This internship is part of The Conservation Fund’s Impact Analytics Initiative. The Impact Analytics & Conservation Data Intern will support the development of data-driven conservation strategies that help maximize the impact of every dollar invested in conservation. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of data science and land conservation, contributing to analyses that inform where and how conservation investments are made to achieve the greatest ecological and community benefits. Responsibilities may include supporting existing analytical projects or developing an independent research project aligned with organizational priorities, with guidance from experienced staff mentors and access to real-world conservation data.
Note: This role is considered remote but preference for candidates in the Arlington/DC Metro area. This internship can be full time or part time.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
To perform this job successfully, you must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-Assist with background research on conservation strategies and trends to identify how conservation data analysis can be used for the prioritization and evaluation of conservation opportunities.
-Gather and review spatial datasets from internal and external sources, including through hosted web services, cloud platforms such as Google Earth Engine or Microsoft Planetary Computer, and tabular data such as census or other survey data.
-Conduct spatial analyses of trends and conservation opportunities across themes of water, biodiversity, carbon, and/or rural economies and social dynamics using desktop GIS software, cloud computing services, and/or Python or R programming languages, among others.
-Review and contribute to existing codebase for conservation impact analytics.
-Present findings to colleagues and collaborate on the development of maps, dashboards, or other visualizations to inform conservation planners, land acquisition managers, and funding partners of relevant conservation data analytics.
-Work closely with the Impact Analytics and Capital Investments team to identify opportunities to supply quantitative data on conservation outcomes associated with impact investment and grant funding to coordinate conservation activities.
-Coordinate with other teams across the organization, including real estate staff, marketing, legal, and finance.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE
-Graduate-level training in ecology, conservation biology, geography, environmental data science, or a closely related field.
-Demonstrated proficiency in spatial analysis (GIS, remote sensing, or Earth observation platforms).
-Experience with data science tools (Python, R, or similar) and comfort working with large, heterogeneous datasets.
-Desire to see research applied for tangible, cost-effective actions and interventions.
-Interest or experience in environmental finance, fundraising, or market-based approaches to nature, water, and climate solutions.
-Strong written and visual communication skills.
-Self-direction and initiative, including the ability to scope, plan, and execute a research project with meaningful independence.
-Commitment to the mission and goals of The Conservation Fund.
WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE
-Familiarity with geospatial AI methods, machine learning, or statistical modeling (desirable, not required).
-Experience in non-profit (or similar) operations involving fundraising or impact investing.
-Ability to travel in order to reach various field locations and DC-area headquarters, with some travel expected.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
-Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
-Work is performed primarily in an office or home office setting.
-Work is occasionally performed outdoors for site visits.
-Estimated travel: No more than 15%, if at all, depending on candidate’s location