CCES Education Intern
Project Description
The Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability (CCES) works nationally and internationally with governments, industry, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and local communities to address biodiversity research and monitoring challenges related to conservation.
The education and training aspect of the Center focuses on capacity-building, connecting conservation professionals worldwide with tools and training to foster the sustainable use of natural resources and promote the Center’s mission of conserving biological diversity.
Through in-country training and courses held at the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia on a university credit or continuing education basis, CCES creates forums for Smithsonian professionals and on-the-ground conservation practitioners to come together in dynamic learning communities to address a diversity of specialized topics relevant to current local and global environmental challenges.
In addition to these series of courses for graduate students and professionals, designed particularly for international practitioners seeking to develop greater local capacity for methodological approaches to conservation, undergraduates can become a part of the solution to these challenges by participating in the Smithsonian-Mason Alliance’s Global Conservation Studies semester at the Conservation and Research Center.
Duties and Responsibilities
Education interns will assist in the development of undergraduate, graduate, and professional training courses by assessing the availability and needs of biodiversity education at various levels. They will help develop course syllabi, organize upcoming courses and workshops, and coordinate communications with previous and future course participants.
Desired Qualifications and Abilities
Applicants should be undergraduate or graduate students with majors or minors in environmentally-related fields and interest in both conservation education and international conservation.
Applicants should be academically accomplished and knowledgeable in conservation topics in order to help design courses.
We seek applicants who are personable, professional, well-organized, and poised to interact with international researchers and practitioners from within and outside the Smithsonian Institution.
Foreign language expertise is appreciated but not required.
Term of Appointment
This project is ongoing. Interns may apply at any time and should be able to devote at least two days per week for three to six months.
Stipend
None, but there are rewards:
Although this is an unpaid internship, interns will benefit greatly from becoming a part of the Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability.
Interns are welcomed into an inviting atmosphere in which they work alongside professionals in the conservation field. Benefits of interning at the Smithsonian include museum shop discounts and free IMAX films. Interns will also learn about the workings of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Zoological Park, with opportunities for behind-the-scenes access and tours.
This internship takes place in an office not only devoted to international collaboration and networking, but also reflective of this principle in the international origins of its personnel and interns. The interns’ work with notable scientists and conservation professionals within the prestigious Smithsonian Institution makes this experience a highlight on any resume. Attending internal lectures and workshops can also build interns’ knowledge bases and skill sets. Supervisors are dedicated to cultivating the space for professional development and are glad to write letters of recommendation and offer guidance as former interns progress academically and professionally.
Housing
Not provided
Location
Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline
Ongoing
To submit your application
Complete the online application form. When you submit the form, you need to attach the following items:
- Cover letter
- Current resume or CV
- College transcript (unofficial or electronic version is acceptable)
- Contact information for two references, including affiliation, address, phone number and email address. Indicate how they know you.
If you experience technical difficulties, print the application form, attach the additional application materials, and mail your packet to:
Jennifer Sevin
Education and Training Coordinator
Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Suite 3123 MRC 705
Washington, DC 20560
