Federal Lands Biodiversity Science Intern - Fall 2020 Remote
Defenders of Wildlife
Future Leaders Project Plan
Location: Remote
Department: Landscape Conservation
Session: Fall 2020
Software Required: Up to date computer and OS
Start Date: Early September 2020
End Date: ~ December 11 2020
Federal Lands Biodiversity Science Intern
Application Deadline: August 16 2020
Overall Objective of the Position:
Defenders of Wildlife, a national nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities, seeks a Federal Lands Policy Intern to work with its Federal Lands Team. The Federal Lands Team strives to improve federal lands policy and management on behalf of imperiled wildlife and native ecosystems.
The Federal Lands Biodiversity Science Internship is an opportunity for a graduate or post-graduate student to work with Defenders staff at the interface of science, technology, and national conservation policy. The Federal Lands Biodiversity Science intern will assist senior policy staff with science and GIS analysis support needs and help advance one of our marquee projects: The Species Stronghold Initiative. The Initiative aims to identify the most important habitats for federally threatened and endangered species and other imperiled species across the federal lands domain.
This internship provides a fantastic opportunity for applying spatial analysis skills to the real-world problem of protecting imperiled species and biodiversity. Along with sharpening their technical skills and learning new ones, the intern will gain an understanding of the federal lands systems and their importance in conserving wildlife.
Position Description:
Assist Defenders’ Federal Lands Team senior staff in developing and implementing various projects. Activities can include:
· Gathering and analyzing data;
· Developing maps;
· Creating storymaps;
· Assessing the most current and emerging spatial analysis methodologies; and,
· Providing written descriptions of methodologies and analysis products.
Qualifications:
Interns must be self-starters driven by the opportunity to help transform wildlife conservation using science and technology while honing existing skills and learning new ones. Interns should have a passion for wildlife conservation, ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred qualifications:
· Competence in GIS and spatial analysis technologies and statistics (i.e., a degree in or obtaining a degree in GIS or ecology/biology with a GIS emphasis);
· Experience with map-making;
· Ability to apply ecological science and technology to help solve biodiversity problems;
· Ability to gather data and assess data quality;
· Experience developing storymaps or the ability to learn this skill quickly and semi-independently;
· Knowledge of applying spatial analysis methodologies and the ability to quickly learn and apply new techniques;
· Experience describing spatial analysis products, such as maps, in narrative form;
· Basic familiarity with wildlife conservation;
· Background in environmental science, wildlife management, natural resources, or a related field.
Location:
We welcome candidates who would work either remotely (during the business hours of a USA time zone) or be based at Defenders’ office in Denver. During the COVID pandemic, all staff will work remotely.
Compensation:
Unpaid. If the candidate is commuting to the office, local transportation costs up to $10 per day will be reimbursed. Students are encouraged to seek funding opportunities through their schools or outside sources.
Application: defenders.org/jobs
Please submit as a single PDF a cover letter (letter of interest), resume, GIS project sample or link to a project sample, and a list of contact information (email, phone) for up to 3 professional references. In the cover letter, be sure to address:
- your interest in working with Defenders of Wildlife and the Federal Lands Team specifically;
- how your skills fit the goals and responsibilities of the internship position;
- how the internship will assist with your career goals;
- the date of your deadline if you require a decision by a deadline for school credit or funding; and
- whether you are available part-time or full-time (either may be possible depending on the specific internship project).
It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.
Defenders of Wildlife is a national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Our employees work in an environment that is inclusive and honors each of our unique perspectives and backgrounds. We believe that the conservation of biological diversity is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and cultures. We strive toward a collective goal of including all people in the conservation of our Nation’s wildlife and wild places.