The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is offering an internship in outreach and communication as part of the Changing Landscapes Initiative. CLI is a joint spatial analysis and public engagement project utilizing both land use/land cover change modeling and scenario planning to inform land use decisions. The goal is to provide local land use planners with insights into the potential future of the region as informed by ecological knowledge. The project has completed primary modeling work and is now presenting the results of this analysis to the stakeholders who guided the work.
In this internship, the selected intern will learn, expand and refine skills essential for community outreach—including event planning, logistics and conservation communication—by assisting with the preparation of an important stakeholder outreach meeting in early April 2018. Through this project, the intern will gain firsthand insight into how science is communicated, especially in the context of influencing policy. They will have the opportunity to meet individuals from a variety of local NGOs and government agencies and learn how these different groups interact with each other. The intern will also be able to improve their skills in both writing and design through the creation of outreach documents. Finally, through the interdisciplinary design of the CLI project, the intern will gain experience in research and data gathering activities, as well as the preparation of presentations for scientific audiences.
Interns will have the opportunity to learn and develop experience in community outreach by:
- Establishing and maintaining active communication with a network of current project stakeholders
- Searching for new stakeholders and integrating them into the project network
- Collaborating in the coordination of meetings, including developing presentation materials and keeping meeting minutes
- Helping draft and define communication strategies to inform stakeholders and the public about project initiatives and results
- Seeking out opportunities to share project initiatives and results with NGOs and academic organizations
- Helping prepare status reports and documenting ongoing activities, current schedule trend, challenges, events and project requirements
Interns with the following qualifications will benefit the most from this opportunity:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal team members and external stakeholders
- Organized and self-motivated individuals, able to handle tight deadlines with strong multitasking and prioritizing abilities
- Independent and team-oriented experience for a collaborative project
- Adaptable to a dynamic environment and its challenges, with a flexible personality and strong problem-solving skills
- Computer proficiency, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Project management certification or previous experience in program management and communications
- Strong strategic thinking and planning skills
- Experience working effectively with both government agencies and private parties
- Experience using database and/or visual graphics software (Access, Publisher, InDesign)
This is a three-month, full-time (40 hrs/wk) internship beginning as soon as possible with the possibility of extension.
Go to: https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html. Select "New to SOLAA? Create Account Here" and complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
- Basic personal information
- Professional resume or CV
- A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations.
- Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Two letters of reference (One must be from a current or former supervisor)
- Schedule of availability
Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:
- Type of appointment: “Internship"
- Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
- Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
- Project: “SCBI – Changing Landscapes Initiative: Outreach ”
IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.
For Additional Information
Questions about this internship should be sent to Craig Fergus at fergusc@si.edu.