Community Environmental Health Intern

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND: Central California Asthma Collaborative (CCAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing health equity and environmental justice by empowering Central California communities through asthma services, research, advocacy, and data-driven solutions to reduce the burden of asthma.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Central California Asthma Collaborative (CCAC) is funded through the California Air Resources Board’s Community Air Grant (CAG) Program (Cycle 5) to develop a local Community Emission Reduction Plan (L-CERP) in Merced County. This initiative builds on the previous support from the CAG program, which helped establish a local community steering committee (L-CSC) in Los Banos, CA, and facilitated the installation of a community air monitoring network across 10 schools in partnership with the Los Banos Unified School District. The network is anchored by a reference-grade BAM 1022 air monitor, providing critical data on air quality.

The project aims to strengthen CCAC’s ongoing efforts to engage and support community residents in identifying and implementing strategies for air emission reductions. This includes utilizing the existing SJVAir community air monitoring program, which CCAC maintains, along with providing information and resources for low-income residents to reduce their exposure to harmful air pollutants. The process of developing a Community Emission Reduction Plan will include researching pollution sources of concern, similar plans from other communities, and regional, state and federal air pollution reduction policies and programs available to the community.

The Community Environmental Health Intern (CEHI) will work under the CEEJ (Climate Equity and Environmental Justice) Director to assist in program tasks. Under the CAG Program, the CEHI will work to create meeting materials, conduct air quality policy analysis and research, make educational or informational presentations based on research and data to community groups, and other duties essential to the program.

NOTE: This project is in Merced County, but will occasionally report to the Fresno CCAC office.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in community meetings, engage with local residents, and help organize outreach activities.

• Summarizing and communicating research findings for air quality rules/regulations.

• Interpreting and presenting data from our app SJVAir Community Air monitoring network.

• Creating outreach materials and educational content using PowerPoint and Canva for community
  meetings.

• Documenting and organizing meeting notes.

• Assist in preparing reports and correspondence as needed.

• Traveling to and attending community meetings as needed.

• Engage in other related CCAC duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Written Communication:
  Writes clearly; varies writing style to meet needs; presents data effectively; able to read and interpret written information; strong editing skills.

• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views: gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to building a positive team spirit; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports staffs’ efforts to succeed.

• Oral Communication:
  Speaks clearly and persuasively in individual and group settings; listens and requests clarifications as needed; responds well to questions.
  Bilingual: English and Spanish. Ability to communicate effectively with community members and CCAC project partners.

• Cultural Competency:
  Demonstrate competency in interacting with a diverse population. Must demonstrate the ability to be culturally competent in all respects.

• Computer and Organizational Skills: Ability to use various computer software programs (Excel, R, Python). Ability to generate reports in an accurate and timely manner. Demonstrated attention to detail, organization, reliability, flexibility and professionalism. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to respond to community and client needs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Currently pursuing any of the following
  bachelor's degree:
  Environmental Engineering;
  Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology; Sociology; Science Technology, and Ethics; Public Health; Environmental Humanities, Environmental Systems Science, and other relevant degrees.

(Currently enrolled University of California, Merced students encouraged to apply.)

• Experience or interest in data translation.

• Experience in community outreach and education and data research and collection.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint), Canva or Adobe for creating materials, Teams for communication, and the platform Monday for tracking, updates, and more.

• Analytical mindset with good problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Good interpersonal skills.

DRIVING AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid CA Driver’s License and applicable CA mandated auto insurance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Lift up to 20 (twenty) pounds, climb ladders, reach and grab objects, sit or stand for more than an hour.

ACCESS TO SENSITIVE INFORMATION: Must maintain confidentiality of personal client and staff information exposed to when working in files and preparing reports. Limited access to sensitive information will be necessary.