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.  Internships based in Washington DC offer compensation at the rate of $1800/month, all other inernships are on a volunteer basis.  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. Opportunities for independent research in marine conservation should be discussed at the time of interview.

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 Internship (Washington DC)
• Ocean Conservation Internships (WA, CA and HI)

Ocean Policy Internship

MCBI’s Government Affairs office in Washington DC works on policy research and advocacy on a variety of marine issues, including marine spatial planning, marine protected areas such as marine sanctuaries, preserving Hawaii’s marine ecosystems, deep sea corals and seamounts conservation, 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.

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.

Duties
Internship activities include:

• Conducting research on US marine policy
• Setting lobbying appointments with congressional staffers
• Accompanying MCBI staff on Capitol Hill 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

May – August 2010

Application Deadline

April 2nd

Ocean Conservation Internships

Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is offering 3 volunteer ocean conservation internships for summer 2010. 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.  Successful intern candidates will have the opportunity to work on a range of conservation issues, including those related to marine spatial planning, marine protected areas, and protecting the Hawaiian monk seal.  Internships are available in our Glen Ellen CA (near San Francisco), Bellevue WA (near Seattle), and Honolulu HI offices. Application material is due by April 15th.

Ocean Conservation Science Internship in Glen Ellen CA
The ocean conservation science intern will work in our Glen Ellen CA office for our Vice President for Science, Dr. Lance Morgan, on a current ocean conservation issue. Potential research topics include: marine spatial planning, climate change and marine protected areas, researching marine protected areas and conservation strategies.

Sustainable Seafood Internship in Bellevue WA
The sustainable seafood intern will work with our Conservation Scientist, Ms. Elizabeth Rauer, to assess the sustainability of seafood items, conduct research on fish and fisheries, and suggest suitable alternatives to unsustainable menu items.

Monk Seal Conservation Internship in Honolulu HI
The monk seal conservation intern will work with our Hawaii Programs Director, Ms. Keiko Bonk, on our Save Our Seals Campaign. They will advocate for better monk seal protections, response, and healthcare, as well as additional training, outreach, and education. They will also help to build an exciting media campaign to raise awareness and support for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

Duties
Internship activities may include:

• Assisting science staff with technical issues related to ongoing conservation projects (e.g., compiling data, creating graphs, assisting with maps);
• Conducting research and literature reviews on marine conservation issues;
• Preparing outreach and educational materials and fact sheets;
• Providing general administrative support;
• Producing a final report and giving a final presentation on internship.

Desired Applicant Qualifications
We are looking for individuals 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 prefer candidates who have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision. Applicants should possess strong writing, research, and communication skills and be proficient with Windows-based computer applications. GIS skills are a plus.  Internship opportunities are geared towards graduate students or students who have recently completed graduate degrees.  Applicants are currently limited to US citizens and permanent residents. 

Period of Internship
May – August 2010 (dates flexible)

Application Deadline

April 15th

MCBI is an equal opportunity employer.