Intern Position Description:       ANS’ Conservation Program seeks an intern to research important conservation issues in our region to support our environmental policy & advocacy program area.

Hours per week:              40.

Duration of internship: May/June – August 2017 (10 weeks, start and end dates negotiable within that approximate time range)

Intern Supervisor:           Eliza Cava, Director of Conservation Program

Send resume and short cover letter to eliza.cava@anshome.org by April 30th, 2018.

Responsibilities:              The Conservation Policy & Advocacy Intern will work with the Conservation Director and Northern Virginia Conservation Advocate to support ANS’ environmental protection work. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Research and analyze local or state laws, regulations, policies, and land-use decisions
  • Research local water quality science and issues
  • Write summary memos or give presentations to Conservation Program staff and volunteers
  • Write blog posts and action alerts
  • Attend and help organize events such as rallies or meetings with decision-makers
  • Make graphics, charts, and maps to publicize findings of research

Qualifications: 

  • Required qualifications include:
    • fast learner and excited to learn skills quickly
    • strong research and writing skills
    • an interest in and commitment to environmental protection and/or science
    • good people skills and ability to relate to and speak in front of a wide variety of audiences
    • facility with technology such as smartphone apps, databases, blogs, social media
  • Desired qualifications include, in any combination:
    • Familiarity with ArcGIS or other mapping software
    • database programming and data/chart visualization of a Salesforce database
    • knowledge of any of the following: stream ecology and/or hydrology, watershed health, green infrastructure, stormwater management.
    • social media marketing and/or blogging
    • photo or video editing skills
    • knowledge of local communities in DC, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and/or Fairfax counties

Salary and Benefits:       This internship is paid as a stipend for $4,600 for 10 weeks.  The organization may be able to connect the intern with a member or board member who can provide low-cost housing. Benefits include:

  • Free ANS membership for one year
  • 20% discount for ANS adult programs.
  • If space is available, free participation in ANS adult programs.
  • 20% discount at Sanctuary Shop.
  • Opportunity to participate in staff and committee meetings
  • Opportunity to interview the ANS Executive Director and other staff

Organization Description:            The Audubon Naturalist Society is the oldest independent environmental organization in the Washington, DC region. A pioneer in linking conservation activities with environmental education, ANS seeks to create a larger and more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and work to preserve it. We inspire residents of the greater Washington, DC, region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy.  ANS:

  • Reaches more than 9,000 children each year through school,  family, and camp programs
  • Offers adults a rich variety of natural history classes, outings, and travel experiences
  • Works with civic and environmental groups on conservation issues, such as water quality, watershed and rural lands protection, and climate change
  • Manages the Woodend Nature Sanctuary and operates a Naturalist Shop in Chevy Chase, MD
  • Publishes the Naturalist Quarterly four times a year and the Audubon eNEWS monthly

ANS’ Conservation Program:

  • Analyzes and advocates for better environmental policies and land-use decisions in DC and its surrounding MD & VA jurisdictions, with a focus on water quality and green infrastructure
  • Works with community groups and grassroots organizations to provide advocacy and stewardship training to families, youth, and adults
  • Hosts outreach events teaching about stream health through the lens of our innovative “Creek Critters” smartphone app
  • Runs a citizen-science water monitoring program that for 25 years has been studying the health of streams around the region
  • Helps plan for stewardship and conservation of our flagship, 40-acre Woodend sanctuary

Location and Transportation
Woodend Nature Sanctuary – 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

ANS is 3-miles from the Bethesda Metro Station. There is a shuttle that runs from the metro station to the Chevy Chase Supermarket. From the market, it is a 10 minute (1.0 mile) walk to ANS.

The J2 bus leaves from the Bethesda metro station and drops off on the corner of East-West Highway. It is a one mile walk to ANS.