Environmental Defense Fund California Habitat Exchange Internship
Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading international nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. Connect with us on EDF Voices,Twitter and Facebook.
Are you interested in exploring a career at an internationally-recognized environmental organization? By joining EDF as an Intern, you too can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. EDF’s Internship Program welcomes intellectually hungry leaders to join us, advance our work, and cultivate the skills and relationships needed for a successful career working for the environment. Alumni of our Internship Program have gone on to important leadership positions, most notably our own President, Fred Krupp. Could you be the next Fred Krupp?
EDF offers internships and fellowships for students and recent graduates in a variety of programs and departments throughout the organization. The ultimate goal of our internship and fellowship program is to provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.
Reports to Daniel Kaiser, Manager, California Habitat Markets
Overall Function
In 2016, the CVHE has an exciting agenda that will implement on the ground projects and partnerships that demonstrate the value of the Exchange in various contexts. This internship will serve as a functional member of our Central Valley Habitat Exchange team, contributing to all aspects of our work including pilot project implementation, forging new partnerships, and communicating the benefits of our approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in developing funding proposals and accomplishments reports for pilot projects that support the implementation of Habitat Exchange tools and standards.
- Complete research into various conservation and mitigation programs in California, and recommend high-impact engagement strategies for the Central Valley Habitat Exchange.
- Complete research tasks ranging from public policy, legal implications, and biological issues related to habitat requirements for Exchange species.
- Independently develop relationships and partnership opportunities under the guidance of management team.
- Attend and contribute to meetings with partner organizations, state and federal agencies, and landowners.
- Prepare issue briefs and presentations for meetings and webinars.
Depending on the specific skills and background of the selected intern, tasks may also include the following:
- Assist in business planning and incorporation of the Exchange as a standalone organization able to manage transactions, including identifying and selecting administrative staff.
- Assist in the development of new habitat evaluation models for Giant garter snake, other listed species, or other natural resources.
- Develop 10-year to perpetual management plans and financial assurance packages, including pro forma analysis, for habitat projects on working farms and ranches used for compensatory mitigation.
- Assist with outreach to the agricultural community, including landowner willingness surveys.
- Assist in designing an on-line interface and other administrative tools that allow better communication, tracking of habitat outcomes, and engaging potential users of the Exchange.
Qualifications
- Minimum bachelors, masters degree preferred in one or more of the following areas; environmental policy, natural sciences, wildlife ecology, environmental law, business, and ecosystem service markets.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills are required as well as a competence with quantitative tools like Excel.
- Interdisciplinary analytical ability to understand and communicate complex issues.
- Experience or knowledge of agriculture production systems in California.
- Program development in this area requires frequent communication diverse groups of people. Must be comfortable networking with government agency staff, farmers and ranchers, environmental NGOs, and business interests.
Location
San Francsico, CA
Term
6 months with the possibility of extension
Hours
Full time - 35 hours/week
Compensation
$25/hour
Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.
Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer