Center for Conservation Innovation Internship (2 openings)

Defenders of Wildlife is offering a 10-week summer internship in the Center for Conservation Innovation, providing hands-on experience in conservation work. Interns will engage in research projects related to endangered species and conservation policy, focusing on skills like GIS data analysis and scientific communication. The position is open to current undergraduate students with a commitment to wildlife conservation. The internship can be completed remotely or in Washington, DC.
INTERNSHIP TITLE: Center for Conservation Innovation Internship (2 openings)
Pay: $20/hour
FLSA: Non-Exempt, Temporary Full-Time
DEPARTMENT: Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI)
LOCATION: Washington, DC or Remote
TIMEFRAME: June 2nd – August 8th, 2025 (10-Week Program)
LAST REVISED: January 2025

POSITION SUMMARY
Defenders of Wildlife’s 10-week summer internship program will provide interns with in-depth exposure to Defenders’ conservation work, the opportunity to acquire specific skills needed to pursue their professional goals, the opportunity to engage in hands-on research/projects in their field of study, and the opportunity to build professional networks. The program will also provide students with cross-disciplinary exposure, one-to-one mentor matching, and peer-to-peer support.
The Center for Conservation Innovation Internship is an opportunity for experienced students with a commitment to or demonstrated interest in conservation to work with Defenders staff at the interface of science, technology, and national conservation policy. For this summer, we are looking for interns with experience or interest in one or more of the following: geographic information systems (GIS) applications, conservation science or conservation policy. The Intern will assist CCI staff with research tasks and projects, such as those related to the management and recovery of threatened and endangered wildlife species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Depending on experience, the intern may be involved with GIS data analysis and cartography, scientific communication and interactive visualization, data science product design and development, and/or policy review and writing. Skill development will vary with the specific projects underway at the time of the internship, but the intern will generally acquire a deep understanding of how the ESA and wildlife conservation more broadly is implemented in practice, along with refining applied skills in data analysis, writing and communication. Example topics include assessing the impact of climate change and other threats on imperiled species, the effectiveness of federal programs in recovering ESA-listed species, and the places in the U.S. where conservation efforts can make a large impact on species recovery.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Current undergraduate student at an accredited 2 or 4-year institution.
Experience: Commitment to or demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation, litigation, and public interest environmental work; Commitment to or demonstrated interest in expanding inclusion and engagement with communities in the conservation movement.
Requirements:
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to commit to the full 10-week term of the program
• Strong writing, research, and verbal communication skills
Application Materials:
• CV or resume
• Cover letter
Physical Activities and Demands
• Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Visit www.defenders.org to apply.
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.
Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is NON union eligible.