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Internships at the Rainforest Alliance



			View information about current internship opportunities.

Whether you're a working professional interested in donating some of your time and expertise to our organization or a college student interested in gaining environmental work experience we welcome you to read on about internship opportunities at the Rainforest Alliance.

What Would I Be Doing?

Internship positions are available within our various programs and departments. Internships may include research on: environmental and market issues, environmental policy and law, tropical agriculture and forestry, media surveys, and special projects. Internships are currently available with the following programs and departments:

Sustainable Agriculture: We work to improve social and environmental conditions in tropical agriculture through the development and promotion of sound farming practices. Farms that meet these standards are certified and may use the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval in marketing their products.

Neotropics Communications: NeoComm is the environmental news hub of the Americas and is based in Costa Rica. The program publicizes conservation efforts and issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, helps conservation leaders design effective communications strategies and trains journalists in environmental reporting skills.

Communications: The main function of the Communications Department is to design and implement strategies and campaigns aimed at publicizing the Rainforest Alliance organization and its programs to a wide range of audiences.

SmartWood: SmartWood conserves forests by identifying and promoting environmentally sound forest management practices and awarding its seal of approval to responsible forest managers. (SmartWood internships are generally conducted in the Richmond, VT office.)

Education: The Education program works to encourage good global citizenship in young children in the United States, including a deeper understanding of current conservation challenges, wise resource use and cultural and environmental respect. Through the program, we work to provide quality education materials to K - 8 grade teachers in the United States, engage children in learning about each project, inspire students to become conscientious consumers and conservation advocates and develop tools for teachers and students that complement the educational units.

Where and When?

The majority of our internships are located in our New York office during the summer, fall, and spring semester. Some out-of-office research projects may be available provided that interns have access to a computer and the Internet. The time frame for internships can vary depending on the project, however, a three-month minimum commitment is usually requested.

Why Become an Intern at the Rainforest Alliance?

There are many benefits in becoming an intern at the Rainforest Alliance. Interns are a valuable resource to the Rainforest Alliance and play an integral role in many of our projects. As a small organization interns will have an opportunity to work with all levels of the Rainforest Alliance staff members. An internship can also help to increase your exposure to new career opportunities and to the field of conservation. It is a good first step towards an environmental career. According to The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers, "internships are considered a prerequisite for employment in the environmental community."

Requirements

All internships require research experience and strong written and verbal communication skills. Good academic standing and evidence of an interest in or knowledge of environmental issues are necessary. Computer skills are required. Foreign language skills are useful.

College Credit

The Rainforest Alliance will cooperate with colleges and universities offering credit for internship programs or work on special projects. It is the responsibility of the student to secure credit for the internship.

Compensation

Financial compensation is generally not available. However, depending upon the availability of funds for a particular program/ department a stipend may be provided for lunch and local commuting costs. Some students can qualify for work-study through their universities.