If you don't find the answer to your question here, please contact the intern manager by e-mail at sierra.internships@sierraclub.org. No phone calls please. We only meet in person with applicants under serious consideration for the internship.

INTERN DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Q: What kind of work do interns do?

A: The internships we offer are research-based and requires both strong editorial skills and a well-rounded awareness of environmental issues. Interns fact-check all articles for the magazine, an important job that involves conducting follow-up phone interviews with article sources, as well as library and Internet research. Interns also carry out short- and long-term research projects. As they work, interns interact with each of the editors, attend editorial meetings, and get an overview of the process of selecting and preparing manuscripts for publication. We believe the internship provides a valuable look into the workings of a nationally circulated magazine. However, it is not a writing position.

Q: Do interns get to write articles for the magazine?

A: Sometimes, but not always. Interns have written short articles or sidebars in the past, but that opportunity hinges not only on the intern's writing ability but also on the magazine's needs at the time of the internship.

Q: What have other interns done after completing the internship?

A: Because our interns come from diverse backgrounds, their careers have taken them in a variety of directions. Previous interns have gone on to work for the U.S. Geological Survey and other environmental agencies, for an adventure-travel company, as an assistant webmaster for the Sierra Club's Web site, as a news director at a radio station, on the Web site for Sunset magazine, and at a variety of newspapers and other publications.

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Q: How long do internships last?

A: Four months. We have three sessions each year: spring (January through April), summer (May through August), and fall (September through December).

Q: Are the start and end dates flexible?

A: The dates are somewhat flexible, but preference will be given to qualified candidates who can begin work on the designated start date and continue to the end of the internship session.

Q: Can I volunteer for the magazine for a shorter period?

A: Unfortunately, no. With our small staff, we are unable to train and incorporate short-term or time-limited interns into our research and fact-checking process. If you are interested in pursuing volunteer opportunities with the Sierra Club, we suggest that you contact your local chapter or group. You can find their addresses and phone numbers by using the "My Backyard" menu at the top of our Web site.

Q: Is the internship paid?

A: The position is unpaid, although we do offer a $600 stipend for the entire internship to pay for transportation and other expenses.

Q: Is your office accessible by public transportation?

A: Our office is centrally located in downtown San Francisco, about a block away from a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station, as well as many bus lines. We are also about a 15-minute walk from CalTrain, the rail line to the Peninsula and the South Bay. For more information about local transit options, consult transitinfo.org.

Q: Does the Sierra Club provide housing for interns from out of state?

A: We are not able to provide housing for interns. We can, however, provide information about Bay Area rental resources and post a "housing wanted" notice on our internal bulletin board.

Q: Can I still intern for the magazine while working elsewhere?

A: Actually, most of our interns have other jobs while interning here. Since we can't pay more than a small stipend, we only ask interns to work 20 hours per week. This could be done in five half-days, two or three full days, or whatever combination works for you. We do, however, ask that most of these hours be during the regular work week.

ELIGIBILITY AND INTERVIEWING

Q: What kind of writing sample should I submit?

A: In general, the most helpful samples show your ability to research facts, organize information, and--if possible--interview a variety of sources. A piece of journalism (written either for publication or a class) is much preferred over a research paper or personal essay.

Q: Do you only hire college students?

A: Former interns have ranged from college students to thirtysomething (or older) career-changers. Anyone with a strong science and/or journalism background and an interest in learning about magazine publication is welcome to apply.

Q: Do you accept applications from international students?

A: International candidates are certainly welcome to apply, but they must have an excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken. As a nonprofit organization, we are unable to provide housing for interns. We are also unable to sponsor interns for a visa or work permit.

Q: Do you offer internships for high school students?

A: At this time we do not have any internship positions for high school students. Our interns fact-check the entire magazine, an important responsibility that requires college-level research and communication skills. We generally hire seniors, college graduates, or even graduate students who have had more time to develop their research abilities and editorial background.

STAFF, TEMPORARY, ART, AND OTHER POSITIONS

Q: Do you have jobs available at the magazine instead?

A: There are currently no paid positions available at the magazine. For updated job listings in all departments of the Sierra Club, please check our Web site at sierraclub.org/jobs.

Q: Are there any internships available in your art department?

A: We do not offer art, production, or photography internships at this time.