Schneider Summer Fellowships: Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) - Summer 2026

Through the Schneider Fellows program, Stanford students work at leading U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the sustainable energy field. Schneider Summer Fellows spend a summer quarter tackling the world’s economic, environmental, social, and technical challenges associated with harnessing energy resources to deliver energy services.

Fellows receive a stipend of $11,500 for a 12-week summer fellowship. Additional funding of up to $1500 is available for fellowship-related travel. 

Environmental Defense Fund internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Check out the nine summer fellowship positions available to Stanford students below. Applicants can rank up to three fellowship positions. 

EDF Schneider Fellowship Dates: Selected EDF Schneider Summer Fellows are expected to begin service on June 8, 2026 (finals schedules permitting) and conclude on August 28, 2026, or to begin service on June 15, 2026. Fellows who begin service on June 15, 2026 will have the week off during the week of August 31st when the EDF offices are closed, and will conclude their fellowships on September 11, 2026. Fellows may work fully remotely during the week of September 7th .

Fellowship 1: Methane Activity Data

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C. Intern supervisor is in Vancouver, Canada. 

Program/Department Overview

Science and Innovation (S&I) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, S&I provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization. 

The S&I team works on projects across EDF's mission areas and workstreams, translating basic and applied research in natural and social sciences into actionable ideas. Within S&I, the China Methane Science team seeks to understand the spatial and temporal patterns of methane emissions across different sources in China and pursue methane reductions in collaboration with diverse partners in policy and advocacy teams at EDF. Though focused on China, this team is advancing scientific and policy tools to support technologically sound solutions that deliver reductions in methane emissions across the world. 

Overall Function

The intern will search, compile, and integrate information related to methane emission sources across East Asia from both anthropogenic and natural activities, beginning with EDF’s MethaneSAT target regions and later expanding to additional areas. Deliverables will include a well-referenced collection of information on methane emissions derived from peer-reviewed literature, online resources, public media, economic reports, and both archived and recent government and policy documents. The intern will report to a Scientist within the S&I team. 

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Search, compile, and integrate information related to methane emissions through manual review of various available documents.
• Retrieve and organize relevant web-based resources using effective data collection and web-scraping methods.
• Document the information and any associated data packages in a clear, well-referenced report.
• Communicate findings and progress effectively with team members.
• 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. 

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or a recent graduate of a graduate degree program with coursework or background in environmental science and policy, environmental engineering, Earth sciences, computer science, economics, or related fields.
• Proficiency in Mandarin for reading and interpreting technical and non-technical documents strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental topics, climate sciences, or economics.
• Experience with information retrieval and web data collection using python, JavaScript, or similar tools is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills. 

Fellowship 2: Livestock Methane Reduction

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C. Intern supervisor is in the Triangle region of North Carolina and many team members are in New York City. 

Program/Department Overview 

The Science and Innovation (S&I) program at EDF fosters investigation of solutions to environmental problems based upon strong science and economics. S&I is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, S&I provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization. 

The S&I team works on projects across EDF's mission areas and workstreams, translating basic and applied research in natural and social sciences into actionable ideas. 

Overall Function 

The intern will investigate available information on the cost of installing, maintaining and operating a manure lagoon cover with biogas collection as well as a cover on the digestate storage structure. Captured biogas can provide energy for on-farm use. The digestate cover will reduce ammonia emissions and associated public health risks. The economic analysis will include the cost versus revenue from on-farm energy and sale of GHG credits for avoided methane emissions. The intern will report to a lead senior scientist and work closely with other members on the Livestock Methane, Climate Smart Agriculture, and +Business teams. 

Key Responsibilities 

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Research on the economic evaluation of costs and necessary returns to make an economically viable case for the installation of biogas collection and ammonia emission reductions for manure management on medium sized livestock operations
• Work with the EDF Livestock Methane team as well as colleagues in land-grant agricultural universities.
• Perform literature reviews on the costs of manure lagoon covers and GHG trading programs.
• Prepare a report on the results of the literature search and research work.
• 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. 

Qualifications 

Enrolled in a degree program with coursework in agricultural systems, economic evaluations, or related fields. 

• Demonstrated interest in mitigation of livestock GHG emissions.
• Strong demonstrated research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills. 

   

Fellowship 3: Mesopelagic Fisheries Ecology 

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C. The intern supervisor is based in California and team members are elsewhere on the West Coast. 

Program/Department Overview 

Healthy oceans are the lifeblood of our planet, but they’re in peril, due to climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction and other threats. EDF's Fisheries & Oceans program has been successfully helping fisheries around the world become more sustainable and resilient to the effects of climate change for over 20 years. We have developed initiatives to protect and restore the natural pathways through which the ocean sequesters atmospheric carbon dioxide, an essential part of any strategy to prevent catastrophic climate change. Environmental justice and equity are imperatives of our work, as is the improvement of human welfare and food security. We draw on strong science, policy, and economic principles and skills to achieve these ambitious goals. 

Overall Function

The Intern will work closely with scientists on EDF’s Ocean Science Team to support efforts to protect the mesopelagic—or twilight—zone, a critical part of the ocean that supports up to 90% of fish biomass and plays a major role in carbon storage. With growing interest in exploiting mesopelagic species for new fisheries, there is an urgent need to understand their ecological importance and develop precautionary management strategies. 

The intern will help quantify the role of mesopelagic species in the diets of key predators such as tuna, sharks, seabirds and marine mammals, which are either targeted directly or captured incidentally (as bycatch) in fisheries worldwide. The intern will assess how emerging mesopelagic fisheries could affect food webs and create potential conflict with existing fisheries. Working with EDF experts and external collaborators, the intern will also contribute to developing science-based recommendations for Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to guide sustainable and precautionary management. 

The intern will report to the Research Scientist, Seabird-Fisheries Interactions, and be an active member of the Ocean Science Team, participating in regular meetings and contributing to cross-project collaboration. By the end of the internship, the intern will have expanded their research skills and will have a deeper understanding of oceanic food webs, predator-prey interactions, ocean governance, and fisheries management. 

Key Responsibilities 

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Conduct literature reviews on predator-prey and trophic interactions in the mesopelagic zone and quantify the role of mesopelagic species in the diets of predators targeted by fisheries (e.g. tuna, squid), as well as species affected indirectly through bycatch (e.g. sharks, seabirds).
• Consider ecosystem implications of emerging mesopelagic fisheries and their potential effects on established fisheries, paving the way for future research.
• Support policy research on the capacity of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to manage or protect mesopelagic ecosystems within their jurisdictions.
• Contribute to the development of policy and science recommendations for RFMOs to guide precautionary and ecosystem-based management of mesopelagic resources.
• Collaborate with EDF’s Ocean Science Team and external partners on projects advancing the protection and sustainable management of mesopelagic ecosystems.
• Assist in preparing written materials such as reports, memos, and case studies to document and communicate findings.
• Engage actively in team meetings and progress check-ins to share updates and integrate feedback.
• 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. 

Qualifications 

• Enrolled in a degree program with coursework, independent research, or other experience in marine or fisheries ecology, fisheries management or marine policy.
• Proficiency in conducting research and synthesizing results.
• Experience conducting detailed literature reviews preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with the R, Python, or other programming software is a plus.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and to work independently when projects are due. • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills. 

   

Fellowship 4: Community Air Monitoring 

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C, with option to be U.S. Remote in Houston, TX. Intern supervisor is in Houston, TX. 

Program/Department Overview 

EDF’s Healthy Communities Focus area is committed to improving the public’s health by dramatically reducing exposures to and health impacts of toxic chemicals and air pollution among communities and individuals that bear the greatest burden of exposure and/or health risk. By advancing scientific insights, policies, and market-based leadership and working with diverse partners and collaborators from companies, researchers, and community-based groups to government agencies and elected officials, we seek to make evident inequities in chemical- and pollution-related health impacts, and to develop, support and implement solutions that promote healthy communities and individuals. 

The Healthy Communities team in Houston, TX supports community-based organizations as they work on their Enhanced Community Air Monitoring grant awarded by the EPA. Houston Data to Action community groups have embarked on community-led monitoring of hazardous air pollutants, addressing blind spots in community exposures by collectively quantifying and mapping air toxics in residential neighborhoods and near permitted facilities in Harris County. EDF and other groups work to analyze, visualize and share data with the public, as well as local and state governments, community-led disaster planners, policy makers and regulators. 

Overall Function

The intern will develop maps, data visualizations, presentations, outreach materials, and summaries that can be shared with city, county, state, federal officials and the public summarizing results of the mobile monitoring campaigns and potential health impacts to local Harris County communities. The intern will report to the Senior Health Scientist and work closely with other members on the Healthy Communities Team as well as members of the Houston community-based organizations. 

Key Responsibilities 

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Virtually attend regular update meetings with community, EDF, and other partners working on the EPA grant.
• Research area for background information that may inform mobile monitoring plan and placement of low cost air sensors in the communities.
• Contribute to developing maps, data visualizations and summaries that can be used in different contexts (print, social media, presentations, etc.) and appropriate for different audiences (public, local, state, federal officials and regulators).  
• 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. 

Qualifications 

• Enrolled in a degree program with coursework or demonstrated interest in air quality, public health, data analysis or evaluation, and environmental justice.
• Experience using R, Python, GIS mapping, and statistical analysis.
• Experience using Canva and Microsoft office.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due. • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds. 

• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills. 

   

Fellowship 5: Climate Science & Communication

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C. Intern supervisor is in Seattle and other team members are located across the U.S. 

Program/Department Overview 

The Science and Innovation department is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the scientific backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the most up-to-date information. To be effective in this role, S&I works with staff from across EDF and provides programmatic support for all EDF scientists as well as fostering relationships with scientists in academia, government and industry. Within the department, the Climate Science team plays a central role in advancing policy-relevant science and ensuring that climate-related initiatives and communications at EDF are based on the best available science. The team performs primary research on climate change and its societal impacts, as well as on potential climate solutions and adaptation strategies. The group is often sought by the media for comment on emerging climate science and impacts. It serves as a high-profile outlet for climate science research and communication. 

Overall Function 

The intern will play a central role in fulfilling the cross organizational demand for cutting edge climate science information. Climate-related initiatives at EDF such as policy and legal positions, climate innovation technologies, market-based solutions and communications rely on robust, credible, and timely scientific information. For example, using climate metrics and modeling tools, the intern will consult data inventories to quantify trends in observed and future climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events. 

The intern will also help communicate science to internal and external audiences. For internal audiences, the intern will participate in developing factsheets, webinars, reports, and maintain existing climate factoid databases (e.g. climate and extreme weather) by incorporating the latest scientific studies. The intern will also help vet climate science content in EDF materials such as membership letters, webpages, press releases, and social media posts. 

Deliverables for the above functions may include but are not limited to: factsheets and memos synthesizing the best available quantitative information on a given subject; assembling a climate science resource database; and blog posts communicating climate science related topics. The intern will report to a climate scientist. 

Key Responsibilities 

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Support EDF’s advocacy by helping prepare outreach materials to policy makers, other stakeholders, and the interested public.
• Synthesize scientific understanding of relevant climate change issues for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to developing current information on climate impacts including extreme events and support the team in streamlining the process for common communication requests.
• Work with climate scientists to prepare public facing climate science communications materials including topical blogs, climate science fact sheets, and content for additional platforms, including for time-sensitive requests.
• 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. 

Qualifications 

• Enrolled in a degree program with coursework in environmental sciences, geosciences, atmospheric sciences, and/or ocean sciences.
• Demonstrated experience and interest in climate science.
• Passion for solving the climate crisis and knowledge of relevant climate policy issues.
• Experience and strong interest in science communication.
• Experience in scientific research projects using the scientific method preferred, either related to coursework or in a research lab.
• Experience in engaging with primary research literature, summarizing complex concepts for various audiences.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft office.
• Graphics and design skills a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills. 

Fellowship 6: Voluntary Carbon Pricing

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C. Team members are in New York and North Carolina. 

Program/Department Overview 

EDF's Carbon Pricing initiative executes EDF's work on carbon pricing. The Carbon Pricing team coordinates and aligns EDF's approach for engagement and advocacy in global carbon markets. Team members undertake original research and publish in peer-reviewed journals; participate in and regularly give presentations to international negotiators, represent EDF and broader NGO coalitions; and develop and present materials in a wide range of settings, including multilateral meetings with governments and civil society organizations, corporations, and other stakeholders around the world. 

Overall Function

The intern will support EDF’s work around carbon pricing and carbon markets, particularly the voluntary carbon market. The intern will provide analytical and operational support to ongoing projects, including the formation of EDF’s strategic goals and EDF’s participation in external initiatives related to carbon pricing. The intern will produce analysis and written outputs for both internal and external audiences. 

Key Responsibilities 

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Contribute to the development of EDF’s strategic work in global carbon markets.
• Conduct internet and library research and combine data from multiple sources related to carbon markets.
• Write accompanying documentation detailing data sources, shortcomings, assumptions, and areas for additional work.
• Assist in synthesizing findings into research memos, fact sheets, articles, and communications materials for both internal and external audiences.
• Provide ad hoc support to the team in various research and analytical capacities.
• Support carbon market projects, particularly related to the voluntary carbon market.
• Assist in clerical and project management work, such as taking notes, scheduling meetings, tracking follow-up items, etc.
• Develop specific professional development goals and develop an actionable professional development plan for the duration of the internship.
• 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. 

Qualifications 

• Enrolled in a degree program with coursework in environmental economics or policy, environmental studies, international relations, public policy, data analysis, sustainability and/or related fields.
• Demonstrated interest in climate policy, advocacy, economics, and/or the use of market-based solutions to environmental problems.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Teams/SharePoint, Slack, Asana, Monday.com, or other collaborative software tools.
• Excellent data management and/or quantitative skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, navigate uncertainty, and proactively seek guidance when needed.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly to translate technical concepts and issues into lay language. 

• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds. 

   

Fellowship 7: Economics Research

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C. Intern supervisor is in Washington, D.C. and many team members are in New York. 

Program/Department Overview 

EDF’s Economics team utilizes to address environmental challenges by creating economic incentives that align market forces with environmental goals, and strengthens the work of all of EDF’s eight focus areas, including Healthy Communities, where the intern’s contributions will be focused. EDF’s Healthy Communities team is working with communities, scientists, economists, and governments and industry to reduce the risks from air pollution by partnering with subnational stakeholders primarily in the Global South to design integrated climate and clean air solutions with robust data, and advance outcomes towards a toxics-free environment primarily in the United States by changing how manufacturers make and use them and moving toward the safest possible alternatives. 

Overall Function 

The intern will contribute research, writing, and analytical support to ongoing projects led by the Manager, Economics and Policy, in collaboration with EDF’s Healthy Communities focus area, primarily focusing on EDF’s efforts to measure, monetize, and mitigate the health, and climate harming impacts to communities from petrochemical pollution and other critical anthropogenic sources. As part of this effort, the intern will support the compilation of policy briefs, memos, and discussion papers that will disseminate findings from literature-based discursive research and support the Manager in completing ongoing analytical tasks, which include the use of EDF-designed tools to identify and visualize facility and regional level datasets aimed at capturing the socioeconomic determinants of health risks. The intern will also use insights from this research and other prescribed material developed by EDF teams, to support the Manager in ongoing efforts to embed equity and justice considerations in the Economics team’s work. 

Key Responsibilities 

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Research on the policy ecosystem and political economy of environmental regulation and industrial policies pertaining to air pollution and toxics substances control in the United States
• Work with data analytical and visualization tools to represent summary statistics and patterns in multi-year, multi-facility, and multi-sectoral data
• Prepare draft sections of discussion papers, policy memos, and shorter work products for internal and external communication with the help of pre-set annotated outlines provided by the team
• Contribute to developing an internal set of priorities and actionable items for equitable economics work at EDF by delving deeper into prescribed set of case studies and best practices
• 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. 

Qualifications 

• Enrolled in a degree program in public/environmental health, atmospheric sciences, environmental policy, environmental economics, or related fields.
• Coursework and/or experience with spatial analysis, technical writing, environmental impact assessments, and stakeholder interviews.
• Experience in quantitative analytical software such as Excel and/or R, to perform descriptive statistical analyses and data cleaning tasks.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Suite and experience in ArcGIS Desktop and/or QGIS a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills. 

   

Fellowship 8: Agriculture & Water Communications

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, or Washington D.C. Intern supervisor is in San Francisco. 

Program/Department Overview 

Climate change is fundamentally altering the basic conditions that define what food we can grow and where we can live, and these shifts will only intensify in the coming decades. 

EDF’s Agriculture, Water, and Food (AWF) Program is focused on ensuring we not only endure this transition but collectively emerge with robust communities, farms and ecosystems capable of thriving in an age of extremes. AWF helps communities adapt to the dual challenges of too little water in agricultural communities and too much water in both rural and urban areas. 

At the same time, the farmers and ranchers who are increasingly harmed by climate change are also contributing to it. Our Climate-Smart Agriculture Program helps farmers and ranchers reduce emissions, focusing primarily on methane caused by livestock and nitrous oxide caused by fertilizer. 

The Climate Resilient Water Systems (CRWS) workstream is dedicated to developing water management and policy solutions that balance water supply and demand and increase the resilience of water systems. EDF has established a reputation as both a trusted and credible partner with diverse stakeholders, governments, and water agencies, and as an advocate for transformational change in water policy and practices that incorporate ecosystem goals. 

Overall Function 

The intern will report to the Sr. Communications Director for the EDF Water Program and work closely with members of the CRWS and Climate-Smart Agriculture programs on a variety of communications products and strategies. Potential deliverables include blogs and social media strategy and production; experience may also touch on infographic development, website and video editing, and the creation of marketing collateral. 

Key Responsibilities 

 Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Write and/or edit blog posts, newsletters, social media, and media pitches.
• Collaborate on short video projects, including drafting interview questions; interviewing water managers and/or farmers; and working with videographers on editing.
• Support coordination of events and/or webinars.
• Contribute to the development of strategies to reach new audiences, including communities that have been historically excluded from water decision-making.
• Research media coverage to prepare press releases and pitches for a range of reporters, including local, state and trade outlets.
• Update website content for Water and Agriculture teams, including pages on the EDF website and other microsifts.
• Track metrics related to social media, blogs, newsletters, webpages, and more.
• 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. 

Qualifications 

• Enrolled in a degree program with coursework in communications, environmental studies, science writing, or related fields.
• Demonstrated interest in environmental issues and communications, journalism, or writing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with agriculture and water policy and governance a plus.
• Social media experience preferred but not required.
• Experience in community engagement (i.e. interviewing, outreach, coordination) a plus.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds. 

• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills. 

   

Fellowship 9: Japan Fisheries & Oceans

Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, Washington D.C. Intern supervisor is based in Portland, Oregon, with other team members based in Tokyo, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. 

Program/Department Overview 

The ocean is a lifeline for billions of people globally, providing essential nutrients, livelihoods, and economic opportunities. Yet climate change and overfishing are rapidly degrading marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, the safety of coastal communities, and global food security. That’s why EDF’s Climate Resilient Fisheries and Oceans team is working to safeguard the oceans and protect nature, while feeding the planet, creating more secure livelihoods, and bolstering more equitable societies for human well-being. One of the greatest threats to the oceans is overfishing, and our dedicated team of scientists, economists and fishery management experts are collaborating with partners around the globe to make sustainable fishing the norm. Through our programs in the U.S., Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region, we draw on strong science and economic principles to advance sustainable fishing practices, forward-looking policies and innovative tools that support the health of our oceans and the people who depend on them for food and their livelihoods. 

In Japan, with over 2000 ports nationwide and nearly 150,000 fishermen, EDF is focused on recovering fish stocks, improving climate resilience, and stabilizing fishing communities by working with fishermen, scientists, and managers to implement the landmark 2018 Fishery Reform Act. We provide technical guidance and expertise on implementation of fisheries management measures, hold workshops to help empower stakeholders to participate more effectively in the management process, and host international scientific exchanges aimed at improving management of regional fisheries. 

Overall Function

Under the supervision of the Director of Japan Fisheries and Oceans, the intern will help advance Japan’s position as a global leader in sustainable, climate-resilient fisheries by assisting in research, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and communications to modernize the fisheries management framework. Projects will likely include conducting background research on fisheries management systems in Japan and comparable countries (e.g., TAC/IQ frameworks in Norway, the U.S., or Korea); compiling summaries on climate adaptation, quota systems, small-scale fisheries management best practices, or monitoring technologies; supporting workshops and exchanges; updating our website and social media; and drafting memos to support our engagement and advocacy efforts. 

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to: 

• Support in the coordination of climate resilient management, small-scale fisheries, stakeholder engagement, and other workshops.
• Research and draft reports on global best practices for small-scale fisheries management, climate-resilient fisheries management practices, incorporation of fisher data and citizen science into assessment and management, and other relevant topics.
• Prepare public facing communication and outreach materials for external audiences on social media.
• Provide ad hoc support to the team in various research and project capacities.
• Participate in team meetings and check-ins and function as a fully integrated teammember.
• 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.

Qualifications 

• Enrolled in a degree program with demonstrated interest in environmental science, oceanography, international policy and/or a related field.
• Coursework in fisheries, environmental policy, resource economics, or related topics.
• Strong Japanese language skills (reading and speaking) strongly preferred.
• Experience and/or demonstrated interest in environmental communications or social media a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.