumination Foundation (SITE #507.1)
Social Media Manager/ Marketer
Social Media Managers develop and execute social media strategies to build brand awareness, engage audiences, drive traffic, and achieve business goals. They create content, manage social platforms, analyze performance metrics, engage with communities, run paid campaigns, and stay current with platform trends and algorithm changes across multiple social channels.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree recommended
Field Study Placements:
- Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (Site #400)
- American Planning Association- APA (Site #413)
- Assistance League of Irvine (Site #502)
- Earth Microbial (Site #440.1)
- Impact Alliances Group, Inc. (Site #431)
- Long Beach Organic (Site #435)
- Los Angeles Food Policy Council (Site #422)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- OC Goes Solar (Site #446)
- UCI Dining (Site #415)
- Unidos South OC (SITE #538.1)
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce environmental impact, improve social responsibility, and enhance economic performance. They assess current practices, develop sustainability strategies, implement green initiates, measure environmental metrics, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide companies toward sustainable business practices across operations, supply chains, and reporting.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree for higher level positions
Field Study Placements:
- Adventures to Dreams Enrichment (Site #400)
- American Planning Association- APA (Site #413)
- A-Tech Consulting, Inc (Site #420)
- Eco Now (site #425)
- Heritage Farm (Site #437)
- Pocket Park and Garden Climate Solutions (Site #450)
- No Orange Heights, a project of Naturalist For You (Site # 543 & 543.1)
- SCAG - Department of Integrated Planning & Programming (Site #443)
- UCI Dining (Site #415)
- UC Irvine Housing Sustainability (Site #445)
- UCI Science Project & Magnolia Agriscience Community Center (Site #323)
- UCI Transportation & Distribution Services (Site #220.1)
- Water UCI (Site #418)
- Wyland Foundation (Site #622.1)
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planners design and improve transportation systems including roads, public transit, bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, and multimodal networks. They analyze traffic patterns, forecast future transportation needs, develop long-range plans, conduct feasibility studies, engage communities, and create solutions to improve mobility, reduce congestion, enhance safety, and promote sustainable transportation.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree for higher positions
Field Study Placements:
- Caltrans District 12 (Site #441)
- SCAG - Department of Integrated Planning & Programming (Site #443)
- UCI Transportation & Distribution Services (Site #220.1)
Urban Planner
Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities in cities, countries, metropolitan areas, and other jurisdictions. They may meet with stakeholders such as government officials, developers, and the public regarding development plans and land use. Urban planners gather and analyze data from field investigations and sources such as market research, censuses, and environmental studies.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree for entry level
Master’s degree for Federal, State and local government agencies
Field Study Placements:
- Caltrans District 12 (Site #441)
- City of Anaheim Planning Division (Site #434)
- City of Manhattan (Site #432)
- City of Newport Beach (Site #424)
- City of Norwalk (Site #405)
- City of San Clemente, Planning Division (Site #412)
- Community Action Partnership of Orange County (Site #421)
- Impact Alliances Group, Inc. (Site #431)
- Innovative Housing Opportunities, Inc (site #408)
- LTD Corporation (Site #449)
- Pacific Planning Group (Site #414)
- Pocket Park and Garden Climate Solutions (Site #450)
- SCAG - Department of Integrated Planning & Programming (Site #443)
- The Kennedy Commission (Site #429)
- THRIVE Santa Ana Land Trust (Site #444)
Website Designer/ Graphic Designer
Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Field Study Placements:
- American Planning Association- APA (Site #413)
- Long Beach Organic (Site #435)
Youth Program Coordinator
Youth program coordinators organize, conduct, and promote a variety of group activities for leisure and other purposes. Activities may include arts and crafts, sports, or music, and modifying activities to suit the needs of specific participants.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Field Study Placements:
- Empowering Readers OC (Site #336.1)
- Jamboree Housing Corporation (Site #409)
- Long Beach Organic (Site #435)
- OC Zoo (Site #402)
- Orange County Coastkeeper (Site #403)
- Project Access Inc. (Site #500)
- Wyland Foundation (Site #622.1)
Zoning Administrator
A Zoning Administrator enforces local zoning laws and land use regulations. Reviews building permit applications, conducts site inspections, interprets zoning codes, issues permits and variances, and advises the public on zoning requirements. They act as a liaison between the planning commission, developers, and community members.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Field Study Placements:
- City of Norwalk (Site #405)
- City of San Clemente, Planning Division (Site #412)
- Community Action Partnership of Orange County (Site #421)
- SCAG - Department of Integrated Planning & Programming (Site #443)
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals and their behavior, physiology, genetics, and interactions with ecosystems. They conduct research in laboratories, zoos, aquariums, wildlife preserves, or natural habitats. They collect and analyze biological data and specimens and write research papers and reports on their findings.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree
Masters/PhD degree for higher level positions
Field Study Placements:
- OC Zoo (Site #402)
- Santa Ana Zoo (Site #404)
