EDF internships provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.
Program/Department Overview
The Climate Resilient Water Systems (CRWS) workstream is dedicated to developing water management and policy solutions that balance water supply and demand and increases the resilience of water systems. EDF focuses on strong science, uncommon partnerships, and economically sensible approaches to develop and implement practical solutions that serve the water resource needs of people and the environment. EDF has established a reputation as both a trusted and credible partner with diverse stakeholders, governments, and water agencies; and as an advocate for transformational change in water policy and practices that incorporate ecosystem goals. The work currently is focused within Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas, with active exploration of new work in New Mexico and Oregon and a handful of other locations around the world.
Overall Function
The intern will support EDF’s efforts to advance equitable and sustainable groundwater and surface water management through research, education, and community engagement. Working with the Climate Resilient Water Systems team, the intern will contribute to projects that strengthen understanding of water interconnectivity, elevate community and Indigenous perspectives, and inform justice-centered water strategies. The position offers opportunities to conduct applied research, develop communications and educational materials, and assist in partnership-building efforts that promote inclusive, data-informed approaches to water resilience across New Mexico and the broader West. The intern will report to a Senior Manager within EDF’s Climate Resilient Water Systems program and collaborate with staff, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Tasks will include but are not limited to:
- Conduct research to understand the social, hydrological, and governance dimensions of surface and groundwater management.
- Support the development of clear and accessible educational materials, digital tools, or outreach campaigns that communicate the importance of groundwater–surface water interconnectivity and integrated management.
- Assist in strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities, supporting culturally grounded knowledge exchange and collaborative learning.
- Contribute to community and partner engagement efforts, including workshops, webinars, and coordination of outreach events or materials.
- Provide research, communications, and organizational support for initiatives that integrate equity, local knowledge, and scientific data into water planning and resilience strategies.
- Attend and provide support for internal and external meetings to learn from and contribute to collaborative water and equity initiatives and help advance place based groundwater management and policy frameworks for New Mexico.
- Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree program in environmental science, water resources, geography, sustainability, public policy, or a related social or natural science field.
- Demonstrated interest in water policy, environmental justice, natural resource management, or community-based engagement.
- Experience with research, data analysis, or applied projects related to environmental or social equity issues.
- Familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, NVivo, or similar) and basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible language.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
- Proven initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Location
U.S. Remote, with option to be hybrid out of an EDF office in San Francisco, CA, Boulder, CO, or Austin, TX. Intern supervisor is in New Mexico and many team members are in California, Arizona, Colorado and Texas.
Term
Summer 2026 as full-time (35 hr/week) and option to be extended to Fall 2026 as part-time (10-15 hr/week)
Compensation
This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $18 – $20/hour.
Application Materials
Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.
Learn more about internships at EDF –http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships
