Agricultural Policy Intern

The Nature Conservancy (All) • Internship • Arlington, Virginia • 1w ago

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Agricultural Policy Intern coordinates and implements internal initiatives such as organizational knowledge management, internal procedures, internal networks and project coordination. They will also support the Nature Conservancy's conservation goals by serving as a liaison and informational contact between the organization and outside agencies or companies.

In this role, the intern will support TNC’s work to re/allocate agricultural incentives so public support accelerates nature-positive, climate-resilient, and producer-viable production systems. The intern will help compile and synthesize evidence on how existing agricultural incentives public programs can be repurposed from environmentally harmful outcomes toward regenerative practices, aligned with global frameworks such as CBD Target 18 and related Rio Convention commitments. Typical tasks include background research and rapid landscape scans, drafting concise internal memos and slide materials, and supporting coordination across teams and partners to advance priority country pathways where incentives reform can unlock measurable biodiversity and climate benefits while sustaining farm productivity and livelihoods.

This is a full time, term-limited position with anticipated dates of April 6, 2026 through October 2, 2026. The pay rate is $24 per hour.

We’re Looking for You:

The Agricultural Policy Intern builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinates meetings, agendas, and presentations, and conducts other activities in support of a program and/or manager. The Intern may serve as a point of contact to inform Conservancy partners and elected and appointed officials of Conservancy policy and positions. They help to develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance The Nature Conservancy’s conservation agenda. They may organize grassroots efforts to mobilize constituents on legislative/business priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Financial responsibility which may include developing and working within a budget, processing check requests, and completing travel expense reports.
May provide research and policy analysis in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities.
May aid with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
Works independently, working with supervisor on complex matters as needed.
Makes independent decisions within the scope of work assignments.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination.
Fluency in English.
Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material.
Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.
Experience working with partners/government agencies.
Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.

Desired Qualifications:

Previous work experience with TNC highly desirable.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability.
Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

This is a full time, term-limited position based at TNC's worldwide office in Arlington, Virginia, with a pay rate of $24 per hour.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.