VNRC helps train the next generation of environmental advocates and policy experts. Our “alumni” have gone on to work at environmental organizations, law firms, government agencies, and beyond – both in Vermont and across the globe. Some have also served in political offices in Vermont and Washington, D.C.
We offer a variety of internship and volunteer opportunities for applicants with an interest in environmental policy and law, land use and community planning, land conservation, clean energy and climate change, water quality, forest and wildlife conservationmanagement, public health, environmental justice, and related issues. Learn more about our work here. We welcome individuals who care deeply about the health of Vermont’s environment and communities.
VNRC strongly encourages applications from candidates whose identities have been historically underrepresented in the environmental movement, including people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander, or people of color; people from marginalized economic backgrounds; and people living with disabilities.
Below, find an overview of the opportunities we have available, and how to apply. If you have any questions, please email Alex Connizzo, Special Projects Coordinator, at aconnizzo@vnrc.org.
Mollie Beattie Internship
Named in honor of the late Mollie Beattie, who served as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 1991-1996 following years of environmental service in Vermont, this opportunity is open to a graduate level student—or a recent graduate with a natural resources or law degree—who intends to pursue a career in environmental or natural resources policy or law.
The intern will help coordinate initiatives related to forest and wildlife conservation, land use planning, sustainable community development, and water quality, and, if qualified, VNRC’s legal program. The scope of work will be matched with the intern’s experience and interests.
In particular, the intern will work under the mentorship of VNRC’s staff on policy development, advocacy, research, and networking on environmental issues in Vermont. The Mollie Beattie Intern will conduct research, prepare analyses and memoranda, participate in strategy development, track litigation proceedings (if appropriate), draft white papers, and participate in other opportunities to sharpen their skills and experience.
Applicants: Open to all
Season/s: Spring-Summer
Compensation: Paid up to $6,400 for approximately 8-10 weeks of work
To apply: Applicants should email their resume and a letter of interest addressed to the Mollie Beattie Internship Committee to aconnizzo@vnrc.org.
Legislative Internship
VNRC’s Legislative Intern is responsible for tracking legislative committee hearings, floor debates, and other testimony for VNRC, our partner organization, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), and the Vermont Planners Association (VPA). The Legislative Intern is sometimes asked to provide testimony or write op-eds on topics of interest.
Applicants: Open to all
Season/s: January-May (to coincide with legislative session)
Compensation: $16.00 per hour for 32 hours/week (2024)
To apply: Advertising for the Legislative Internship begins in September/October, with interviews conducted in early November and a start date in early January. Please apply by sending your resume and a letter of interest to Alex Connizzo, Special Projects Coordinator, at aconnizzo@vnrc.org.
Summer Policy and Legal Internship
VNRC occasionally hires full-time summer interns to work under the mentorship of VNRC’s attorneys and staff and conduct legal research, prepare legal analyses and memoranda, participate in legal and/or policy strategy development, track litigation proceedings, draft white papers and participate in other opportunities to sharpen their skills and experience.
Typically, interviews for summer internship positions occur in January and/or February and placements are completed by February or March. Externships are secured based on availability and capacity at VNRC.
Applicants: Law school or graduate students
Season/s: Summer
Compensation: School credit or minimum wage (if funding is available)
To apply: Applicants should work through an adviser or Career Services, or apply directory to VNRC and must submit a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample.
Graduate School Externship
VNRC has a long-standing partnership with graduate students from institutions such as Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS). We engage graduate students in two ways: 1) as full-time summer interns (see above) or 2) as spring or fall externs, who work longer-term with supervisors over an entire semester.
Typically, interviews for summer internship positions occur in January/February and placements are completed by February/March. Externships are secured based on availability and capacity at VNRC, and may take place in the spring or fall.
Externs work under the mentorship of VNRC’s attorneys and staff and conduct research, prepare analyses and memoranda, participate in strategy development, track litigation proceedings (if appropriate), draft white papers and participate in other opportunities to sharpen their skills and experience.
Applicants: Vermont Law School students or other graduate students
Season/s: Spring / Fall
Compensation: School credit or minimum wage (if funding is available)
To apply: Applicants should work through an adviser or Career Services and must submit a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample.
Volunteer Opportunities
Outside of the positions described above, VNRC welcomes year-round applications from those interested in volunteering their time and expertise to our organization, whether it be in policy or science, communications and social media, videography or photography, administrative support, or other areas.
Applicants: Open to all
Season: All; applications accepted on a rolling basis
Compensation: Unpaid, but we can offer school credit to those who are eligible
To apply: Send an email with your interest and availability to Alex Connizzo, Special Projects Coordinator, at aconnizzo@vnrc.org.