MCBI Internship Program

Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is a non-profit scientific and conservation advocacy organization that has been working since 1996 to promote cooperation essential to protecting and restoring the Earth’s biological diversity and to advance the science of marine conservation biology.  From our headquarters in Bellevue WA and our Washington DC, California and Hawaii offices, we work to protect marine life around the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, doing policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, conducting outreach to educate scientists, the public and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people.

This internship program provides motivated and academically-promising students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real‐world arena.  During their internship, students work closely with science and policy staff on cutting edge issues in marine conservation biology and ocean policy.  Science interns have worked on projects including our high seas gems project, habitat conservation assessments for National Marine Sanctuaries, and evaluations of the ecological impacts of aquaculture.  Working out of our DC office, policy interns have had the opportunity to assist with establishing National Monuments and our National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization efforts.  Policy interns have described their internship experience as being important for learning about lobbying and the legislative process and for understanding more about packaging science for Federal decision makers.

Internships
MCBI offers interns the opportunity to work closely with our science and policy staff and to gain important skills in conservation advocacy and exposure to the scientific, legal and political arenas that are involved in marine conservation.  Most of the internship opportunities are geared towards graduate students or students who have recently completed graduate degrees, although we have on occasion developed opportunities for undergraduates to work on pressing marine conservation issues.  While most internships coincide with the academic calendar, we can be flexible about start and end dates.

For internship positions, we seek individuals with excellent communication skills, with substantive knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy, and who share our commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity.  We also prefer candidates who have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision.

Compensation

Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week.  The internship offers compensation at the rate of $1800/month.  No benefits or relocation costs are provided, except standard holidays falling during the internship term.  We are willing to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work.

Application Process
To apply to the internships described below, please send the following material via e-mail to internships@mcbi.org, please reference the internship title in the subject line :

1. A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability;
2. A résumé;
3. A writing sample (1-2 pages);
4. A course list detailing applicable coursework experience;
5. And a list of 3 references or completed recommendation letters.

Available Internships:

Ocean Policy Intern (Washington DC)

Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is a non-profit scientific and conservation advocacy organization that has been working since 1996 to promote cooperation essential to protecting and restoring the Earth’s biological diversity and to advance the science of marine conservation biology.  From our headquarters in Bellevue WA and our Washington DC, California and Hawaii offices, we work to protect marine life around the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, doing policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, conducting outreach to educate scientists, the public and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people.

In addition to providing the opportunity to participate in many aspects of our policy work, the Marine Conservation Biology Institute’s Ocean Policy Internship offers exposure to government agencies, non-governmental groups and other organizations involved in the policy-making process.

MCBI’s Government Affairs office in Washington DC works on policy research and advocacy on a variety of marine issues, including preserving Hawaii’s marine ecosystems, deep sea corals and seamounts conservation, marine protected areas such as marine sanctuaries, and combating destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling.  Past interns have found the internship useful in narrowing their focus/interest in marine issues and learning about lobbying and the legislative process, particularly how to package science information for decision makers.

Duties
Internship activities include:

• Conducting research on US marine policy
• Setting lobbying appointments with congressional staffers
• Accompanying MCBI Staff on lobby visits and keep records of visits
• Staying abreast of and briefing Staff on marine conservation news and hot topics
• Preparing educational materials and fact sheets
• Providing administrative support (answer phones, keep VP calendar, file, purchase some office supplies, open & distribute mail, etc.)

Opportunities for independent research in Ocean Policy should be discussed at the time of interview.

Desired applicant qualifications

• Commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills.
• At ease working with Windows-based computer applications and mild computer troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision.
• Substantive education, knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy.
• College graduates or graduate students in law, environmental policy, or ocean management.

Period of Internship

Last week of July through December 2009

Compensation

Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week.  The internship offers compensation at the rate of $1800/month.  No benefits or relocation costs are provided, except standard holidays falling during the internship term.  We are willing to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work.

Application

Send all application materials by email to internships@mcbi.org by July 13th.  Reference “Ocean Policy Intern” in the subject line.

1. A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability;
2. A résumé;
3. A writing sample (1-2 pages);
4. A course list detailing applicable coursework experience;
5. And a list of 3 references or completed recommendation letters.

MCBI is an equal opportunity employer.