Conservation Beyond Protected Areas Intern

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet. 

POSITION SUMMARY

There are multiple, diverse strategies employed globally to conserve biodiversity, but assessments of conservation progress and performance almost universally focus on national parks and other protected areas. To advance scientific understanding and inform conservation decision-making, this project will research, document, and describe conservation systems beyond protected areas.

The Social Science team in the Moore Center for Science at Conservation International seeks a detail-oriented intern to assist with global database construction and management. The intern will:

• Research, compile, and manage spatial records and attribute data of area-based conservation systems
• Review literature and legal documents to understand the restrictions and rights under each management scheme, as well as data sharing permissions and sources
• Conduct statistical analysis and spatial analysis to support the project as needed
• Generate summary statistics and maps to illustrate the patterns and trends of conservation areas as needed

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific tasks include:

• Desk research: review of data portals, peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and other relevant documents
• Spatial data collection and management: shapefile collection, data entry, geodatabase management, may include digitization of paper maps
• Data analysis: descriptive statistics and analyses in GIS, Excel, and possibly Python, R, or other programs
• Project outputs will include a spatial database, maps, graphs, statistical analyses, and other related materials. If it is of interest, we will also help you develop a master’s project or thesis topic based on the research.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment
• Flexible hours (part time or full time) depending on availability

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Current or prospective graduate student
• Experience with GIS, Excel, and spatial database management
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Interest in biodiversity conservation

Preferred

• Programming skills (R, Python, etc.)
• Foreign language skills
• Training in the social sciences, natural resource management/conservation, or related field
• Interest in using this project as part of a thesis

This is a paid intern position. Please submit resume and cover letter.

We will begin interviews with select applicants the week of December 9th.

View all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.

Passion: We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all of its forms. 

Respect: We respect and trust each other, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.

Integrity: We act with integrity and are accountable for our actions.

Optimism: We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results.

Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges.

Teamwork: We work together, recognizing that openness, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Vets/Disabled