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Position Overview
The Lovejoy Center seeks a policy-minded student to serve as Policy and Biodiversity Research Specialist. This position offers hands-on experience in environmental policy research and analysis while building the Lovejoy Center's institutional capacity for ongoing policy monitoring. The successful candidate will focus on documenting and tracking biodiversity conservation policies affecting the Tucson-Sonoran Desert region, with opportunities to expand into an transnational comparative analysis.
This RISE Internship is a collaboration between the Lovejoy Center and AIR Education Initiatives. Learn more about the Resilience Internships and Student Experiences (RISE) program within the Arizona Institute for Resilience (AIR) here.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
1. Local Policy Research and Documentation
- Conduct comprehensive research on biodiversity and conservation policies in Pima County, beginning with the Pima County Conservation Plan
- Document intersections and variances between policy frameworks and conservation efforts across multiple levels of government (federal, state, county, municipal)
- Identify local land trusts and conservation NGOs and their role in policy advocacy
- Map policy landscapes affecting Sonoran Desert ecosystems and species protection
2. Policy Monitoring and Communication
- Develop and document a database of relevant government newsletters, alerts, and communication channels to monitor policy developments in focus regions
- Identify emerging policy issues and upcoming legislative and regulatory decisions that may impact regional conservation efforts
- Prepare monthly policy briefs for Lovejoy Center staff summarizing relevant developments in biodiversity and conservation policy
- Collaborate with the Communications Specialist to prepare 2-4 public policy memos for inclusion in the newsletter, website, or social media.
Comparative Policy Analysis Opportunity
Once established in local policy work and depending on student interest and skills, this position would ideally conduct comparative research on biodiversity policies across transnational boundaries, comparing and contrasting the approach, effectiveness, and implementation challenges in the Sonoran Desert context and the Amazon Rainforest context.
Minimum Qualifications
- Active University of Arizona undergraduate student in good academic standing and enrolled in at least 6 credits
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent written communication skills with ability to synthesize complex information
- Interest in environmental policy, conservation biology, or public administration
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple ongoing projects
Preferred Qualifications
- Major in Environmental Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Pre-Law, or related field
- Previous coursework in environmental policy, public administration, or government
- Familiarity with local government structures and processes
- Experience with policy research methods and legal document analysis
- Knowledge of conservation biology principles and biodiversity issues
- Understanding of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and regional environmental challenges
Supervision and Support
The Biodiversity Policy Research Specialist will report directly to the Lovejoy Center Director and will be mentored by the Program Coordinator.
Allowable Work Hours
During the semester, student employees are limited to 25 hours/week (20 hours/week for international students) across ALL U of A positions.
This position expects 10-15 hours a week and is work-study eligible.
International Students
International students should consult with International Student Services (ISS) if work authorization is needed before securing this role. ISS advising information can be found here.
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