Research Associate Internship Program
2009 - 2010

As the largest non-profit organization supporting "citizen science," in its 37-year history, Earthwatch has sponsored over 1000 field research projects in 55 countries across the globe. Earthwatch expeditions and field research centers link volunteers with international scientists working to conserve habitats, species, and cultures.  Since 1971, Earthwatch-sponsored research projects have contributed more than 10 million hours of field research time.

Research associate interns will assist the Research Department in a variety of tasks relating to the outcomes and impacts of field research projects Earthwatch supports in four Research Areas: Climate Change, Ecosystem Services, Oceans, and Cultural Heritage.  RA interns will evaluate projects’ achievements relating to conservation, education, publication, environmental impacts, long-term legacy, capacity building, and partnerships.

Within the Research Department, we emphasize a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. RA intern teams are composed of undergraduate and graduate students, mid-career professionals, and international affiliates from a wide range of academic and experiential backgrounds.  We encourage use of the internship for academic credit, thesis, or practicum work towards degree or certificate programs.

We are recruiting assistance for the following initiatives:

  • Assessing the impacts of field-based research projects on local ecological systems, socio-cultural systems, management plans, and on regional, national, and international policies.
  • Evaluating links between scientific results/recommendations with on-the-ground application, effective partnerships, and community-based initiatives, including ecotourism.
  • Evaluating the increase of scientific knowledge through of scientific peer reviewed journal articles, popular articles, academic, public and cooperate presentations, media presence, and community oriented outreach events.
  • Making information about the outputs and outcomes of Earthwatch projects available to past volunteers, future volunteers, and the general public using the internet.

Interested applicants are welcome to send the following materials to Gitte Venicx, the Research Program Coordinator at research@earthwatch.org:

  1. A current resume, detailing relevant field and/or office experience
  2. A one-page Cover Letter illustrating interest in and qualifications for the internship.
  3. A proposed work schedule (total number of hours and months/weeks of availability).
  4. Full contact information for three personal and/or professional references.
  5. A recent writing sample excerpt (from a blog, academic course, published article, or thesis).

 

Earthwatch interns can take part in the Intern Credit Program in which they receive credits to use towards a qualified Earthwatch expedition and are invited to participate in all Earthwatch activities. We require a minimum commitment of 120 hours over a minimum of 1 month.

This position is based in our Maynard office, located 45 minutes west of Boston, accessible by commuter rail.

Due to the size of the program and limited time and financial resources, we are only able to accept Massachusetts based applicants into the program, or those with a confirmed place to stay within commuting distance to Maynard, MA. Applicants must currently be eligible to work in the United States. We do not have the capacity to secure a visa for international interns. We are more than happy to provide letters of acceptance to support the intern's application for a visa, but we cannot provide advice, expertise, or staff time to assist further with this matter.  All interns are required to have individual health insurance. Placement will be subject to qualifications and availability.

Earthwatch is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


INTERN PROGRAM

Earthwatch Institute offers unique, year round internship experiences in our Maynard, Massachusetts office, for people of all ages combining office and field-based components.

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 believe that achieving a sustainable environment requires objective scientific data from the field, but also that the scientific process must engage the general public if it is to change the world.

An Earthwatch internship will allow you to gain valuable work experience, build your professional skill sets for future employment, and broaden your career networks. You will be exposed to the different scientific disciplines and the processes of funding applied conservation worldwide. You will have an insiders 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.

We need interns to perform a variety of tasks. These include: corresponding with researchers and volunteers, reading and summarizing new project proposals, web searches, editing and preparing expedition briefings for our field projects, community outreach, marketing, archiving and cataloguing our vast slide library, grant writing, and assembling materials for training activities.

As an intern you will:

  • receive a written job description outlining the special project or job assigned to you,
  • be matched with a staff member who will serve as your supervisor,
  • have definitive start and end dates,
  • be required to commit a minimum of 120 hours of work over the course of the internship.
  • be required to report out your work to a group,
  • not receive any compensation remuneration for your work.

You 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.

Intern Credit Program- Interns are eligible to receive credits which can be used towards a qualified Earthwatch expedition, an exciting opportunity to participate in important field research projects. For a contribution of at least 120 hours, the intern will receive $600 worth of credits; for at least 250 hours, $1250 worth of credits; and for at least 300 hours, the intern will receive $1500 worth of credits. All credits are good for one fiscal year after completion of the internship. An intern must work the full minimal 120 hours committed to be eligible to use any of their credits. Intern credits are not transferable, and will cap at $1500. No additional credits will accrue even if the intern continues their service to the organization.

Participating on an international or domestic Earthwatch expedition, you will be working side-by-side with scientists and a small team of volunteers to perform applied field research. In addition to gaining field research and travel experience you will most likely be part of a multi-cultural, diverse age group team, which allows for a greater experience and interesting dinner conversation! We encourage you to review our latest projects on our website.

We welcome both USA citizens and international interns. Due to the size of our program and limited time and financial resources, we are only able to accept applicants who already have housing in Massachusetts (within commuting distance to Maynard). We do not have the capacity to secure a visa for international interns. We are more than happy to provide letters of acceptance to support the intern's application for a visa, but we cannot provide advice, expertise, or staff time to assist further with this matter.