Endangered Species Policy Intern — Washington, D.C.

Organization: Defenders of Wildlife

Job Title: Endangered Species Policy Intern

Location: Washington, D.C.

Hours and Compensation: at least 20 hours/week and must be at least 3 months ($ unknown)

Position Dates: at least 3 month commitment

Application Deadline: rolling

Organization Overview

For more than six decades, Defenders of Wildlife has been a leading force in the protection of wildlife and wild lands. We employ innovative, science-based approaches to protect imperiled wildlife, advocate for wildlife friendly climate and renewable energy policies and conserve and restore native habitat.

Description

The endangered species policy intern will play a key role on Defenders’ Endangered Species Policy team. The intern will be responsible for providing research, writing, and general support for projects focused on endangered species conservation, with emphasis on policies to improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The intern will be expected to work on a part-time basis of at least 20 hours per week. The duration of the internship is flexible, but must be at least 3 months.

Responsibilities

• Assist with policy, legal, and science research relating to the ESA. Priority issues include ESA recovery planning, habitat conservation, and “incidental take” permitting.
• Provide background research for reports, fact sheets, internet content, and other outreach materials, and help draft those documents.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Undergraduate or graduate coursework on wildlife conservation, with emphasis on policy, legal, or science aspects of the ESA.
• Experience:
  • Some experience working on wildlife conservation issues. Strong preference given to candidates with working knowledge of the ESA.
• Other:
  • Excellent analytical and research skills. Must be comfortable searching for and reviewing policy and scientific literature.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Must be able to write clearly and concisely for non-technical audiences.
  • Well-organized with the ability to respond rapidly to new requests and information.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • High level of computer literacy with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and web applications. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel a must.
• Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so.
• Work Environment:
  • General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

How to Apply

 To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and self-edited writing sample (up to 15 pages) to [email protected].