Internship, Environmental Policy "Making the Case for Walking and Bicycling", Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C. 
- Posted 05/08/2008 Open Until Filled

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About the Organization:
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation's leading advocate for trails and the only national organization devoted to converting unused railroad corridors into multi-use trails. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails. RTC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

About Our Internship Program:
RTC is a nonprofit public charity carrying out a program of technical assistance and public education.  RTC is looking for interns interested in working on environmental and public policy issues. Interns will provide assistance to the program, development, communications and the administrative department. Job assignments will consist of professional and administrative support. Interns will participate as full-time staff members including attending staff meetings, retreats and social gatherings. Hours are flexible to accommodate class schedule(s) or other commitments. Generally hours are four days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Summary of this Opportunity:
RTC is seeking an intern to help with the research for a comprehensive "Making the Case" report that describes the benefits of walking and bicycling in the context of climate change, transportation, and public health. This position will provide the opportunity to work on a publication that will help RTC to inform and educate policymakers, government officials, and the broader public. An extended version of this report will be posted on the web. This is a great opportunity to build your resume with substantial real world experience.
This internship will last through August 08.

Qualifications:
Qualified interns will be students with a passion for walking or bicycling, and a good understanding of the benefits these modes of transportation bring along.
More importantly, qualifying candidates are very strong logical thinkers, quick learners, and highly organized. The ideal candidate will quickly grasp the scope of a task and be capable of resolving it efficiently. She or he is able to focus on the details without loosing the sense for the bigger picture.

To succeed in this position, skills such as the following will come in handy: highly efficient in conducting web searches, able to read scientific literature, excellent quantitative skills, excellent writing skills, ability to create technical graphs, familiarity with climate change issues, transportation issues, or obesity, web programming or wiki. 

RTC operates off a PC/Microsoft Office platform, and proficiency in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, OR Web programming is required.

Benefits:
Internships are unpaid, though interns will enjoy the benefits of working in downtown Washington, D.C., in the casual but professional RTC National Office. Easily accessible by metro's red, blue and orange line, the office is located between DuPont Circle and Foggy Bottom, near a variety of restaurants and shops. Nearby cultural attractions include the Smithsonian, historical monuments, and the trendy DuPont Circle and Adams Morgan neighborhoods.

To Apply:
Send cover letter explaining your motivation and qualification to apply for this internship, as well as your resume to Elton Clark: elton@railstotrails.org. RTC is an equal opportunity employer and seeks qualified candidates regardless of race, color, gender, disability, or national origin. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.