Conservation Policy Graduate Student Intern

Point Blue Conservation Science; Petaluma (CA); Hybrid; USD 2,841,300 - 4,046,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick time (up to 40 hours)

Job summary

Point Blue Conservation Science in California is seeking a Conservation Policy Graduate Student Intern to support state conservation policy projects and gain policy-oriented skills. The intern will assist with research and the development of a white paper highlighting biodiversity stewardship issues.

This hybrid position provides hands-on experience, requiring applicants to be enrolled in a graduate program. Responsibilities include thematic coding of qualitative data and engaging with policy processes.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to collaborate and work respectfully with diverse perspectives.
• Accountability to meet deadlines for tasks and deliverables.
• Willingness to learn state-wide public policy issues related to conservation.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of a stewardship-related white paper.
• Conduct thematic coding on existing qualitative data.
• Draft and lead sections of the report as desired.

Skills

Understanding of state-wide public policy issues related to conservation

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to conduct independent research

Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Drive programs

Education

Currently enrolled in a graduate college program in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Drive programs

Job description

Location

Hybrid/Remote (must reside within the United States)

Duration

Estimated duration: 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 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 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law. Point Blue will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.