This Opportunity is Currently in Draft

Requirements

College/School Eligibility:

  • Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Brooks School of Public Policy
  • Architecture, Art and Planning
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Graduate School
  • Human Ecology
  • SC Johnson Business - Dyson

Class Year Eligibility:

  • First Year (undergrad)
  • Second Year (undergrad)
  • Third Year (undergrad)

Open to:

  • Cornell Undergraduate Students
  • Cornell Graduate/Professional Students

(Important: applicants must return to continue their studies at Cornell in Fall 2026 in order to qualify. May 2026 graduates cannot apply.)

Key Responsibilities:
Tasks will include but are not limited to:

  • Build geospatial databases gathering publicly available datasets and others published in the primary literature.
  • Conduct GIS analyses on key aspects of the mesopelagic zone and potential ocean governance zones.
  • Prepare polished maps for use in internal and external engagements.
  • Work collaboratively with the ocean science team and our colleagues outside EDF, attending meetings and contributing to discussions.
  • Write a report synthesizing learnings and potential future directions
  • 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 graduate or undergraduate degree program with demonstrated interest in ocean science, ocean governance, fisheries science, resource management, and related fields.
  • Coursework, certificate, or demonstrated expertise in GIS.
  • Coursework in ocean and environmental science or related fields recommended.
  • 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.
     

Location: Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, New York, NY or Washington, D.C with the option to be U.S. Remote. Intern supervisor is in Washington State and many team members are on the West Coast. (Hybrid means must be physically present in location throughout internship, coming into the office an agreed number of days/week. US Remote means must be physically located in the US while working for the internship.)

Term: Summer 2026 (10 weeks)

Hours: Full-time (35 hr/week)

Compensation: This internship will be fully funded through Cornell Atkinson; a $7,000 stipend is provided.

Application Materials: Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the application form. (Please access the application by clicking the green "Apply" button on the Overview page. You will be directed to an external application form.)

All proposal materials MUST be received by 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.