Summer 2026 Freshwater Ecosystems Policy Intern

Overview

NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our people helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our team of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and the globe from our offices in Beijing; Chicago; New Delhi; New York; San Francisco; Santa Monica; and Washington, D.C.

NRDC is seeking a Summer 2026 Freshwater Ecosystems Policy Intern to work with the Lands team associated with our Washington, D.C. office.

Responsibilities

The intern will work with the Freshwater Ecosystems staff (DC-based and remote) to monitor and research state, congressional, and administrative policy proposals as well as research and draft advocacy materials related to NRDC’s freshwater ecosystems protection and restoration campaigns. Work will relate to 1) defending the federal Clean Water Act and advancing protective state or Tribal water policies, and 2) nature-based solutions to decrease wildfire risk and support post-fire recovery in the West such as beaver restoration and process-based restoration. As time allows, the intern will have the opportunity to engage in other project work being completed by NRDC’s Lands division staff in and outside of Washington, DC.

• Track legislative and policy proposals emerging from states, Congress, and Federal Agencies.
• Attend House and Senate hearings to monitor legislation related to NRDC’s priority issues.
• Research nature-based solutions to support clean water, build resilience to wildfire, and help communities adapt to climate change.
• Research Tribal wetland management programs and models as well as co-stewardship agreements between Tribes and public land management agencies.
• Develop advocacy materials related to the topics mentioned above.
• Engage in other land and freshwater ecosystems protection and restoration policy projects.

Qualifications

Required

• Enrolled in a graduate program or recent graduate of a graduate program focused on public policy, law, environmental management, or sustainability.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Interest in environmental and social justice issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of and competency in equity and inclusion, including contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission and values.

Preferred

• Undergraduate or graduate exposure to nature-based climate solutions, ecological restoration principles and approaches, and/or freshwater protection or restoration policies.

NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

This position is: a paid internship with a stipend equivalent to $10,000.00 paid bi-weekly over the course of the assignment.

The incumbent will not qualify as an employee, fellow, volunteer, or independent contractor of NRDC, nor will the incumbent be guaranteed employment at the end of the internship term.

NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come into the office 8 days per month.

As a science-based organization, NRDC aims to do our part to help contain the COVID-19 public health crisis. For the sake of health, safety, and equity, we ask that people be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or other exemption in accordance with state and local law. We consider a person to be vaccinated two weeks after receiving one full course of a CDC-approved vaccine. In accordance with state or local law, new hires will be asked to attest to vaccination. Those wishing to do so may request medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions. NRDC treats all vaccination-related data confidentially, in keeping with local, state, and federal laws.

To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs.

If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422.

For more about NRDC, visit www.nrdc.org.