This Opportunity is Currently in Draft

Requirements

College/School Eligibility:

  • Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Arts and Sciences

Class Year Eligibility:

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

Open to:

  • Cornell Undergraduate 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:

  • Work collaboratively with the EDF Coasts & Watersheds team to analyze tabular and geospatial data related to land use change and ecosystem services.
  • Create a report on projected changes to wetlands with sea level rise and groundwater flooding, which will inform wetlands protections policy development work of the Coasts & Watersheds team.
  • Perform literature reviews on coastal science, natural infrastructure, federal programs, and local climate adaptation, resilience planning, flood risk, insurance and housing.  
  • Support the writing of research reports, summaries, and other communication materials.
  • 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 climate change, climate impacts, natural systems, flood resilience, community resilience.
  • Coursework in environmental science, data science, ecology, economics, or GIS, recommended.
  • Interest in working remotely in a collaborative environment with partners preferred.
  • Basic proficiency in web-based computer applications and standard desktop-based software including Microsoft Suite and video conferencing tools required.  
  • Experience using geographic information systems and statistical programming preferred.
  • 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, and communicate effectively with a remote team.
  • 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 Raleigh, NC and many team members are in the Washington D.C. and Raleigh, NC areas. (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.