JOB TITLE: California Marine Program Intern

　　CLASSIFICATION: Intern

　　STIPEND: $800 per week

　　FLSA: Non-Exempt, Temporary Full-Time

　　DEPARTMENT: Field Conservation (California Program)

　　LOCATION: Northern California coast; mostly remote

　　TIMEFRAME: June 3rd – August 9th 2024

　　LAST REVISED: January 2024

　　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. Defenders strongly encourages students from historically underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds to apply.

　　Defenders’ Field Conservation Department offers internships to select college undergraduates with a sincere commitment to or demonstrated interest in wildlife and habitat conservation. This position will provide a range of programmatic and administrative experience relating to a conservation issue of national significance—specifically, recovering the southern sea otter (listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act), restoring nearshore ecosystem health and employing methods of adaptive management.

　　Typical project work will include subject matter research and writing support for sea otter conservation projects. The current project might involve expediting environmental reviews, permit strategies and regulatory processes; helping coordinate partner and stakeholder involvement in rewilding initiatives; helping deepen tribal relationships and collaborations; building community knowledge and support near prospective sea otter reintroduction sites; and investigating preliminary strategic elements of a large-scale socioeconomic study.

　　QUALIFICATIONS

　　Education:

　　Current undergraduate student at an accredited 2- or 4-year institution.

　　Experience:

　　Commitment to or demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation, marine/coastal ecosystems, and public interest environmental work; commitment to or demonstrated interest in broadening the inclusion of multicultural and/or marginalized 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 (June 3-August 9)

　　Must possess strong writing, research, verbal and interpersonal skills

　　Application Materials:

　　CV or resume

　　Cover letter

　　A separate statement of no more than 250 words addressing your contributions to, experiences with, or education about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Example topics include, but are not limited to: (1) contributions you have made to strengthen DEIJ at your school or in your community; or (2) a description of your experiences with or education about DEIJ-related issues and how they have shaped your personal growth and/or your interest in environmental/wildlife conservation. Defenders’ definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are as follows:

　　Diversity is the presence of human differences within a group, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability and age; and acknowledging and respecting the resulting diversity of ideas, strengths and perspectives that are contributed.

　　Equity is the identification and promotion of systems and practices that advance fair and equal treatment, access and opportunity for all, particularly members of underrepresented or marginalized groups. Equitable systems and practices lead to equality.

　　Inclusion is the commitment to a safe and respectful environment where people feel welcomed, supported and valued. Differences are welcomed and underrepresented voices are actively sought out to ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and considered.

　　Justice is dismantling societal barriers to access, resources and opportunities by connecting conservation and biodiversity issues with the needs and concerns of impacted communities.

　　Physical Activities and Demands

　　Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods, especially while working at a computer station.

　　Communicating with others to exchange information in person, via phone, over Zoom/Teams, etc.

　　Engaging in repetitive motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

　　Occasionally traveling along the California coast to meet with project partners and community stakeholders.

　　Light hiking to observe research activities at field sites and kayaking to observe sea otters in the wild.

　　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 requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant’s disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

　　Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

　　Please be advised this position is NON union eligible.