Governing Board Summer Internship Program

Job Description

ABOUT SOUTH COAST AQMD

South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation, serving a four-county region including Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, and the Coachella Valley. Headquarters are in Diamond Bar, CA. The organization comprises a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 850 employees, with an annual budget of $216.5 million, and a state-of-the-art air quality laboratory. Its mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment, aiming to make a significant difference in the quality of life in Southern California.

South Coast AQMD is committed to fostering a work environment that values diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences, promoting professional development and growth. It respects stakeholder ideas and perspectives, uniting them for the common goal of clean air.

ABOUT THE GOVERNING BOARD SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The South Coast AQMD Governing Board Summer Internship Program is open to currently enrolled college students, both undergraduate and graduate level. Two program durations are available:

• The 11-week program runs from May 26, 2026, through August 7, 2026.
• The 7-week program runs from June 23, 2026, to August 7, 2026.

Each program includes one-week of orientation activities. Interns will work 28 hours per week, collaborating with air quality and other professionals dedicated to improving air quality in one of the most challenging air districts in the U.S. This program is designed to help students explore career paths in sciences and other professional fields.

South Coast AQMD is directed by a 13-member Governing Board and structured into eleven (11) operational offices covering regulatory, scientific, and business functions. Internships are available in each office, with assignments varying based on the office’s primary business function. Descriptions of each office and examples of duties are provided below:

Administrative & Human Resources (AHR)

• Primary Functions: Administers human resources laws, rules, and regulations; manages personnel and employee relations; ensures a safe work environment; controls risk and accident costs; performs maintenance and repairs for headquarters buildings, equipment, cafeteria, grounds, childcare center, field offices, air monitoring/meteorological stations, and landscape; administers leases, custodial, and automotive services.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Participate in comprehensive emergency management and incident command system training.
  • Engage in professional development courses related to public administration and human resources.

Community Engagement and Air Programs (CEAP)

• Primary Functions: Provides a broad range of community engagement services to internal and external stakeholders, enhancing the agency’s mission to promote public education and equitable treatment for all communities. A critical component is the California Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617) program, which addresses disproportionate air pollution impacts in disadvantaged communities through community-driven actions and partnerships to implement emission reduction and air monitoring plans.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Support outreach for in-person and virtual community meetings.
  • Work with CEAP staff and IM staff to implement improved web pages for the AB 617 program.
  • Create infographics to visually communicate key aspects of strategic planning for AB 617 working team meetings, improve air quality information understanding, and break down rules and regulations.
  • Organize internal and external (community) resources for Community Steering Committees (CSC) and other AB 617 related meetings (agendas, charters, stipend procedures, support letters, infographics, media, etc.).
  • Plan and coordinate the South LA CSC in-person listening sessions and co-lead strategic planning meetings.
  • Attend AB 617/CSC meetings and events, providing summaries and highlights.
  • Work with CEAP staff to improve usability and readability of the CERP implementation tracking database (approx. 300 CERP objectives).
  • Help implement specific CERP objectives, such as cross-checking permits of facilities across several regulatory agencies’ databases.

Compliance & Enforcement (C&E)

• Primary Functions: Ensures compliance with South Coast AQMD permit conditions, local air quality rules and regulations, and state/federal air quality mandates at permitted facilities. Responds to air quality complaints from the public.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Participate in field operations, including site tours of a petroleum refinery and other facilities.
  • Introduction to, and use of, air monitoring techniques and handheld monitoring equipment.
  • Manage environmental data and create detailed maps of regulatory zones.
  • Analyze compliance with air quality regulations and support enforcement actions.
  • Conduct spatial analysis and data visualization using GIS software.

Engineering & Permitting (E&P)

• Primary Functions: Primarily responsible for South Coast AQMD’s permit system, including issuance and administration of RECLAIM (Regional Clean Air Incentives Market) Facility permits, Permits to Construct and Permits to Operate equipment at non-RECLAIM facilities, and the Federal Title V Operating Permit Program.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Conduct research on emerging technologies and best practices in air pollution control.
  • Review and update Best Available Control Technology (BACT) guidelines for different industries.
  • Draft new Best Available Control Technology (BACT) determinations for different equipment, including emission limits, technology descriptions, operating requirements, and cost metrics as applicable.
  • Perform engineering calculations and analyses of industrial processes and air pollution control equipment to quantify and assess air emissions impacts.
  • Analyze environmental impact and compliance for new and existing permits.
  • Knowledge management & transfer, including implementation of digital storage of historical files.
  • Engage with source testing staff to gather data for new regulatory standards.
  • Provide engineering support to other departments as required.

Finance

• Primary Functions: Performs all financial functions, including payroll processing, budget preparation/printing, financial reports, work programs, invoicing, revenue posting/depositing, bill payment, customer questions, financial planning, cash management, treasury management, grant administration, general ledger maintenance, state-mandated audits, and administration of contracts and purchasing.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Handle financial documentation for environmental projects and ensure compliance with budgetary requirements.
  • Organize financial records and manage funding allocations efficiently.
  • Conduct detailed reviews of financial transactions to ensure accuracy and accountability.

Information Management (IM)

• Primary Functions: Performs all information management functions, including desktop support, network services, public records requests, systems and programming, records management, website maintenance/improvement, and technology planning.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Draft and manage IT project documentation and ensure all phases are well-documented.
  • Develop training manuals and user guides for internal software applications.
  • Manage and update project schedules and plans.
  • Participate in the life cycle of application development.
  • Review Cybersecurity alert notifications.
  • Assist with record management/public records duties.

Legal

• Primary Functions: Provides legal advice to the Governing Board and staff on all operational issues, including enforcement and litigation. Represents the Executive Officer in variances, abatement orders, and permit appeals before the Hearing Board.
• Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
  • Review and interpret environmental legislation and regulations to ensure agency compliance.
  • Support legal staff in preparing briefs, opinions, and other legal documents.
  • Assist in the formulation and review of policy documents and regulatory measures.

Legislative & Public Affairs/Media Office (LPAM)

• Primary Functions: Includes Public Advisor, Legislative Affairs, Government Relations, Community Outreach, Small Business Assistance, and Media Relations units. Mission is to promote public participation in and understanding of air quality issues, legislation, and policies. Provides information regarding South Coast AQMD regulatory, planning, and legislative activities to the general public, businesses, local governments, ethnic communities, and environmental organizations.
• Examples of Duties (Illustrative only):
  • Develop and implement public affairs strategies to enhance community engagement.
  • Prepare briefings and reports on legislative developments impacting environmental policies.
  • Coordinate public relations activities and media communications.

Monitoring & Analysis Division (MAD)

• Primary Functions: Operates and maintains the South Coast AQMD’s air monitoring network, performs chemical analyses in a state-of-the-art laboratory, conducts source tests/evaluations, initiates local community monitoring in environmental justice communities, and implements quality assurance programs. Evaluates low-cost sensors, implements advanced optical remote sensing (ORS) technologies, and provides meteorological, sampling, and analytical support for incident and wildfire response programs.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Perform statistical analysis and visualization of environmental data to support air quality assessments.
  • Collaborate on projects to refine methods for collecting and analyzing air quality data.
  • Develop and maintain emissions inventories and other analytical tools.

Planning, Rule Development & Implementation (PRDI)

• Primary Functions: Responsible for most South Coast AQMD’s air quality planning functions and developing proposals for new rules and amendments. Programs administered include Annual Emissions Reporting, Toxics Hot Spots (AB2588), Air Quality Modeling and Emissions Inventory, Health Effects, Air Quality Management Plans and State Implementation Plans, Meteorology, Air Quality Evaluation, CEQA, Socioeconomic Analysis, Transportation Programs, Rulemaking, and Implementation. The Mobile Source unit participates in state and federal mobile source rulemaking and oversees development of new South Coast AQMD mobile source rules.
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Support the development of strategic air quality plans and policy documents.
  • Research and draft regulatory measures aimed at reducing air pollution.
  • Engage with stakeholders during the rule development process to gather feedback and insights.

Technology Advancement Office (TAO)

• Primary Functions: Cosponsors low- and zero-emission and clean fuel technology development and demonstration projects with private industry, technology developers, and local, State, and federal agencies. Implements incentive funds for local fleets to accelerate cleaner technologies and provides outreach. Provides staff and support to the MSRC (an independent agency created by AB2766 to recommend funding projects from motor vehicle registration fees).
• Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only):
  • Evaluate and report on the performance of emerging clean air technologies.
  • Assist in administering grant programs to ensure compliance and effective use of funds.
  • Collaborate with industry and academic partners to advance technological solutions for air quality improvements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently enrolled college/university students*, both undergraduate and graduate level.
• Available to work 28 hours per week, from May 26, 2026, through August 7, 2026 (11-week program) or June 23, 2026, through August 7, 2026 (7-week program).
• At least 18 years of age.
• *Students who have received a college acceptance letter may also apply for consideration.

SALARY: $20.00/hour for college/university students.

Application Period: Applications should be submitted between February 6, 2026 – March 13, 2026.

Application Packets Must Include:

• A completed employment application covering employment history, if any.
• Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is a form of written test, and will be evaluated as such. Your responses should be well written, clear, concise, and directly responsive to the question.
• An unofficial copy of your transcripts (or equivalency evaluation if education was obtained outside the U.S.), documenting all qualifying education claimed, submitted as an attachment to your online application. OR A letter of acceptance to any college or university.
• You MUST attach acceptable documentation for all education claimed on your application. Acceptable documentation consists of an unofficial copy of your transcripts/equivalency evaluation attached to your application. At a later date, candidates under final consideration may be required to arrange for original, official transcripts (or equivalency evaluation, if applicable) to be mailed directly from their college/university to South Coast AQMD.

Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot be substituted for the required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application packages and responses to the supplemental questionnaire will be screened for completeness. Only the most competitively qualified candidates will advance. South Coast AQMD reserves the right to modify the selection process.

All candidates hired will be required to attend a multi-week Internship training course. Training is anticipated to be scheduled for onboarding on May 26, 2026, or June 23, 2026.

Candidates needing special accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at least one week prior to any test dates.

Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, please be aware that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at (909) 396-2800.

All applications received are forwarded in April to South Coast AQMD Governing Board members for review and consideration. Students are expected to be notified of their selection in May and begin their assignments by May 26, 2026, or June 23, 2026.