National Geographic Society Ocean Exploration Science and Technology Internship

The purpose of the intern program is to provide paid learning/educational and work-related experiences for individuals. The program’s focus is to ensure a positive experience at NGS through proper guidance, support, and the opportunity to learn from the host department/mentor, its management, other staff members and Human Resources.

Who can be an intern?

An intern should be a student enrolled at an accredited US based College or University. The intern will perform work on a temporary basis to gain job-related skills and will engage in other formal learning and educational opportunities.

Summary

National Geographic Society is seeking an Ocean Exploration Science and Technology Intern to join and support our Science & Innovation Team. This person will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of a framework to support recruitment for National Geographic Science & Innovation programs, with a focus on marine science, technology, engineering, and conservation fields, and a particular emphasis Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in these fields. This position will support a partnership between the National Geographic Society and Schmidt Ocean Institute. Our ideal candidate is independent, highly-motivated, and passionate about ocean science and technology.

Five Principal Learning Responsibilities

  1. Develop familiarity with relevant National Geographic ocean-focused programmatic activities and grant portfolios, specifically on existing and new grant recruitment strategies and National Geographic priorities and partnerships in ocean science and technology. (10%)
  2. Enhance research and analytical skills by employing several types of research methods including literature reviews, interviews with experts, and online searches. Deploy these skills to review and identify recruitment strategies for underrepresented individuals and groups working in ocean sciences and technology, with a focus on ocean research and technology in specific regions of the world and in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines. (30%)
  3. Hone critical thinking skills to identify recruitment practices that align with the NGS mission and are locally and culturally relevant, and develop a recruitment framework based on existing NGS models and additional standards which will be used to incorporate DEI considerations in the development of, and recruitment for, new National Geographic grantees or Explorers (e.g. a new ocean science and technology partnership). (30%)
  4. Enhance teamwork and communications skills, including by working closely with other relevant NGS summer interns (when possible) and relevant NGS staff to successfully lead his/her/their intern project. (20%)
  5. Build skills for working in collaborative and cross-disciplinary teams, including by conducting preliminary consultations with other National Geographic staff members to assess how findings from the Ocean Sciences and Technology Projects internship may inform development of new National Geographic projects. (10%)

Related Field of Study Required

Current undergraduate or graduate student (Masters or PhD), working toward or has obtained Bachelor’s degree in ocean science, engineering, environmental science, or related fields welcome to apply. Student will need to be enrolled in school during the internship.

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • A strong commitment and interest in ocean science or technology, preference for an interest in DEI in STEM
  • Excellent writing, verbal, and communication skills
  • Excellent research, analytic, organizational, and critical thinking skills. Attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in participating substantively on a team
  • Interest in science-focused, non-profit experience; and
  • Ability to work independently when needed; ability to work well in a remote setting.

Application Information

  • Cover letter is required. Please submit a cover letter as a single document with your resume.
  • Students must be enrolled in a US based accredited college or university.

Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by February 28, 2022. Offers will go out between April 6-10, 2022.

Internship Dates

  • Start Date: 6/8/22 (no exceptions)
  • End Date: 8/3/22

National Geographic will provide housing and travel to and from Washington, D.C. for this year’s program.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

National Geographic’s headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn more about this internship and how to apply.

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