TITLE: Urban Conservation and Community Intern

LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION: Conservation Services/Urban Conservation

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Urban Conservation and Community Program Manager

NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: 0

LOCATION: Washington, DC metro area

THE CONSERVATION FUND

The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.

JOB HIGHLIGHTS

The Urban Conservation and Community program works with community partners in historically underserved urban areas nationally to advance their conservation priorities. We believe that communities thrive when they have durable and lasting site control of lands that provide a public benefit.

To advance this project, the intern will conduct assessments of conservation acquisition projects under several models of funding at The Conservation Fund by documenting funding methodologies, conducting interviews with community partners and TCF employees, and analyzing city and regional landscapes to inform where and how future efforts may be most impactful.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The intern will support the Urban Conservation and Community team’s strategic planning. Specific deliverables include:

• Methodology Mapping: Identify and map the various methodologies currently used across The Conservation Fund’s urban conservation work. This process will highlight the core ingredients that contribute to the success of each of these methodologies, as well as the distinctions between them that impact their adaptability to other contexts.
• Exploration of New Urban Conservation Models: Develop a framework of urban conservation models to identify how private and philanthropic resources can be leveraged to cover costs that are traditionally assumed by state or municipal partners.
• City and Regional Analysis: Complete an analysis to inform where and how future efforts may be most impactful. Evaluate factors such as the presence of existing TCF projects, availability of TCF acquisition staff support, and likelihood of identifying a viable takeout partner.
• Community Needs Assessment: Conduct interviews with community partners to better understand what forms of support would be most valuable to them.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE

• Passion for supporting conservation in urban settings and in underserved communities.
• GIS Skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information.

WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Experience conducting informational interviews.
• Experience in project management, writing and research.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed on a computer at a desk in a quiet office setting.
• Estimated travel – one possible site visit. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The pay rate for this position is $23.00/hour.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.

The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.