For five decades, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, both domestically and internationally.

 

ELI is hiring interns to support the research and publications departments of the Institute. Interns work directly with staff attorneys, editors, scientists, and economists on a variety of projects. Substantive areas of focus in domestic and international policy and law include: climate change, land use, biodiversity, air quality, public health, hazardous waste and brownfields, wetlands and watersheds, armed conflict and the environment, environmental management systems, public participation, environmental justice, Indigenous issues, and environmental enforcement.

About the Internship

Interns conduct in-depth secondary and primary research, attend and report on outside events, analyze, edit, and synthesize scholarly material, assist with preparation for environmental training courses, and provide limited administrative support. ELI integrates interns into the day-to-day operations of the Institute, and interns are encouraged to attend ELI-sponsored workshops, seminars, roundtable, and other events. In addition, interns will develop and complete an independent research project under the guidance of ELI staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should possess superior research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as a deep desire to gain knowledge of the environmental field. A strong academic background is required, but specific environmental experience is not. Candidates should demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and the ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

 

Eligibility is limited to students who have completed their first year of college.

About ELI

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an environmental law, science, and policy center that makes law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. Our mission is to foster innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress.

ELI’s Research and Policy experts develop innovative legal and governance solutions to challenges in areas such as climate change; environmental justice; natural resource management; land conservation and smart growth; biodiversity loss and habitat destruction; and air, water, and soil pollution. Together, ELI’s staff aims to:

  • Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions
  • Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges
  • Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media
  • Work with partners to develop and implement laws, policies, and other means to protect the environment and society
  • Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue

For more information on ELI’s programs, visit https://www.eli.org/programs.

COMPENSATION

ELI will provide interns an hourly wage of $16.10. If an intern desires to receive course credit for the internship and the intern’s school prohibits earning income for the same work as the course credit is being received, accommodations can be made. Candidates for the summer internship must be available to work at least 15 hours/week for at least 10 consecutive weeks.

In order to participate in the paid internship program, you must be physically present in the DC metro area (where ELI’s office is located) to allow for an in-person or hybrid internship experience. ELI is in the process of reopening its office but is cautiously approaching reopening in an effort to protect the health and safety of the ELI community from Covid-19.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, submit an application package via ELI’s online application system at https://www.eli.org/employment. Note that your submission must contain the following uploaded documents (Word or PDF format), as follows:

  • Cover letter (including hours per week and number of weeks available)
  • Resume  (including overall GPA)
  • 3-5 page analytical writing sample

Candidates invited to interview will also be asked to complete a 1-2 hour skills assessment. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process.

 

Please direct all inquiries to internsearch@eli.org. Phone calls are not accepted. For more information on the Institute, visit www.eli.org.

 

Applications must be submitted no later than March 1st, 2023 at 11:59pm and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery.

Please note that to ensure the health and safety of the ELI workforce, any offer of employment from ELI is contingent on candidates providing proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.  ELI management will consider requests for religious or medical exceptions, consistent with applicable law.

 

ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness. As such, minority candidates and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.