Policy Intern – Vermont

National Audubon Society, Inc. (C3); Vermont; Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon Vermont seeks candidates for a paid internship focusing on environmental law and policy. You will support policy analysis, draft materials, and engage with officials and volunteers under guidance from leadership. The role offers hybrid work, with emphasis on Vermont and Northern New England issues.

The internship runs January–May 2027, totaling 305 hours, at $19.00 per hour, with a mix of remote and in-person work. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Huntington, VT.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, political science, or conservation science preferred but not required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Well organized with attention to details.
• Interest in environmental protection and Audubon's mission.
• Reliable transportation.
• Undergraduate and graduate students welcome.

Responsibilities

• Conduct policy research analyzing environmental law and policy at state and federal levels.
• Develop briefing papers, reports, and comments supporting Audubon Vermont’s positions.
• Draft factsheets, blogs, and webpages for policy campaigns.
• Attend meetings with public officials, environmental leaders, scientists, and volunteers.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Organization & detail orientation

Interest in environmental protection

Reliable transportation

Self-starter mindset

Audubon values alignment

Inclusive work culture

Education

Environmental studies / political science / conservation science

Job description

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with more than 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 900 staff and more than 2.65 million supporters working across 11 countries and all 50 U.S. states, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

Audubon Vermont seeks candidates with a background and demonstrated interest in environmental law or policy to serve as a paid intern for the late winter/spring 2027 semester. The person in this position will work to advance environmental policy while learning how to apply law, science, and policy for the protection of birds and the places they need to thrive with guidance from our Executive Director and Conservation Policy Manager. The internship is designed to provide a range of administrative and programmatic experiences with a focus on issues facing Vermont and Northern New England. This position is overseen by our Youth Conservation Leadership Coordinator in partnership with the Conservation Policy Manager. The intern will work a total of 305 hours throughout the position from January through May 2027. This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon Vermont in Huntington, VT.

Length of Internship

January 2027 – May 2027 Hours: ~20 / week; 305 total hours Compensation: $19.00 / hour

Essential Functions

• Conduct policy research through the analysis and summary of environmental law and policy at both the state and federal level including administrative initiatives, draft regulations, proposed legislation, and federal projects.


• Develop briefing papers, reports, and comments to support Audubon Vermont’s positions on public policy proposals.


• Draft factsheets, blogs, webpage content and other outreach materials to support Audubon Vermont’s policy campaigns.


• Attend meetings with public officials, environmental leaders, scientists, and volunteers to support Audubon Vermont’s participation and contributions.


• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Internship Benefits

During this internship, the student will gain valuable experience interacting with the professional scientists, educators, and advocates at Audubon, as well as with other environmental professionals and leaders in Vermont. This internship will contribute to the goals of Audubon Vermont through supporting one or more policy campaigns in one or more of the areas of climate mitigation and adaptation, wildlife conservation, public and working lands, and watershed protection. This internship will include a mix of working environments including remote and in-person.

Qualifications and Experience

• Either received or working towards a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, political science, or conservation science preferred but not required.


• Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply.


• Strong oral and written communication skills.


• Well organized and an ability to focus on details.


• Genuine interest in environmental protection and conservation, the mission of the National Audubon Society, and social and environmental justice.


• Must have reliable transportation.

Personal Attributes

• self-starter with a creative, resourceful spirit; strong work ethic; dedicated and excited about working in a dynamic, fast-paced nonprofit organization; and an appetite for learning and growth.


• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.


• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.