Summer Field Ecosystem Services Internship - Ecuador

Conservation International Board Member Byron Trott has generously provided Conservation International with funding to support immersive field based summer internships for US based students. These internships will provide selected students with a unique opportunity to experience the hands-on conservation work in our programs and provide exposure to management and leadership skills in a non-profit organization.

For the summer of 2015, Conservation International is offering a unique opportunity for a student to engage in project work focused on mangrove ecosystems in Ecuador.   Reporting to the Ecosystem Services Manager, the internship will gain experience in multidisciplinary conservation projects focused on mangroves ecosystems in Ecuador.  Learning objectives for this internship will include acquiring practical first-hand knowledge of the critical link and integration between the health of both local communities and mangroves.  The project work will include gathering and analysis of socio-economic data to monitor the human welfare of select communities that depend on mangrove ecosystems.   The internship will require use of strong communication and collaboration skills through the engagement of local communities and other stakeholders of CI Ecuador.  While based in CI Ecuador office in Quito, the intern will also travel to the mangrove areas in the Gulf of Guayaquil for data collection.

The internships will include a one week orientation at Conservation International Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Conservation International will cover all travel expenses including, travel to Ecuador, accommodations, and food.  Interns must supply their own health insurance and sign a volunteer waiver.

Internship Duties

• Design a socioeconomic monitoring system
• Generate primary information for key local communities dependent on mangrove ecosystems
• Develop surveys at family level
• Develop focal groups for testing main findings
• Prepare and present a final report and presentation to CI
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Current student pursuing a master’s degree in a related field with knowledge of key conservation and environmental concepts
• Strong analytical skills with experience in conducting statistical analysis
• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a variety of cultural situations, including  respect for local and/or indigenous communities’ traditions 
• Independent and able to thrive in challenging situations
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems preferred

The selected student must have a valid US passport, commit to the full internship period from June 22, 2015 to August 7, 2015 and sign a volunteer waiver release.

To Apply:  Submit your resume, cover letter expressing interest and two recommendation/reference letters by March 29, 2015.