Conservation Policy Graduate Student Intern

Point Blue Conservation Science • Internship • Petaluma, CA • $25 / hour • 1d ago

Location: Hybrid/Remote (must reside within the United States)
Duration: Estimated duration is July 13, 2026 – Sept. 1, 2026
Start Date: July 13, 2026 (flexible)
Deadline to Apply: June 25, 2026
Position Type: Seasonal, full or part time (20-40 hours/week, 145 hours maximum)
Compensation and Benefits:
This position is funded for a maximum of 145 hours at the rate of $25.00 per hour; benefits are limited to up to 40 hours of paid sick time that accrues every bi‑weekly pay period

About Point Blue:
Point Blue Conservation Science’s mission is to conserve birds, other wildlife, and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach. We use long‑term ecological data and collaborative fieldwork to develop nature‑based solutions to climate change, habitat loss, and other environmental threats to benefit wildlife and people. Based in Petaluma, California, we work from the Sierra to the sea, across the Western Hemisphere and as far away as Antarctica, to connect science to practical guidance, policy discussions, and tangible outcomes. As part of this work, Point Blue engages in policy at local, state, national, and global levels to ensure that science, long‑term data, and field research inform conservation decisions.

We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue's mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our team.

Job Summary:
Point Blue Conservation Science seeks a Conservation Policy Graduate Student Intern to support a state conservation policy engagement project and to gain training in policy-oriented social science coding skills. The graduate student intern will work with Point Blue staff to research, design and support the development of a policy-oriented white paper that reviews key issues from the California conservation and stewardship communities. The report will cover various biodiversity stewardship sectors including stewardship in agricultural, fire, freshwater, urban, and marine contexts. With guidance from their advisors, the intern will review roundtable notes and materials to help create the structure for the report, and help coordinate author contributions. In addition, the intern will work with Point Blue’s Conservation Social Scientist to analyze existing interview data on working land stewardship motivations. Emergent themes may feed into the policy white paper and other products. The intern may conduct additional literature reviews, reach out to roundtable participants to follow up on discussion points, and is invited to make their own contributions to the authorship of the report. Policy research and coordination will help advance our partnerships with state‑level and global biodiversity coalitions and local government partners. This summer internship role offers hands-on experience with policy processes, qualitative data analysis, and coalition engagement, with additional opportunities to contribute to project areas across local, state, national, and international scales.

Essential Functions:

Support the development of a stewardship-related white paper with policy recommendations
With the collaboration of advisors, create an outline for a report that will communicate stewardship priorities to the incoming California state administration and public agencies
With the collaboration of advisors, conduct an emergent thematic coding process on existing qualitative data.
Review best practices for the ethical handling and interpretation of human subjects data.
Review meeting notes, presentation slides, and recordings to capture key messaging
Follow up with external partners in the stewardship community as needed to clarify points and messaging
Conduct literature reviews
Draft and/or lead report sections as desired; with the ability to focus on areas of interest
Opportunity to participate in additional policy projects and engagements as they arise, including the California Global Biodiversity Alliance and International Union for the Conservation of Nature events.

Supervisory Responsibility:
None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Understanding of state-wide public policy issues related to and conservation (or a willingness to learn this area) is preferred
Accountability and ability to meet deadlines
Ability to collaborate and work respectfully with people with a variety of perspectives
Ability to seek, accept, and incorporate feedback is necessary
Ability to conduct independent research and apply findings to practical projects
Ability to manage and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Skills to use basic computer programs (Microsoft Office spreadsheets, word processing, presentation and email programs; skills operating Google Drive programs including Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides)

Preferred Education and Experience:
This position requires that the applicant is currently enrolled in a graduate college program in a relevant field.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This position operates in a remote or hybrid environment between a home office and professional office setting
Work environment is primarily indoors with the majority of time spent at a desk
Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, and filing cabinets
Ability to move up to 20 pounds occasionally
Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and calculator

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

Days and hours of work meetings are generally within Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, but specific hours will be flexible depending on the successful candidates and Point Blue’s needs.
Remote/hybrid employees should choose a work environment that is free from distractions, has a reliable internet connection, and supports the employee’s ability to dedicate their full attention to their job duties during work hours.

If you have difficulty with the application process, please contact Liz Chamberlin at lchamberlin@pointblue.org.

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.