Job Description

The Global Center for Species Survival (GCSS) Intern will take on a proactive role assisting with global conservation priorities and projects across varying taxa (mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, plants, and fungi) and realms (marine, freshwater). Interns will assist conservation coordinators in supporting the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) specialist groups, with a particular emphasis on conservation planning and action. Interns will help coordinators with urgent conservation needs ranging from coordinating communication strategies to public audiences, conducting research, organizing workshops and meetings, and assisting in capacity building efforts. This is a paid, for credit, internship position available for Spring/Fall semesters. Pay is $14/hour.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Examples of tasks:

1. Support the Global Centers working plan to safeguard threatened habitats and species globally.
2. Support the development and coordination of project proposals that serve as foundation of the IUCN SSC APA (assess-plan-act) cycle.
3. Manage databases, email, and other communication items.
4. Projects may vary pending the needs of the conservation coordinator and may be related to some of the following topics:
   1. Assist Coordinator in supporting specialist groups in their capacity building efforts.
   2. Plan workshops and annual meetings.
   3. Manage and create content for social media accounts for specialist groups.
   4. Enhance communication across Specialist Groups.
   5. Engage in conservation campaigns.
   6. Review action plans for various specialist groups.
   7. Assist with research, grant writing, and fundraising initiatives.

Environmental Conditions Primarily professional office environment with some variable environmental conditions. Must follow Indianapolis Zoo Protocols and Procedures.

Experience Self-motivated with an attention to detail. Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines. Demonstrated effective interpersonal and organizational skills. Demonstrable experience in scientific and public engagement, including good presentation skills. Excellent written and oral communication, diplomacy and interpersonal skills. Fluency in English a requirement with fluency in other languages welcomed. An eagerness to expand personal knowledgebase and adapt to new challenges. A professional and positive attitude is expected at all times while interacting with peers, co-workers and the public. Ability to work independently. Computer and word processing (Microsoft Office) abilities required.

Education Available to 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students or graduate students from any major area of study at an accredited college or university.

Term Upon placement, the intern will be required to complete 10 hours per week throughout the semester (to coincide with school semester dates). Exceptions for the weekly hours may be made based on the intern’s school schedule, professional meetings, etc, and must be requested upon hire.

Evaluation Upon placement, there will be weekly meetings with your coordinator to assess progress on internship objectives. There will be an exit interview and review of the internship/coordinator upon completion of the internship for final evaluation.

***APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS***

Professional resume

Cover letter describing why you are applying, the skills you bring to the position, your career area(s) of interest, and what you hope to professionally achieve from the internship. Submit when asked for additional documents.*

To apply, you MUST submit a resume and a cover letter to this application as an attachment. *Students who do not submit a cover letter will not be considered for this position.