Wildfire Planning and Forestry Internship

About Rincon 
We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work, reflecting the trust, connection, and sense of purpose our team members share. We strive to create a welcoming environment where people can learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful, mission-driven work. 
 

We are a California-based environmental consulting firm with more than 500 professionals and 13 offices across the state. For over 30 years, we’ve provided high-quality, client-focused environmental science, planning, and consulting services across a range of sectors, including transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government. 

Schedule & Location 
This internship is anticipated to run for approximately three months, from June through August. While the internship does not guarantee future employment, candidates who have completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for full-time, regular employment at the conclusion of the internship based on business needs, performance, and mutual interest.  
 

This position will be part-time (approximately 30–40 hours per week), with weekly schedules determined collaboratively between Rincon and the selected candidate. Hours may vary based on project needs and intern availability. 
 

This position is being offered at our San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, or Los Angeles offices. While this role offers flexible work arrangements that may include a mix of in-office and remote work, changing business needs ultimately determine the level of remote-work flexibility.  
 

About the Role 
As a Wildfire Planning and Forestry Intern, you will support projects that advance wildfire resilience, vegetation management, urban forestry and arboriculture considerations related to wildfire risk reduction across California. You will gain hands-on experience assisting with wildfire planning and forestry documents (e.g., CWPPs, risk assessments, Urban Forest Management Plans), supporting community engagement, and contributing to data-driven analyses alongside Rincon’s Environmental Planning and Sustainability team. Most work will be conducted for public sector clients, including cities, counties, fire agencies, and other partners. This role is ideal for students interested in applying forestry, fire science, arboriculture, planning, and policy to real-world challenges and helping communities better prepare for and adapt to increasing wildfire risk. 
 

Responsibilities 

• Assist with preparing wildfire planning documents such as Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), wildfire risk assessments, Urban Forest Management Plans and related plans through research, technical analysis, and writing for public audiences. 
• Support wildfire risk and vulnerability assessments, including evaluating factors such as vegetation/fuels, topography, weather patterns, canopy structure and tree distribution, and exposure of people and assets. 
• Assist with data collection, GIS analysis, and canopy cover or tree inventory data, interpretation of datasets (e.g., CAL FIRE FHSZ maps, vegetation data,  fire history) to inform planning efforts. 
• Contribute to defensible space, home hardening, and vegetation management strategy development including tree canopy management considerations that aligns with local and state requirements. 
• Prepare research summaries, maps, data visualizations, and planning materials for public-facing communication using tools such as GIS, DataWrapper, and Canva. 
• Assist with community engagement materials, including social media content, flyers, workshop materials, and in-person or virtual meetings focused on wildfire preparedness. 
• Prepare drafts of technical memoranda, meeting notes, presentations, and other written deliverables. 
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (planners, GIS analysts, foresters, fire professionals) and represent Rincon professionally in all assignments. 

What You’ll Bring 

• Current status as an incoming college senior, graduate student, or recent graduate who has completed an undergraduate or graduate degree within the past two years in Forestry, Fire Science, Environmental Planning, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, or a related field. 
• Interest in wildfire resilience, land management, and community risk reduction, including urban forestry and tree-focused mitigation strategies, with a desire to apply technical knowledge to real-world planning challenges. 
• Ability to research and synthesize information related to wildfire risk, planning, and policy. 
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently when needed. 
• Detail-oriented, organized, and committed to managing time effectively and producing high-quality, professional work. 
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to draft professional emails, support technical report preparation, and policy writing. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint). 
• Experience using design or visualization tools (e.g., Canva) to create graphics, posters, or brochures. 
• Positive attitude and interest in improving processes and workflows. 
• Creativity, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic consulting environment. 
• Desired: Ability to translate technical information into Spanish. 

Additional Details

The base pay for this internship opportunity is $27.00 per hour. At Rincon, our salary ranges are based on market median of similar jobs, according to third party salary benchmark surveys. To apply, a resume and cover letter are required as part of the application. 
 
Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws. 
 

Rincon Consultants, Inc does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.