Internships
IN OUR CAMBRIDGE, MA OFFICE
Design/Photography Intern (Baker Media Internship)
IN OUR WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
IN OUR BERKELEY, CA OFFICE
No current openings
The Union of Concerned Scientists is committed to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.
Want Interesting Work That Matters?
Consider a UCS internship!
Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference AND gain useful work experience at the same time?
Would you like to work with people who know how to influence public policy?
Then consider applying for one of our internships.
Please note that these internships vary in length and time offered.
What qualifications do I need?
We expect all applicants to have excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and proficiency with computers.
What are the hours, and will I get paid?
Although most internships are full-time, some are part-time. See the individual listings for details. All interns receive a monthly stipend based on level of education. For full-time interns with a BA or BS, the stipend is currently $2,080.
What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must be able to provide an employment authorization document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How do I apply?
See instructions for each internship below.
Design/Photography Intern (Baker Media Internship)
Communications Department
Cambridge, MA
Are you a design or photography major interested in working for an organization that promotes science-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, like global warming, clean energy, sustainable food, and global security? The Union of Concerned Scientists is seeking a design/photography intern to help us update and enhance the imagery on our website. You will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of communications professionals and use your talent to help us communicate issues and concepts in a visually compelling manner. This opportunity will provide training for those interested in going into any kind of online design, specifically in the field of nonprofit website design. The design/photography intern will learn what it takes to run an effective website and how good design is essential to a website’s success.
Under the direction of the website manager, the intern will be responsible for developing a visual library of 40-50 photos per issue area (global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicles, nuclear power, sustainable agriculture, science and democracy) that
- connect the issues to people’s lives
- convey UCS’s scientific approach while avoiding visual clichés (guys in lab coats with microscopes)
- use creative visual metaphors to express abstract ideas
- increase diversity to better reflect current U.S. demographics
We expect that the project will require online research as well as the opportunity use your own photography. The intern will also be responsible for documenting image sources and copyright requirements for the images.
About the Baker Media Internship
The Baker Media Internship is funded through the generous bequest of the late C. Edwin (Ed) Baker, Nicholas F. Gallicchio Professor of Law and Communication at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and one of the country's foremost authorities on free speech, the First Amendment and mass media policy. The internship is designed to help further his interest in elevating science and policy issues for public consumption through the media.
Individuals from demographic groups underrepresented in science and environmental advocacy and from public universities are especially encouraged to apply. College students and recent graduates are eligible to apply for this competitive internship.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to communicate ideas visually through photographs. They will also have excellent digital image organization skills, Photoshop and Microsoft Office skills, and familiarity with optimizing images for web. Candidate should have the ability to shoot quality indoor and outdoor photos. Portfolio requested.
Candidates should have strong oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal relations skills, as well as an ability to work both independently and in teams. Interest in science, the environment and communicating ideas visually are strongly preferred.
We are seeking a highly motivated, creative individual with a great work ethic, positive attitude, and sense of humor.
Compensation, duration and location: The Union of Concerned Scientists provides $1,733 - $2,080 per month, depending on level of education, to interns working full time. This position is located in Cambridge and can be part-time or full-time for 3-6 months depending on the applicant.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume and portfolio via email to internship@ucsusa.org and include “Baker Internship” in the subject line. Please also add in your cover letter where you heard about the position. Email materials by Word or PDF only. No phone calls please. Deadline: February 22, 2012 or until filled.
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, established in 1987, is a highly-competitive national fellowship program that provides college graduates with the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security.
Twice yearly, the Fellowship's Board of Directors selects a small group of outstanding individuals to spend six to nine months in Washington. Supported by a monthly stipend, the fellows serve as full-time project assistants at the participating organization of their choice.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is one of the organizations where Scoville Fellows can elect to work.
Scoville Fellows, through independent projects and active participation with their chosen organization and the larger community dedicated to peace and security issues, have rich opportunities to gain experience and leadership skills and to help translate their social concerns into direct action. In addition, each fellow selects a board member to serve as a mentor and mentor, smoothing the transition to Washington, DC.
Scoville Fellows are selected from an international pool of distinguished applicants. Prospective fellows are expected to demonstrate excellent academic accomplishments and a strong interest in issues of peace and security. Graduate study, a college major, course work, or substantial independent reading that reflects the substantive focus of the fellowship is also a plus. Prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy is highly desirable. It is preferred, but not required, that such activities be focused on peace and security issues.
For information on how to apply, please visit the Scoville Peace Fellowship website.
Please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample via email to internship@ucsusa.org and include “Baker Internship” in the subject line. Please also add in your cover letter where you heard about the position. Email materials by Word or PDF only. No phone calls please.
