Remote Seabird Bycatch Data Intern

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. offers a Spring 2027 internship spanning 16 weeks, with a focus on seabird-fisheries interactions. The role emphasizes data processing, spatial analysis, and quantitative modelling to inform conservation strategies at an international scale.

Interns will work under a Research Scientist, gain practical experience applying quantitative ecological research to fisheries management, and collaborate with EDF scientists and partner NGOs across the West and East Coasts.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a master's or doctoral degree in ecology, marine science, fisheries science, conservation biology, environmental science, geography, data science, or a related quantitative field.
• Proficiency in R programming (or Python skills and a willingness to work in R), including demonstrated experience in data processing, manipulation, visualization, and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated experience conducting spatial analyses in R, including working with geospatial data and spatial data packages.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to independently troubleshoot code and interpret results.
• Experience reviewing and synthesizing scientific literature to inform research questions and analytical approaches.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver analytical outputs within tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to disseminate scientific findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Help collate, process, and map seabird distribution and fisheries effort datasets to assess spatiotemporal patterns of seabird-fisheries overlap.
• Review scientific literature to compile species-specific catchability estimates, life-history characteristics, and evidence on the effectiveness of seabird bycatch mitigation measures.
• Review existing fisheries regulations and work with EDF scientists and collaborators to develop and evaluate alternative bycatch mitigation and management scenarios.
• Develop, refine, and implement R code to model the potential effectiveness of different management scenarios in reducing bycatch.
• Support sensitivity analyses to evaluate model assumptions, parameter uncertainty, and the robustness of results.
• Where feasible, incorporate observed bycatch rates to estimate the number of seabirds caught and potentially saved under different management scenarios.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific figures, maps, technical reports, and policy-relevant recommendations to inform fisheries management decisions.
• Communicate with scientific collaborators, seabird tracking data holders, IATTC staff, and partner NGOs to support data acquisition, analysis, and policy engagement.
• Participate in advancing EDF's organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Skills

R programming

Spatial analyses in R

Data processing

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Cultural competency

Education

Master's or PhD in ecology or related quantitative field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. offers a Spring 2027 internship spanning 16 weeks, with a focus on seabird-fisheries interactions. The role emphasizes data processing, spatial analysis, and quantitative modelling to inform conservation strategies at an international scale.

Interns will work under a Research Scientist, gain practical experience applying quantitative ecological research to fisheries management, and collaborate with EDF scientists and partner NGOs across the West and East Coasts.