JOB TITLE: Land Conservation Intern

　　CLASSIFICATION: Intern

　　STIPEND: $800 per week

　　FLSA: Non-Exempt, Temporary Full-Time

　　DEPARTMENT: Land Conservation

　　LOCATION: Washington DC

　　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’ comprehensive 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 encourage students from historically underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds to apply.

　　The Defenders Land Conservation Intern will gain firsthand knowledge of how the nation’s public and private lands play a crucial role in addressing the biodiversity crisis. By focusing on how the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Wildlife Refuge System each incorporate recovery plans into their management plans, the intern will help program staff devise strategies to encourage land management agencies to do more with the authorities they already have. The Land Conservation Intern will also work with Private Lands staff on the advocacy around the passage and implementation of a strong Farm Bill - one of the most impactful ways the federal government can foster wildlife conservation on private lands.

　　If you love animals and wildlife and are interested in how government policies and legislation can help solve the biodiversity crisis gripping our planet, you may be the perfect person for this position! Experience in how government works is not necessary, but a passion to protect wildlife like wolves, polar bears, tortoises and birds is a must!

　　Projects could include: analyzing the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request for opportunities to strengthen threatened and endangered species recovery plans; working with land agency program leads to respond to comment periods that strengthen policies to protect wildlife; and assist private lands staff on how the implementation of the 2024 Farm Bill can promote the recovery of threatened and imperiled species.

　　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 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

　　Strong writing, research, and verbal communication 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

　　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 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.