Forest Policy Intern

Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Forest Policy Intern must be currently enrolled in Michigan State University, Mississippi State University or the University of Montana. They will assist the designated Senior Policy Advisor with research, writing, and administrative projects. The Intern is given the opportunity to work on several projects that support issues related to wildland fire and forest priorities, as well as TNC’s North American government relations program. In addition to the everyday workload of the program (to include administrative tasks), the Intern will learn about the organization as a whole through meetings, informational interviews, and other events. The chosen candidate will be hard-working, independent, and creative, interested in taking on a variety of tasks, and willing to commit to the goals and methods of The Nature Conservancy.

While a member of the TNC team, the Intern will build valuable skills in conducting strategic political research and providing analysis to decision makers, partners and fellow TNC staff. They will also have the opportunity to interact with experts in the federal conservation community and develop a greater understanding of non-profit policy advocacy. Finally, the intern will learn how a leading international non-profit conservation organization operates and makes important public policy decisions.

The Forest Policy Intern will report to a designated Senior Policy Advisor on the Lands and Water team on issues relating to wildfire and forests lands and will support other department members and requests as needed. The tasks will be in effort to help The Nature Conservancy’s Lands and Water Team bring science, collaboration and policy together to enhance wildfire and forest management. The intern will have a wide variety of duties to enhance networking and coalition building among several coalitions. This position will be based in the Washington, D.C. area and allow for flexible work from a home office and TNC’s office in Arlington, VA. The duration of the internship is flexible, but will tentatively start on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and end Thursday, August 1, 2024.

• $17/hr for 35-hour work week. Housing is not provided.
• Flexible start and end dates depending on a candidate’s schedule and previous commitments.

The challenges facing our planet today require comprehensive solutions that address the well-being of people and nature and lay the foundation for future conservation efforts. Promoting policies that provide benefits to both people and nature is critical to securing lasting conservation outcomes. The work and expertise of The Nature Conservancy’s External Affairs programs are integral to this effort. External Affairs is helping to shape the government policies that help make possible achievement of transformative conservation outcomes to address climate change, enhance protection of lands, waters, and the ocean, and provide food and water sustainably. We have an awesome task at hand, and the work that you do here will have a direct impact on our success.

• Enrollment in Michigan State University, Mississippi State University or the University of Montana
• Working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in forestry, natural resources, biological sciences, policy, or related fields with relevant coursework and/or relevant experience.
• Experience writing for and presenting to a diverse audience.
• Experience researching information from diverse sources and compiling into a cohesive reporting structure.
• Ability to organize time, set priorities and work under pressure while paying attention to detail.
• Experience in general program support such as event planning, meeting preparation, data tracking and research or related experience.
• Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and strong knowledge of database management with ability to construct and produce reports.
• Possess personal and professional interest in bipartisan environmental and conservation advocacy.
• Fluency in English.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

• $17/hr for 35-hour work week. Housing is not provided.

To apply for job ID 54664, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.