Wildlands Conservation Internship

Washington Wild works to preserve and restore wild areas in Washington State through citizen empowerment, support for grassroots community groups, advocacy and public education. We are a nonprofit organization that brings people together in the vigorous defense of our remaining wild forests, waters, and wildlife. We believe that public lands are a public issue. By educating, empowering, and mobilizing our communities, Washington Wild builds powerful grassroots networks that help protect wild lands throughout the State.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a highly motivated autumn intern to join the Washington Wild team for approximately 15-20 hours a week and help us work on conservation issues throughout the state of Washington. This intern will be asked to assist with tasks related to researching conservation issues on wild lands in Washington State, communications, and outreach.

The Conservation Department works on a number of place-based wilderness campaigns around the state, and this position will provide the intern with hands-on experience using outreach and advocacy to help conserve our wild lands and rivers.

Responsibilities:

Conservation Research Duties Will Include:

• Assist conservation department with research and analysis of conservation issues related to Washington Wild's various place-based wilderness campaigns
• Conduct research on state and federal public land policies, such as Roadless areas, BLM land conservation, and National Forest Planning
• Produce policy memos and other correspondence to communicate research results
• Conduct research on a variety of diverse stakeholder groups
• Additional short-term research tasks may also be assigned

Communications and Outreach Duties Will Include:

• Help with outreach and events to help promote Washington Wild's mission and educate the public on Washington Wild's current work and campaigns.
• Data entry in campaign databases
• Assist with outreach efforts to non-traditional stakeholders, such as hunters and anglers, religious leaders, business owners, recreation users, and farmers
• Post organizational activities on social media sites, like Facebook
• Compile blog posts and other materials for Washington Wild's web site
• Develop marketing and outreach materials such as signs and posters

Other Responsibilities:

• Maintain highly organized project files
• Assist with other special projects as available

Qualifications:

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet search engines.  Knowledge of Publisher, Photoshop, and/or GIS is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using social media for effective outreach
• Very strong research skills utilizing a number of different sources
• Ability to compile a thorough written report and inventory to present research with the necessary supporting documents, such as appendices and bibliographies

Qualities and Qualifications Desired:

• Strong interest in working on issues related to conservation, public land use, environmental issues, and other relevant fields
• College sophomore or above, studying environmental studies, communications, or similar field
• Positive attitude and a willingness to help out the team doing different tasks when needed
• Ability to work independently and creatively
• Ability to communicate well with others and express needs to the team
• Comfortable talking with a range of people about conservation issues and conducting oneself in a professional manor
• General interest and commitment to conservation of Washington's wild lands

Washington Wild wants to make this a meaningful experience for both our intern and our organization.  Since conservation policy and issues are always changing, it is difficult to predict which issues the intern will work on, but it also promises that their work will be relevant and diverse!  We are flexible and willing to work to make sure this is a mutually positive experience for both parties and one that is enjoyable for everyone.

Compensation: This is an unpaid internship that offers invaluable work experience with an established environmental non-profit.

Start and end dates are flexible; ideally the intern would work for approximately 3 months. Please indicate your availability in your cover letter.

To Apply:  

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter to Zac Eskenazi. Include your last name and "Conservation Intern" in the subject line.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Application period closes September 10, 2012 at 5pm.  Questions? Contact us.