Spring 2027 Science Internship – Washington, DC Regional Office

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer.  

Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. 
 
Earthjustice’s Washington, DC Regional Office is seeking one part-time spring 2027 science intern. We are seeking graduate students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. This is a paid position, and the successful candidate may work remotely within the U.S. or a hybrid schedule from our Washington, DC office.  

Earthjustice's Washington, DC Regional Office serves both as a regional office for issues arising in the mid-Atlantic states and as a center for litigation on important national environmental issues. The DC office's docket currently includes matters related to air quality, greenhouse gases, drinking water, energy efficiency, science defense, and promoting a transition to zero-emission transportation systems. 

 
What You’ll Do 

Under the supervision of the Sr. Staff Scientist and Sr. Research and Policy Analyst, the intern may have the opportunity contribute comment letters to federal agencies, factsheets for community partners, blog posts, internal memos summarizing research, data analysis, and engagement with Congressional members/staffers.  

What You’ll Bring 

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program with an expected graduation date no earlier than May 2027. Priority will be given to those with a background in environmental science, biology, chemistry, engineering, public health, or a related field. 
• Experience with and/or have taken courses on environmental health (e.g., epidemiology, toxicology, human health risk assessment) topics.  
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and comfort navigating and learning new tools. 
• Outstanding research skills, including ability to conduct scientific literature reviews and basic quantitative data analyses.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex information to various audiences.  
• Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership.  
• Must commit to 15 hours/week for 10-12 weeks.  

Compensation: 

Interns at Earthjustice receive an hourly rate that is considered taxable income. The spring 2027 hourly rate for graduate students is $27.66. 

To Apply:

• Interested candidates should submit the following materials by Friday, September 18 at 5:00pm PT via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed beginning September 21 with offers extended no later than November 13.      
• Resume. 
• One-page cover letter that addresses: (1) Why you want to work with Earthjustice’s Washington, DC Regional Office, (2) Your general weekly availability and confirmation you can work for 10-12 weeks, and (3) An indication of any applicable deadlines or requirements that are relevant to your ability to accept an offer.  
• Additional Documents (select “Add Files” in Jobvite): (1) Proof of enrollment in your academic program (e.g., verification from your registrar’s office, unofficial transcript), and (2) Writing sample of up to 10 pages that illustrates the applicant’s ability to analyze an environmental issue. Please include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others as well as whether artificial intelligence was used in the drafting or editing of your writing sample. 
• Finalists will be asked to submit 2 references. 

Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process. Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies. Earthjustice only considers applications submitted for current openings via Jobvite. Unsolicited resumes or resumes for posted positions that are not submitted via Jobvite will not be reviewed or retained.  

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position. 

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.