EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Program/Department Overview

Healthy oceans are the lifeblood of our planet. But they’re in peril – from climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction and other threats. That’s why EDF’s Resilient Fisheries and Oceans program is working to safeguard the oceans and protect nature, while feeding the planet, creating more secure livelihoods and bolstering more equitable societies for human well-being. One of the greatest threats to the oceans is overfishing, which is why our dedicated team of scientists, economists and fishery management experts are collaborating with partners around the globe to make sustainable fishing the norm. Through our programs in the U.S., Latin America and Asia Pacific, we draw on strong science and economic principles to advance sustainable fishing practices, forward-looking policies and innovative tools that support the health of our oceans and the people who depend on them for food and their livelihoods.

The Ocean Science team provides staff deployed in 10 geographies around the world with the science they need to protect ocean ecosystem health while at the same time improving the welfare of communities that depend on ocean goods and services. The team is also responsible for identifying emerging threats to ocean ecosystems and the communities that depend on them and new ways to address those threats.

Overall Function

There is an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and remove GHGs from the atmosphere. Like rainforests, the ocean removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it. Scientific studies are underway to quantify the potential of a wide range of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) strategies to boost the carbon sequestration capacity of the ocean, via both natural and engineered approaches. Research to evaluate the efficacy and impacts of potential mCDR deployments is rapidly progressing from initial lab or modeling studies to limited deployments in the marine environment, where mCDR activities are met with both interest and concern by coastal community and existing ocean users as to the impacts of these activities on ecosystems, marine resources, and local livelihoods. Ensuring broad participation in decision-making, rooted in robust public engagement and considerations of environmental justice that acknowledge and respond to the needs of coastal communities and ocean stakeholders, will be critical for advancement of the field. The intern will contribute to this effort by engaging with an ongoing field trial to determine best practices for engaging a diverse set of stakeholders and the public. The intern will be engaged with the work of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), and will participate in the joint EDF-WHOI collaborative project. The intern will report directly to the Social-ecological Systems Scientist on EDF’s Ocean Science team and work closely with WHOI’s Research Specialist, Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

Devise and execute a strategy to research, identify, and build relationships with regional ocean stakeholders in New England as it pertains to mCDR research activities.
Conduct interviews, surveys, or mapping exercises in person and remotely to help determine stakeholders’ positions, interests, and concerns.
Work with experts on the Ocean Sciences Blue Carbon team, EDF and WHOI communications staffs, and with project leads WHOI to identify the best ways for EDF and WHOI to engage with actors on the topic of mCDR and planned regional mCDR deployments.
Contribute to writing a report/paper detailing stakeholder engagement activities.
Participate in team meetings and check-ins, and function as a fully integrated team member.
Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

Enrolled in or a recent Master’s level graduate student with coursework and/or experience in participatory methods, communication, actor mapping, or other relevant fields.
Demonstrated interest in finding solutions to environmental problems.
Interest/experience in mCDR or carbonate chemistry is a plus but not required.
Demonstrated experience in conducting in-person interviews and in interview techniques.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines.
Ability to travel throughout New England.
Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Location

Hybrid out of EDF’s Boston office, with a preference for intern to be based in Woods Hole, MA. Intern supervisors are in Boston and Woods Hole.

Term

Fall 2024 (Starting September 9, 23, and 30).

Hours

Full-time (35 hr/week).

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $20/hr and possible option for housing if based in Woods Hole.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships

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