Research Intern

~ Global Footprint Network is changing how the world manages its natural resources ~

Every year people demand more from nature than it can regenerate, leading to disruptive resource constraints and climate change. To create a better future, leaders in government and finance come to us for guidance about how to manage the resources they have, reduce economic risk, and improve well-being.

We help them take action by translating data into insights that drive practical decisions. This starts with metrics that track how resources are used and measure what’s available. Then we empower clients to frame opportunities and make confident policy and investment decisions backed by facts.

The heart of our work is the Ecological Footprint. The Footprint measures human demand on nature, expressed as a single, easy-to-understand number that’s scalable from a global to individual level. We pioneered this acclaimed methodology more than 20 years ago and continue to build on the science and design new tools for applying it.

What we are looking for

Global Footprint Network is seeking interns to assist its Research team in the following areas:

• Production of our core data product, the National Footprint Accounts;
  Analysis, presentation, and visualization of Footprint results on our data platform (data.footprintnetwork.org)
• Improvement of the underlying science of Ecological Footprint accounting.
  Improvement of the Ecological Footprint Calculator (www.footprintcalculator.org)
• Recent graduates or advanced undergraduates with strong quantitative, analytical, coding or web development skills are encouraged to apply.
• Qualified candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Economics, Forestry, Earth Science, Agriculture, Biology, Ecology, Urban Planning, Resource Management or related fields.

What you’ll bring

• Strong interest in sustainability, ecological economics and/or resource and energy analysis
• Creativity, initiative, strong quantitative skills, and the ability to wrap your head around complicated calculations
• Excellent writing, research and time management skills
• Competency in MySQL, R, VBA, Matlab, statistical analysis software, or other programming languages (highly desirable, but not required)
• ReactJS, webpack/ES6 or other web development experience (desirable, but not required)

What you’ll do

• Support the production and advancement of the National Footprint Accounts
• Support highly visible web-based tools and applications of Ecological Footprint accounting
• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the science of sustainability and Ecological Footprint analysis
• Participate in behind-the-scenes discussions with our research team about how to save the world
• Research various Footprint topics such as carbon emissions and sequestration, forestry, livestock sustainability, agricultural production and fisheries

Compensation

• Our internship positions are unpaid, however, a small stipend is offered.
• The minimum commitment would be 16 hours per week for 12 weeks. Hours are flexible.
• We are willing to work with a university to arrange academic credit.
• This is a wonderful opportunity to work with an innovative organization.

Start Date

• We are currently accepting applications for internships that will begin in September 2017.

Location

• The office is located in downtown Oakland and is easily accessible by mass transit.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to submit your resume and cover letter.
• No phone calls, please.
• Click here for more information about Global Footprint Network and the Ecological Footprint.