Audubon Vermont seeks a current student pursuing an advanced degree in environmental law or policy with a background and demonstrated interest in environmental policy to serve as an extern. The person in this position will work with the Executive Director to advance environmental policy while learning how to apply law, science, and policy to for the protection of birds and the places they need to thrive. The externship is designed to provide a range of administrative and programmatic experiences with a focus on issues facing Vermont and Northern New England.
In the course of this externship, the student will gain valuable experience interacting with the professional scientists, educators and advocates at Audubon, as well as with other environmental professionals and leaders in Vermont. This externship will contribute to the goals of Audubon Vermont through supporting one or more policy campaigns in one or more of the areas of climate mitigation and adaptation, wildlife conservation, forest health, and watershed protection.
The externship may be for Summer, Fall or Spring with a time frame that can be adapted to meet a variety of academic schedules. Applicants can work full time or part-time but must commit to working at least twenty hours per week for a minimum of eight weeks.
Categories of tasks and projects may include the following:
- Conduct policy research through the analysis and summary of environmental law and policy at both the state and federal level including administrative initiatives, draft regulations, proposed legislation and federal projects.
- Develop briefing papers, reports and comments to support Audubon Vermont’s positions on public policy proposals.
- Draft factsheets, blogs, webpage content and other outreach materials to support Audubon Vermont’s policy campaigns.
- Attend meetings with public officials, environmental leaders, scientists and volunteers to support Audubon Vermont’s participation and contributions.
- Self-starter with a creative, resourceful spirit.
- Strong work ethic.
- Dedicated and excited about working in a dynamic, fast-paced nonprofit organization.
- Independent and able to work with little oversight.
- Appetite for learning and growth.
Primary Qualifications
- Law or masters degree student focusing on environmental law or policy.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Well organized and an ability to focus on details.
- Genuine interest in environmental protection and conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and social and environmental justice.