Environmental Research Intern Needed at the Santa Barbara Foodbank

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The Foodbank is looking for a dynamic individual to develop research funding opportunities for our agency.

The mission of the Foodbank is to provide nourishment to those in need by acquiring and distributing safe nutritious foods via local agencies and providing education to solve hunger and nutrition problems in Santa Barbara County. The Foodbank distributes food to over 300 local social service programs and agencies, churches and community groups from Carpentaria to Santa Maria. In 2012, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County distributed more than 8.5 million meals from two warehouse locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.

In addition to supporting the health of the population of Santa Barbara County through access to good nutrition, we support the environment by eliminating waste through connecting with farmers, buying in bulk, and accepting grocery rescue products. The surplus and donated food comes from many sources; food items such as bread, produce, dairy and deli items are donated daily by retail stores. Local growers and packers donate fresh fruit and vegetables. Individuals, businesses, and community groups, contribute through food drives.

The Foodbank depends upon the support of community-minded individuals, businesses and corporations. The Environmental Research Intern will help us expand our support base by conducting a study to develop the case for funding through environmental research grants. This position is ideal for students who are engaged in environmental studies or are interested in careers that facilitate the development of local solutions to environmental problems.

Our ideal candidate is a well-spoken person with good people skills and excellent written skills. An upbeat attitude is a must. As Environmental Research Intern, you will design a study to identify ways that the Foodbank can contribute new information that will benefit environmental research, for example, in the area of community sustainability. You will use the study to help identify appropriate funding opportunities and document the requirements for each opportunity.

Qualifications:

• Must be a current student enrolled in a university setting

• Mid to advanced level of understanding in Microsoft Word and Excel

• Experience conducting research on the Internet

• Familiarity with writing proposals or grants a plus

• Willingness and open-mindedness to work with high standards for a nonprofit organization by contributing not only time but knowledge in an effort to make a difference.

• Ability to meet or exceed deadlines and production on a volunteer basis.

Time Commitment:

This position will entail a time commitment of approximately 4 months; initially the weekly commitment will be up to 5 hours, some weeks holding hours, while other weeks slightly less. There may be periods of downtime while waiting for data to accumulate. Our ideal candidate will have the ability to mirror the semester schedule.

Accountability:

The volunteer position will report to and work with the Volunteer Coordinator for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and will be expected to follow an established project timeline.

Location:

This is an e-commute and is a work at home/school opportunity.

For more information, contact Melissa Howard at 805-967-5741, ext. 112 or mhoward@foodbanksbc.org.