Policy Internship – Washington, D.C.

Organization: Marine Conservation Institute

Position Title: Policy Inter

Location: Washington, D.C.

Hours & Compensation: 40 hours/week preferred. 20 hours/week considered. Unpaid.

Position Dates: End of June – End of August or September.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2013.

Posted On: June 7, 2013.

Organization Overview:

Marine Conservation Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving our living oceans. We work with scientists, politicians, government officials and other organizations around the world to protect essential ocean places and the wild species in them.

Our goal is maintaining and recovering bountiful, diverse and healthy oceans now and for generations to come. We understand that marine ecosystems are essential for human survival, wealth and well-being. Because the oceans are the Earth’s biggest life support system, everyone has a big stake in maintaining their integrity.

Marine Conservation Institute identifies the most important and vulnerable ocean ecosystems, then advocates for protecting them. We identify key threats to places in the sea and then offer workable solutions to solve problems. We base all of our efforts on the latest understanding of marine science. And we benefit from decades of experience in conservation policy.

Our unique effectiveness comes from our vision, expertise and our willingness to partner with others to find sustainable solutions. Since starting as the vision of one person in 1996, Marine Conservation Institute has become a major catalyst in the effort to save our planet, the most pressing challenge of our time.

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 developing opportunities for undergraduates to work on pressing marine conservation issues.

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. 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 and special marine places
• 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 and Congressional hearings and markups
• Preparing educational materials and fact sheets
• Drafting reports or sections of reports
• Providing administrative support (answer phones, file, purchase office supplies, open & distribute mail, computer troubleshoot, etc. – approximately 20% of the intern’s time).

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills
• Substantive knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy
• Commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision.

How to Apply: 

To apply to the internships, please send the following material via e-mail to [email protected]. Applications due June 14th. 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 (1-2 pages);
• A course list detailing applicable coursework experience;
• And a list of 3 references.

Contact Information:

Marine Conservation Institute, http://www.marine-conservation.org

122 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Job URL: http://www.marine-conservation.org/who-we-are/jobs/internship-programs/