Land Trust Intern - Fall 2009

Work with a nonprofit land conservation group and get important professional experience. The area’s leading organization, Central New York Land Trust, holds 2,503 acres of land, mostly in Onondaga County, and has hundreds of members but continues to grow and develop. Students can earn 3-6 credits, by individual arrangement, and capstone/ thesis projects can be developed. Required: responsible, hard-working, self-starter, good references. Preferred: grad student, previous work experience, access to a vehicle, knowledge of software including GIS. Responsibilities may include: Develop public presentations, visit properties and inspect/ troubleshoot various conservation management issues, work with prospective donors, update files and databases, prepare website materials, and help write grant proposals. Research best practices of land trusts, draft memos regarding issues and problems, attend meetings, and support executive director in related tasks. If interested, please send your resume to Prof. Sharon Moran (tel. 470.6690).

Renewable Energy Fellowship in Germany

The 2009 Transatlantic Renewable Energy Fellowship in Germany, a new initiative of the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), administered by InWEnt gGmbH in partnership with CDS International, Inc., is now accepting applications. The program allows 15 fellows to attend a 5-day briefing on Germany's renewable energy policies and structures and to complete an internship of 3-6 months with a leading renewable energy company or organization.

The program will run from September 5 through December 19, 2009, with the possibility to apply for a program through March 19, 2009. Fellows will receive a stipend in the amount of 3,300 Euro as well as support for travel expenditures to and in Germany. As part of the Transatlantic Climate Bridge, the Fellowship seeks to further mutual understanding and transatlantic cooperation in climate and energy policies, to provide practical training for future leaders in the renewable energy and environmental fields, and to support renewable energy institutions in developing their human resources and transatlantic networks.

Eligibility criteria for the Fellowship are as follows:

• U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or current enrollment at a U.S. university or college
• Age 32 or younger at the application deadline
• Minimum of 3 years completed at a college or university, preferably with degree completed in a relevant field (see website for more information)
• Two years experience in renewable energy or a related field, preferably in a professional capacity

Interested candidates should visit www.cdsintl.org/fellowshipsabroad/tref.php for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Schmidt at eschmidt@cdsintl.org or (202) 536-2955. Application deadline: June 24, 2009.

Summer Internship: Pacific Gas & Electric

PG&E Environmental Policy Department
2009 Summer Intern Job Description

Assist in voluntary reporting of PG&E's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Perform a comparison of various existing and proposed GHG reporting protocols, including those of The Climate Registry, California Climate Action Registry, Western Climate Initiative, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), and the EPA National GHG Reporting Rule. (25%) Identify new opportunities for GHG emission reductions at PG&E facilities and on PG&E- owned property. Research and quantify GHG emission reductions associated with Early Action projects implemented by PG&E (including CO2 reductions and methane capture). Identify and analyze new clean air initiatives that can be used by PG&E to improve air quality and obtain emission reduction credits. (25%) Research various existing and proposed GHG emission reduction protocols to verify requirements for documenting emissions, managing reductions, and obtaining offsets associated with each new opportunity identified. (20%) Perform research on policies and criteria associated with renewable energy projects to help PG&E evaluate the feasibility of implementation. (10%) Assist in the development of components of PG&E's endangered species protection and habitat conservation programs including safe-harbor agreements and sorting of parcels associated with land conservation. (10%) Develop a strategy for PG&E to communicate its environmental stewardship initiatives both internally and externally. (10%) Required qualifications: MS, MA, MBA, BS, or BA candidate. Science or engineering background with environmental coursework preferred. If BS or BA should be a junior or senior. Salary to be negotiated with PG&E Human Resources. Send cover letter and resume to Mr. Rex Bell, RXBD@pge.com, by April 10, 2009. No phone calls please. Office location is in San Francisco, CA.

2009 WWF Social Science Internships

The following five social-science oriented internships are available at the World Wildlife Fund – United States. They are designed typically for graduate students, although some may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates. Projects can be undertaken over the summer (with extensions, as necessary, into the fall semester). Most projects could also be extended over the course of one or two semesters as part of a student’s course work or thesis requirements; advance arrangements would be necessary with faculty advisors. Internships are unpaid, but facilities, library resources, and computers are available at WWF headquarters in Washington, DC. Hours are flexible. To qualify for an unpaid internship, the student must provide documentation that they are receiving credit from their university, or that the work they will be performing is consistent with a course requirement.

In general, our interns need solid data management and writing skills, self-motivation, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Specific skills (required or preferred) are listed with each project, along with the primary contact person.

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the contact individual listed for each project, with “INTERNSHIP” and the relevant internship number listed in the subject line.

Website: www.worldwildlife.org/science

(1) Title: Social Science Capacity-building

Description: Understanding the social dimensions of conservation is essential for its success. However, in the conservation world, social science capacity remains limited. The social science team at WWF is working towards building social science capacity to improve WWF's conservation efforts. The successful applicant will assist the social science team by conducting background research on one or more of the following topics: the role of social science in conservation, humanitarian-environmental partnerships, socio-ecological dynamics in Coastal East Africa, or other upcoming initiatives. The successful applicant will also provide assistance to the social science team in program backstopping and technical support. Requirements: Applicants should have a bachelors degree in the social sciences, strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, and a proven interest in people-conservation issues.

Stipend: none

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009; Include: “Social Science Capacity-building Internship” in the subject line.

Contact: Sharon Pailler (sharon.pailler@wwfus.org)

(2) Title: Scenario development for ecosystem service assessments

Description: Intern sought to assist in preparing guidance on developing scenarios for ecosystem service analyses. The Natural Capital Project (NatCap) has developed a software tool called InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs). InVEST can show how ecosystem services and biodiversity are affected under different land use scenarios. The successful applicant will assist NatCap with identification of best practice developing land use scenarios that are credible, legitimate and salient to policy. Specifically, the successful applicant may: conduct a literature review of scenario development methodologies; research and write up case studies of scenario development in NatCap’s existing demonstration sites; develop a typology of scenario methodologies; undertake a comparative analysis to assess the conditions under which different methodologies are appropriate and effective; build a database of existing scenario literature and guidance materials; develop communication materials as needed. Requirements: Seeking an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy, environmental economics, environmental modeling and/or ecology. Requires excellent research, writing and communication skills. Must be able to work efficiently and independently. Experience with ecosystem services and scenario development would be a plus.

Stipend: Unpaid

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009

Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org)

(3) Title: Ecosystem service modeling and policy change

Description: Intern sought to research the relationship between scientific ecosystem service analyses and uptake in policy and decisions. The Natural Capital Project (NatCap) is developing and applying tools to map and quantify ecosystem services under different land use scenarios. The successful applicant will assist NatCap to understand the contexts and conditions under which this type of scientific information on ecosystem services effectively leads to policy change. Specifically, the successful applicant may: conduct a literature review of ecosystem service studies aimed at changing policies at a range of scales and contexts; research the factors facilitating strong science-policy links in ecosystem services analyses; prepare a set of strategic recommendation for the Natural Capital Project on the basis of these findings.

Requirements: Seeking an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy, environmental economics and/or ecology. Requires excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to think strategically. Must be able to work efficiently and independently. Experience with ecosystem services and the science-policy interface would be a plus.

Stipend: Unpaid

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009

Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org)

(4) Title: Protected area emergence and evolution

Description: Protected areas are the cornerstone of conservation policies, but scholars lack convincing explanations for the patterns and trends in PA emergence and evolution. This project will analyze PA patterns and trends, in order to identify the factors that drive PA emergence and evolution. The project may include both marine and terrestrial PAs; geographic focus will depend upon data availability and WWF program priorities. Project outputs will include maps and graphs of PA patterns and trends, as well as statistical analyses identifying predictors of PA emergence and evolution. Results will be published in the peer reviewed scientific literature and shared widely across the conservation community. Requirements: degree in social science or a related field; basic GIS or statistical skills; familiarity with biodiversity conservation in developing countries. Foreign language skills preferred.

Stipend: unpaid

Due date for cover letter, CV, and writing sample: April 1, Include: “PA emergence & evolution internship” in the subject line.

Contact: michael.mascia@wwfus.org

(5) Title: TRAFFIC Trade Internship

Description: Wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global business. Understanding the flow of this trade is key in terms of being able to effectively stem illegal trade as well as illustrate the benefits of sustainable, regulated trade. High profile wildlife trade enforcement cases are important in terms of being able to garner public support and funding for activities and programs to stop illegal trade. Using available enforcement cases, seizures and trade data, this intern will develop a database of seizures from WWF US priority places and create mapping tools to show trade flows. The database and mapping tools will then be used to develop case studies to be used as part of TRAFFIC’s marketing and communications materials. Interns must have excellent analytical skills, be resourceful and creative in their work. Interns must work well independently and as part of a team. Familiarity with mapping software is desired and we are looking for an intern who is interested in making the link between research/data collection, synthesis and public dissemination of this research. Research (internet, institutional and literature) capabilities and a desire to learn about wildlife trade essential.

Stipend: This is an unpaid position.

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2009 Include: “TRAFFIC Trade Internship” in the subject line.

Contact: Jill Hepp at (jill.hepp@wwfus.org)

NYS Senate Fellowships

New York State Senate Graduate/ Post-Graduate/ Mid-Career Fellowships, including legislative fellowships (11), journalism fellowship (1), public service fellowship (1), and finance fellowship (1). Duration: September 10, 2009 through July 14, 2010. All fellowships are on-site in Albany, NY. $32,000, distributed bi-weekly. Must be US citizens, except for International Fellowship Program. Application deadline: April 10, 2009. Information: Krista Applebee, Director, tel. 518.455.2611, e-mail: students@senate.state.ny.us, URL: http://www.senate.state.ny.us.

2009 Climate Fellows

Clean Air-Cool Planet is recruiting for its 2009 Climate Fellowships, a competitive program made possible by the Roy A. Hunt Foundation and designed to pair outstanding students with challenging real-world opportunities to propel society toward a low-carbon future. We are seeking highly motivated qualified graduate and undergraduate students in diverse fields and locations for paid 2009 placements.

Full-time Summer Placements

• Carbon Reduction Analysis for the NWNA/Poland Spring Water Fleet, Poland Spring, ME
• Climate Change Science and Policy, Washington D.C.
• Climate Protection Action Plan, Nantucket, MA
• Climate Risk, Portsmouth, NH
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Planning and Education for Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth, NH
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Planning and Education for York Hospital, York, ME
• Greening the Science Center, Northeast Science Center Collaborative Member, Flexible Location, CT
• Policy Communications, New Canaan, CT, Washington D.C., or Portsmouth, NH

Part-time Summer through Fall Placements:

• Regional Energy and Climate Protection Plan, Tupper Lake, NY
• Community Climate and Energy Action in CT, New Canaan, CT

Details: http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/for_campuses/Climate_Fellows.php. Contact: Anne Stephenson, astephenson@cleanair-coolplanet.org.

Sussman Environmental Internships

The Edna Bailey Sussman Trust awards competitive graduate internships to students working in areas “involving the preservation of wildlife, the control of pollution, the preservation of natural land resources, or similar subject matter related to the environment.” This year, the Sussman Trustees are particularly interested in proposals that may involve urban environments or climate related projects. In addition, unlike many other endowment-based funding sources, financial support will remain strong for the Sussman Internships this year, with 12 internship applications requested from ESF (an increase of one from 2008). There will be a brief informational session regarding the preparation of proposals at 11:00 am, Friday, January 23, in 217 Bray Hall. For further information, visit the Sussman information section on the OIGS web page (http://www.esf.edu/sussman/), or contact Scott Shannon, Dean of Instruction & Graduate Studies, tel. 315-470-6599.