Intern Endangered Species Policy

Location: Washington, D.C. Headquarters
Department: Conservation Science and Policy
Supervisor: Endangered Species Policy Analyst

Position 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.

Essential Duties and 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.

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.

How To Apply

To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and self-edited writing sample (up to 15 pages) to HR@defenders.org.

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.