Requirements

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:

• Develop public-facing materials that detail the U.S. fishery management system with an emphasis on the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and role of the regional fishery management Councils under NOAA and the Department of Commerce.
• Identify opportunities within existing and future EBFM and climate resilient fisheries initiatives where the team can advance recommendations nested within the U.S. Fisheries & Oceans Roadmap.
• Remotely attend regional fisheries management meetings (e.g., Council meetings, committee meetings, workshops, public hearings) and summarize findings to the Team.
• Assist in the development of comment letters that capture the team’s recommendations on specific fisheries/oceans policies.
• Perform a literature review on climate-resilient fisheries management to update the team’s research database.
• Research and provide recommendations for staff on ways to further incorporate equity and environmental justice into the team’s work.
• Attend, participate in and present during bi-weekly resilient fisheries team meetings.
• 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 focused on marine/environmental science, marine/environmental policy, environmental law, or natural resources management.
• Demonstrated interest in U.S. fisheries management, marine conservation and regional/national policy.
• Coursework in environmental law, natural resources management, and marine science recommended.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting outreach or surveys, analyzing results and providing recommendations, and presenting findings
• Demonstrated experience in crafting compelling stories through conducting interviews
• Experience using online facilitation tools, such as Google Slides or Miro, is a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency; with skill in developing and delivering PowerPoint presentations.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and 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. Preference for Washington D.C. Intern supervisors are in Portland, ME and Williamsburg, VA. (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.