Science Outreach Intern
Ecological Society of America
For graduating seniors - upperclassmen may be considered! About ESA
Ecological Society of America
For graduating seniors - upperclassmen may be considered! About ESA
The Ecological Society of America, founded in 1915, is the world’s largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The 9,000 member Society publishes five journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives.
About ESA’s Office of Science Programs
We connect the research and management communities, support the use of science to inform decision making, and build capacity among scientists by: - Training: We offer workshops and courses to help scientists gain the skills they need to navigate changes in funding, policy, and technology.
- Facilitating engagement: We connect ESA members with agencies that require ecological knowledge and expertise.
- Synthesizing information: We help make ecology more accessible to managers and the public.
- Facilitating peer review: We help agencies conduct peer reviews of scientific studies and programs that agencies use to support decision making.
Purpose & Responsibilities
ESA seeks an energetic recent graduate or graduate student with strong communication and organizational skills to 1) help enhance our communication and outreach endeavors, and 2) to help manage special ESA meetings, workshops, and training events. A basic background in and appreciation for ecology, biology, and/or environmental sciences is desired.
The science outreach intern will work with Cliff Duke, Science Programs Director, and Jill Parsons, Science Programs Manager, to create outreach materials and strategies that will enhance our existing programs (such as our Sustaining Biological Infrastructure Training Initiative). The intern will also assist with logistical arrangements and communications for events that will bring scientists together on a wide range of topics.
Additional duties may include taking notes, webpage upkeep, and tracking budget information. There may be opportunities to network with important scientists in a wide range of disciplines and contribute to important workshop reports.
Specific Activities for the Science Outreach Intern
- Outreach and marketing: create and refine outreach materials for Science Office programs; this will include email campaigns, flyers, website updates, liaising with ESA’s Public Affairs office regarding social media updates, and creating/editing videos.
- Communications and writing: contribute to workshop and meeting reports and presentations; liaise with workshop and meeting participants as needed; write blog posts to highlight recent activities.
- Organization and planning: manage onsite logistical details for events, including a/v, room setup, printed materials, timekeeping, and taking effective notes.
- Data entry: act as the point of contact for travel reimbursements; monitor and report on travel budgets.
Qualifications:
- Graduate student or recent graduate with a strong background in communications and/or marketing
- Experience and interest in ecological, biological, and/or environmental sciences and research
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Familiar with WordPress; basic HTML skills a plus
- Familiar with Microsoft Publisher a plus
- Willing to perform data-entry and other basic tasks
- Willing to learn as needed and follow directions
- Must enjoy working effectively as part of a team
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Hours are flexible, but you must be available to work a regular schedule of 12-18 hours per week in ESA’s downtown Washington, DC office during business hours (8am-6pm; M-F)
This is a paid, part-time internship based in ESA’s downtown Washington, DC office, with occasional travel to events in the greater DC area. The position is funded from May 29 – August 31, 2018 and pays $15 per hour.
Please email a cover letter, and resume to Jill Parsons, jill@esa.org. Please put “Science Outreach Intern” in the subject line. Applications are due Friday, April 20th. The position is open until filled.
ESA is an Equal Opportunity employer.