Audubon Vermont Policy Internship

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

Audubon Vermont seeks candidates with a background and demonstrated interest in environmental law or policy to serve as a paid intern for the Spring 2023 semester. The person in this position will work with the Executive Director to advance environmental policy while learning how to apply law, science, and policy for the protection of birds and the places they need to thrive. The internship is designed to provide a range of administrative and programmatic experiences with a focus on issues facing Vermont and Northern New
England.

Compensation:

$15.00 / hour

Essential Functions

During this internship, the student will gain valuable experience interacting with the professional scientists, educators and advocates at Audubon, as well as with other environmental professionals and leaders in Vermont. This internship will contribute to the goals of Audubon Vermont through supporting one or more policy campaigns in one or more of the areas of climate mitigation and adaptation, wildlife conservation, public and working lands, and watershed protection. This internship will include a mix of working environments including remote and in-person.

Categories of tasks and projects may include the following:

• Conduct policy research through the analysis and summary of environmental law and policy at both the state and federal level including administrative initiatives, draft regulations, proposed legislation and federal projects.
• Develop briefing papers, reports and comments to support Audubon Vermont’s positions on public policy proposals.
• Draft factsheets, blogs, webpage content and other outreach materials to support Audubon Vermont’s policy campaigns.
• Attend meetings with public officials, environmental leaders, scientists and volunteers to support Audubon Vermont’s participation and contributions.

Qualifications and Experience

Personal Attributes:

• Self-starter with a creative, resourceful spirit.
• Strong work ethic.
• Dedicated and excited about working in a dynamic, fast-paced nonprofit organization.
• Appetite for learning and growth.

Primary Qualifications:

• Either received or working towards a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, political science, or conservation science preferred but not required. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Well organized and an ability to focus on details.
• Genuine interest in environmental protection and conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and social and environmental justice.
• Must have reliable transportation.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.