Geoscience Policy Internship
Join the American Geosciences Institute as a Geoscience Policy Intern! The Geoscience Policy program represents the shared interests of the geoscience community and actively works with Congress and federal agencies to foster better communication and public policy for the geosciences in areas including water, energy and mineral resources, natural hazards, environmental protection, and federal funding for geoscience research and education.
AGI seeks outstanding geoscience or geo-related engineering students or entry level graduates (Bachelor's or Master's level) with a strong interest in federal science policy for the Geoscience Policy Internship. Interns will have the opportunity to hone their writing and web publishing skills, while gaining first-hand policy experience and improving their understanding of the legislative and government operational process. Please see the position description below for more details.
AGI accepts one Geoscience Policy Intern for the fall term (September through December), the spring term (January through April), and the summer term (May through August). The start date is flexible and will be determined based on the schedule of the successful applicant. Applicants must be currently enrolled in or recent graduates of a geoscience-related undergraduate or graduate degree program. For spring and fall internships, BA/BS or MA/MS students with an interest in energy and natural resource issues are particularly encouraged to apply, and may obtain credit for the internship from their university where possible.
Title: Geoscience Policy Intern
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Salary Grade/Level: $5,000 for 12 weeks (Summer) / $5,500 for 14 weeks (Spring, Fall)
Location: AGI Headquarters, Alexandria, VA
Reports to: Program Supervisor, Policy and Critical Issues
Position Objective:
Learn about federal policy as it relates to the geosciences while producing information products for AGI’s Geoscience Policy program
Essential Functions:
- Attend in person and/or remotely watch hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill and Federal Agencies
- Write analyses of policy developments and support strategic policy efforts
- Attend meetings and events related to policy coalitions that AGI is involved with
- Provide logistical and administrative support for AGI’s policy efforts, including:
- Monitoring social media outlets
- Taking minutes at coalition meetings
- Interfacing with congressional, agency, and campaign offices
Other Duties:
- Write articles for publication in the geosciences on a policy-relevant geoscience topic of your choice
- Other duties as assigned
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
Work is largely in an office setting with long periods sitting/standing at a desk. Travel into DC for meetings, briefings, hearings, or other events 1-2 times per week.
Required Education & Experience:
- Current undergraduate or graduate student, or entry level graduate, in the geosciences or geo-related engineering
- Demonstrable interest in public policy – no prior policy experience required
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with others
- Ability to complete assignments in a fast-paced work environment
Preferred Education & Experience:
- Some familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), html and web editing, and social media (Twitter).
Employee must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
AGI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.
Spring Geoscience Policy Internship - Applications Open: August 1 / Application Deadline: October 25
Summer Geoscience Policy Internship - Applications Open: October 16 / Application Deadline: March 1
Fall Geoscience Policy Internship - Applications Open: February 1 / Application Deadline: April 15
Application Instructions:
- Send a PDF of your cover letter, most recent college transcript (unofficial is OK), and any references or other pertinent documents to: internships@americangeosciences.org.
- Make sure the subject line contains: Your name, the type and term you are applying for. For instance: Smith - Policy Fall 2020
If you have questions, please send them to Christopher Keane (keane@americangeosciences.org).
View past intern profiles here.