Policy Intern – Vermont

About Audubon:

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based community-driven impact dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planets health acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative bipartisan approach across habitats borders and the political spectrum Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Audubon Vermont seeks candidates with a background and demonstrated interest in environmental law or policy to serve as a paid intern for the 2026 winter/spring semester. The person in this position will work to advance environmental policy while learning how to apply science and policy to protect biodiversity birds and the places they need to thrive. The internship is designed to provide a range of administrative and programmatic experiences with a focus on conservation issues facing Vermont and the northeast. This position is overseen by the Vice President Vermont.

Length of Internship: 2026 winter/spring semester five to six months total

Hours: 12-15 hours per week for a total of 305 hours

This is a hybrid position working out of the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington VT

Compensation:

$19.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

During the internship the intern will gain valuable experience interacting with policy staff professional scientists educators and advocates at Audubon as well as with other environmental professionals and leaders in Vermont. This internship will contribute to the goals of Audubon Vermont through supporting one or more policy campaigns in one or more of the areas of climate mitigation and adaptation wildlife and habitat conservation biodiversity and threatened and endangered species protection land use water quality protection land conservation and public and private land management.

This internship will work remotely for the most part The interns will be required to attend meetings in person at the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington VT and be in the office approximately three days a month.

Categories of tasks and projects may include the following:

• Conduct research through the analysis and summary of environmental law and policy at both the state and federal level including administrative initiatives draft regulations proposed legislation and federal projects.

• Develop briefing papers reports and comments to support Audubon Vermonts positions on public policy proposals.

• Draft factsheets blogs webpage content and other outreach materials to support Audubon Vermonts policy campaigns.

• Attend meetings with public officials environmental leaders scientists partners and volunteers to support Audubon Vermonts participation and contributions.

• Participate in Audubon Vermont meetings (all staff conservation etc.) gatherings and other events.

Internship Benefits:

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• Tracking legislation and gaining an understanding of the legislative process.

• Analyzing conservation policy at the state and federal level.

• Writing position papers reports webpage content and public comments/testimony related to policy content.

• Networking and collaborating with environmental professionals.

Intern Schedule: 12 to 15 hours per week (flexible schedule)

Projected Start Date/End Date:

Middle of January 2026 to end of May or June 2026

Qualifications and Experience:

• Recently received or is working towards a bachelors or masters degree in the fields of conservation environmental studies political science conservation science or law. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply.

• Some experience in environmental policy or conservation is helpful but not required.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Well organized and an ability to focus on details.

• Self-starter with a creative resourceful spirit and strong work ethic.

• Appetite for learning and growth.

• Genuine interest in environmental protection and conservation the mission of the National Audubon Society and social and environmental justice.

• Commitment to Audubons organizational values of care collaboration change integrity impact and innovation.

• Must have reliable transportation

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal state or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process please contact .This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.