Biodiversity Intern

Aurora Sustainable Lands is seeking a Biodiversity Intern to assist in refining remote sensing data and developing a biodiversity metric tracking system. The role requires strong technical skills, particularly in geospatial analysis and remote sensing. Candidates should be pursuing or have completed relevant degrees in environmental sciences or related fields. The internship is based in Chapel Hill, NC, with a commitment of 40 hours per week.
General Summary: Aurora Sustainable Lands (Aurora) is seeking a Biodiversity Intern to support the company’s Forest and Carbon Operations team. This intern will work to refine existing remote sensing data and identify new sources of relevant data to develop a portfolio-wide metric tracking system that captures the biodiversity present on our lands. A successful candidate will have a unique mix of technical and practical skills including familiarity with remote sensing data, knowledge of forestry and nature-based climate solutions, and data management. Success will require strong technical and interpersonal skills. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate student seeking experience in geospatial and remote sensing analysis, nature-based solutions, and exposure to forest carbon markets and large-tract management.

Primary Responsibilities and Competencies:
• Finding and refining existing data to use for biodiversity indicators developed by Aurora’s team
• Building internal capacity to support data collection, analysis, management, and future reporting
• Working with Aurora’s Systems & Inventory team to develop a system to manage and host data in-house
• Working with Anew’s sales team to create sample scorecards to present to potential buyers
• Producing a capstone memo and presentation detailing internship experience and an “action plan” to be shared with Aurora’s executive team

Required Education, Experience and Certification:
• In pursuit of or having completed a bachelor’s program or in a master’s program with studies focused on environmental sciences, geospatial sciences, natural resource management, and/or a closely related subject
• Strong geospatial, remote sensing, and statistical skills are required
• Strong skill set and experience in independent research and analysis
• Experience with GIS and/or remote sensing
• An enthusiasm for using environmental markets to address critical climate challenges
• Strong communication and organization skills

Preferred Education, Qualifications & Experience:
• In pursuit of or having completed a graduate degree relevant to forestry and/or natural resources (e.g., Master of Forestry, Master of Environmental Management, or Master of Science with a Forestry or Geospatial focus)
• Awareness of trends and developments in biodiversity monitoring frameworks
• Familiarity with forestry concepts and terms
• A demonstrated strong background, keen interest, or past work experience in collecting and synthesizing ecological data of natural ecosystems
• Proficiency in managing and operationalizing remote sensing datasets

The successful candidate must report to Aurora’s Chapel Hill office where the intern will regularly interact with a variety of Aurora team members and executives. The position is expected to work 40 hours per week.