Bellarmine Summer Fellows - Nature Management Intern - CURes

Host Organization: LMU CURes 

Job description 

(Must be currently enrolled in BCLA during Summer 2027 to apply) 

The BCLA Summer Internship Program aims to secure meaningful internship placements for students across a variety of sectors, including small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures. 

The internship below is offered in partnership with a supporting organization that is excited to invest in and support an LMU student like you. If this opportunity aligns with your career interests and goals, we encourage you to take advantage of it and apply. 

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• Position Title: Nature Management Intern 
• Organization: Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) – Loyola Marymount University 
  Location: On-campus, LMU Westchester and Ballona Discovery Park, Playa Vista 
• Job Type: BCLA Summer Internship 
• Number of Positions: 1 
  Academic Level: Incoming Sophomore, Junior, Senior (in Fall 2027) 
• Hours: 24 hours per week to reach 240 hours within 8-10 weeks 
• Duration: Scheduled between May 18 and August 13 Summer 2027 
• Compensation: $4,500 stipend and internship course credit, as applicable 

About 

The Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) at Loyola Marymount University offers students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in urban ecology, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship. 

LMU's campus is a hotspot for bird activity due to its proximity to the Ballona Wetlands and its location along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory bird route. Working alongside CURes staff, the intern will assist with maintaining campus bird feeders and baths, caring for native plants, and supporting ongoing nature management activities. 

Position Overview 

• Students be required to be 100% on-site. We are expanding our native gardens program and are also teaching an LMU Summer Programs course.  
• This opportunity is ideal for students interested in environmental science, biology, ecology, wildlife conservation, and sustainability who would like to connect their academic interests with practical environmental experiences. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Clean, maintain, and refill campus bird feeders and bird baths, including seed, hummingbird, and mealworm feeders. 
• Assist with weekly operations in the CURes lab and campus nature management activities. 
• Support native plant and garden maintenance at Ballona Discovery Park, including weeding, planting, trimming bushes, and distributing mulch. 
• Assist with new nature center development and maintenance. 
• Assist with teaching the LMU summer programs course as needed. 
• Participate in wildlife observation and documentation activities involving birds, butterflies, hummingbirds, and native plants. 
• Assist with environmental research projects, social surveys, and game camera photo analysis, as opportunities are available. 
• Shadow or assist CURes staff with educational tours of Ballona Discovery Park, as opportunities allow. 
• Participate in environmental outreach events, restoration projects, and community activities. 

Preferred Interests & Skills 

• Interest in environmental science, urban ecology, wildlife, and conservation. 
• Appreciation for native plants, birds, and local ecosystems. 
• Interest in hands-on outdoor activities and environmental stewardship. 
• Curiosity about ecological research, wildlife observation, and biodiversity. 
• Willingness to work collaboratively with CURes staff and community partners. 
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions. 
• No previous environmental research experience required. 
• Relevant Academic Backgrounds 

Students majoring in: 

• Environmental Studies 
• Biology 
• Environmental Science 
• Natural Science 
• Sociology 
• Urban Studies 
• Political Science 
• Other related liberal arts disciplines 
• Learning Outcomes 
• By the end of the internship, the student will: 
• Gain practical experience in urban ecology, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship. 
• Develop an understanding of local bird populations, native plants, and wetland ecosystems. 
• Gain exposure to ecological research methods, biodiversity documentation, and wildlife monitoring. 
• Develop hands-on skills in native plant care, habitat maintenance, and environmental conservation. 
• Learn about the relationship between urban communities and surrounding natural ecosystems. 
• Build connections with environmental professionals and community organizations. 
• This internship offers students an opportunity to explore the natural environment of LMU and the surrounding Ballona Wetlands while gaining practical experience in urban ecology, wildlife observation, and environmental stewardship. 

Additional Opportunities and Resources 

• Students may have opportunities to participate in additional activities throughout the summer, depending on project availability: 
• Ballona Discovery Park Garden Club activities, generally held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 
• Monthly Ballona Freshwater Marsh bird surveys. 
• Ballona Wetlands birding tours. 
• Environmental restoration and community volunteer events. 
• Earth Day and Coastal Cleanup activities. 
• Environmental education and community outreach events. 

Students interested in these activities can explore opportunities through Friends of Ballona Wetlands, eBird, and iNaturalist.