Research Associate/Intern

Job Title: Research Associate/Intern
Reports to: Program Director for Social Sciences
Commitment: minimum 120 hours over 1-3 months
Salary: Unpaid; however, we do have an attractive Intern Recognition Program. Interns receive certificates to be used towards a qualified Earthwatch expedition, an exciting opportunity to participate in important field research projects.
Posting date: May 2008

Earthwatch Institute is an international, non-profit organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. We currently have a staff of 60.

An Earthwatch internship will allow you to gain valuable work experience, build your skill set, broaden your work experience, and profit from networking opportunities. You will be exposed to the different scientific disciplines and the process of scientific funding. Get an insider's view as to how the day-to-day business of a non-profit organization differs from the corporate world. Witness first-hand the cultural relations between Earthwatch headquarters and our affiliate offices in the U.K., Australia, and Japan.

Interns are treated as regular staff members; you will go through an orientation program, receive a written job description, be assigned a mentor, and will be invited to participate in all Earthwatch related activities from guest lectures to social events. Interns fill a vital role in our organizational structure and we will treat you accordingly.

Responsibilities:
Research associates/interns will assist the Program Director for Social Sciences in performing comprehensive evaluations of Earthwatch projects in four Priority Research Areas: Climate Change, Oceans, Sustainable Research Management, and Sustainable Cultures. Evaluations will focus on measuring impacts and achievements related to conservation, education, activism, and capacity building goals.

Free accommodation near our Maynard headquarters is available for qualified interns. Our office is located in a historical mill complex 45 minutes west of Cambridge/Boston, and is accessible by commuter rail.

We are recruiting assistance for the following initiatives:

  • Assessing the impacts of medium-and long-term projects (7-25+ years) on local ecological and social systems (resources, function, and capacity), and on regional, national, and international policies.
  • Modeling social networks and "impact circles" for volunteers, fellows, and scientists.
  • Tracking behavioral changes in Earthwatch volunteers, fellows, and scientists.
  • Tracking educational impacts in K-12 schools where fellows or teen-team members are based.
  • Evaluating links between scientific results/recommendations with on-the-ground conservation and mitigation efforts, effective partnerships, and community-based initiatives, including ecotourism.

Interested applicants are welcome to send the following materials to Dr. Jeanine Pfeiffer (Program Director for Social Sciences, jpfeiffer@earthwatch.org) or the Research Program Coordinator, Gitte Venicx (gvenicx@earthwatch.org) with the word "SC INTERNSHIP" in the email subject header:

  1. A current resume, detailing relevant field or office experience
  2. A one-page Statement of Intent outlining qualifications for, and interest in the internship.
  3. A proposed work schedule (total number of hours and time period of availability).
  4. Three personal and/or professional references, with full contact information.
  5. A recent writing sample (from a blog, academic course, published article, or thesis).

Interns will be contacted within 1-2 weeks of submitting their application packets. Placement will be subject to qualifications and availability.