Research Associate Internship Program
As the largest international non-profit organization supporting “citizen science,” since 1971 Earthwatch has sponsored over 1000 field research projects in 55 countries across the globe. Earthwatch projects produce cutting-edge science that contributes to long-term monitoring efforts, conservation and policy agendas, management plans, educational initiatives, and builds local partnerships to sustain research and conservation agendas. Earthwatch expeditions and field research centers link public and corporate volunteers, educators, and community trainees with international scientists working to conserve biomes, species, and cultures.
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. Interns will evaluate projects’ achievements relating to conservation, education, publication, environmental impacts, long-term legacy, capacity building, and partnerships.
Responsibilities may include:
- 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 scientific peer reviewed journal articles and other media
- Writing the scientific outputs and outcomes of Earthwatch projects in a way that is accessible to the public on the web
- Experience with ArcGIS is a plus.
Interested applicants are welcome to send the following materials to the internship coordinator: us-interns@earthwatch.org
- A current resume, detailing relevant field and/or office experience
- A 1-page Cover Letter illustrating your qualifications, why you are interested in this internship, and what you are looking to gain from this internship
- Your availability (days per week, and months of availability)
- Full contact information for three personal and/or professional references
- A recent writing sample excerpt.
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. An intern must work the full minimal 120 hours committed to be eligible to use any of their credits.
This position is based in our Boston office at 114 Western Avenue, Boston, MA 02134.
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 Boston. 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 Boston, 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 insider’s view as to how the day-to-day business of a non-profit organization differs from the corporate world. Witness firsthand 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, and marketing, archiving and cataloging 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 lecturers 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 Boston). 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.
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