Conservation Data Analytics Intern — Impact & GIS

The Conservation Fund; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The Conservation Fund seeks an Impact Analytics & Conservation Data Intern to work remotely with a preference for Arlington, VA. This role blends data science and land conservation, supporting analyses that guide where investments are most effective in ecological and community terms.

You will leverage GIS, Python, and R to analyze datasets and craft visualizations for decision-makers. Ideal candidates have graduate training in ecology or environmental data science and strong communication

Qualifications

• 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 with large, heterogeneous datasets.
• Desire to see research applied for tangible, cost-effective conservation actions.
• 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 ability to scope, plan, and execute a research project independently.
• Commitment to The Conservation Fund's mission.

Responsibilities

• Assist with background research on conservation strategies and trends to identify how data analysis informs prioritization.
• Gather and review spatial datasets from internal and external sources, including cloud platforms and census data.
• Conduct spatial analyses of trends and opportunities across water, biodiversity, carbon, and rural economies using GIS, cloud services, and Python or R.
• Review and contribute to existing codebase for conservation analytics.
• Present findings and collaborate on maps, dashboards, and visualizations for planners and partners.
• Coordinate with Impact Analytics, Capital Investments, and other teams to supply quantitative data.
• Collaborate with other teams and travel as needed (up to 15%).

Skills

GIS analysis

Python

R

Data analysis

Communication

Self-direction

Education

Graduate degree in ecology/environmental data science

Tools

Google Earth Engine

Microsoft Planetary Computer

Desktop GIS

Cloud computing

Job description

The Conservation Fund seeks an Impact Analytics & Conservation Data Intern to work remotely with a preference for Arlington, VA. This role blends data science and land conservation, supporting analyses that guide where investments are most effective in ecological and community terms.

You will leverage GIS, Python, and R to analyze datasets and craft visualizations for decision-makers. Ideal candidates have graduate training in ecology or environmental data science and strong communication