Policy Intern, Marine Conservation Institute – Washington, DC
Organization: Marine Conservation Institute
Position Title: Policy Intern
Location: Washington, DC
Hours and Compensation: Full-time, January – April 2015; Unpaid
Application Deadline: October 1, 2014
Description: Marine Conservation Institute’s internship program provides motivated and academically-promising students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real‐world arena. During their internship, students work closely with science and policy staff on cutting edge issues in marine conservation biology and ocean policy. Most of the internship opportunities are geared towards graduate students or students who have recently completed graduate degrees, although we have on occasion developed opportunities for undergraduates to work on pressing marine conservation issues.
For internship positions, we seek individuals with excellent communication skills, substantive knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy, and who share our commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity. We also prefer candidates who have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision.
Working out of our DC office, policy interns have the opportunity to work closely with our policy staff to gain important skills in conservation advocacy. Previous policy interns have had the opportunity to assist with establishing National Monuments and our National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization efforts, our work to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, development of our MPAtlas project, and on GLORES, among other projects. Policy interns have described their internship experience as being important for learning about lobbying and the legislative process and for understanding more about packaging science for Federal decision makers. These internships coincide with the academic calendar.
Responsibilities:
Conducting research on US marine policy
Setting lobbying appointments with congressional staffers
Accompanying Marine Conservation Institute staff on visits to the Hill/agencies and keeping records of visits
Staying abreast of and briefing staff on marine conservation news
Preparing educational materials and fact sheets
Providing administrative support (answer phones, file, purchase office supplies, open & distribute mail, computer troubleshoot, etc.). This constitutes approximately 20% of the intern’s time.
Qualifications:
How to Apply: To apply to the internship, please send the following material via e-mail to [email protected]. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis starting October 1st, 2014. Please reference the internship title and your name in the subject line.
A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability;
A résumé;
A writing sample (2 page maximum);
A course list detailing applicable coursework experience;
A list of 3 references.
Please no calls.
