Research Associate Internship

As the largest non-profit organization supporting "citizen science," in its nearly 40 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.

Position Overview:

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.  Research 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. Research intern teams are composed of undergraduate students, graduate students, and mid-career professionals, 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.

To Apply: 

Interested applicants are welcome to send the following materials to Gitte Venicx, the Research Program Manager.

1. A current resume, detailing relevant field and/or office experience
2. 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.
3. Your availability (days or hours per week and your preference for start and end dates).  
4. Full contact information for three personal and/or professional references.
5. 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. We require a minimum commitment of 120 hours over a minimum of 1 month.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. These internships are available year round, on a first come first serve basis.

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.

For more information see our website.

Earthwatch is an Equal Opportunity Employer.