DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY

Defenders of Wildlife’s 10-week summer internship program is intended to be highly diverse, and we particularly encourage students from historically underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds to apply. The program will provide interns with an in-depth perspective on how Defenders enacts its mission of conservation, the opportunity to acquire specific skills needed to pursue their professional goals, the opportunity to engage in hands-on research/projects in their field of study, and the opportunity to build professional networks. The program will also provide students with cross-disciplinary exposure, one-to-one mentor matching, and peer-to-peer support.

The Endangered Species Policy Internship is an opportunity for an experienced undergraduate student to work at the interface of science, technology, and national conservation policy. The Endangered Species Policy Intern will assist CCI staff with policy tasks and projects, such as those related to the management and recovery of threatened and endangered wildlife species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Skill development will vary with the specific projects underway at the time of the internship, but the intern will generally acquire a deep understanding of how the ESA and wildlife management and conservation more broadly is implemented in practice, along with refining skills in environmental law, the federal regulatory process in the United States, and policy writing and communication. Example topics include evaluating habitat conservation plans, reviewing ESA regulations, and analyzing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs to understand their effectiveness in conserving threatened and endangered species.

Responsibilities:

Assist Defenders’ Center for Conservation Innovation staff in developing and implementing projects as needed. Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing and analyzing regulatory, policy, legal, and legislative documents;
• Collecting and organizing relevant data or databases;
• Conducting statistical analyses;
• Developing GIS maps;
• Connecting data and results about species to conservation policies;
• Writing reports and scientific articles;
• Attending science talks, and meetings; and/or
• Carrying out other policy-related tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Interns must be self-starters driven by the opportunity to help transform wildlife conservation using science and technology while learning new skills. Interns should have a passion for wildlife conservation, strong research and analytical skills, a proven ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Education: Current undergraduate student at an accredited 2 or 4-year institution

Requirements:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to commit to the full 10-week term of the program

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience reading legal and regulatory documents;
• Experience collecting quantitative and qualitative data;
• Basic familiarity with the ESA process and associated regulatory documents;
• Some familiarity with other federal environmental laws;
• General understanding of animal and plant biology, ecology, and/or environmental science;
• Background in environmental science, wildlife management, natural resources, or a related field.
• In lieu of a cover letter, a written statement (500 words or less) that answers the following:
  • What draws you to this specific discipline/area of study? AND
  • Please describe ways you have contributed to increasing diversity and inclusion in your area of study AND/OR
  • A diversity/inclusion-based challenge you have faced and how you navigated through the challenge.

Physical Activities and Demands

• Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.