Description

The Wildlife Society has an opening for a paid wildlife policy and communications intern position for an individual with an interest in conservation policy issues and communications. This will be a six-month appointment from September 2026 through February 2027. 

The intern will be an integral part of TWS’ Government Affairs and Communications programs. These programs work to ensure that 1) TWS’ members are informed of the latest wildlife science, news and policy issues, 2) policies empower, enable and assist wildlife professionals in their work of wildlife conservation and management. The intern will be responsible for:

• Researching, tracking and communicating relevant wildlife conservation, management, science and policy issues through web articles, social media content, etc.
• Preparing background information for use in testimony, letters and comments
• Creating informative resources (e.g. policy briefs, fact sheets, infographics) for use by TWS members
• Writing articles for the TWS website and TWS’ magazine, The Wildlife Professional, that focus on connections between wildlife science and policy, and the impacts of policies on wildlife and wildlife professionals
• Attending and assisting with the operations of TWS’ 33rd annual conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

This internship is a full time, six month, paid position, carrying a stipend of $2,000 per month. The internship will be fully remote. The intern is responsible for their own housing and insurance. The intern is expected to travel to participate in the annual conference in November, 2026. Costs associated with travel will be covered by TWS.

This internship is an excellent educational opportunity to learn about wildlife and natural resource policy, science and policy communications, and the management and engagement of nonprofit organizations. The Wildlife Society will cooperate with universities and colleges that offer credit for internship programs; however, students must make all arrangements for receiving academic credit with their institution.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, contact information (email/phone/address/title) for two references, a college transcript (unofficial or official), and a writing sample of <500 words that provides coverage of a wildlife policy issue of interest to you. If possible, please submit all documents as one PDF. Finalists will be interviewed via video conferencing.

Applications must be submitted by July 15, 2026. Send completed applications via email (hard copies not accepted) to: [email protected] 

Requirements

Applicants should have a strong interest in conservation policy and journalism. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology, or related natural resource, policy or communications degrees. Applicants should have excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to work independently for long periods, and show initiative in taking on new tasks. Membership and/or previous involvement with The Wildlife Society is beneficial, but not required.