Our Mission

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy seeks to improve quality of life through the effective use, taxation, and stewardship of land. A nonprofit private operating foundation whose origins date to 1946, the Lincoln Institute researches and recommends creative approaches to land as a solution to economic, social, and environmental challenges. Through education, training, publications, and events, we integrate theory and practice to inform public policy decisions worldwide. With locations in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Phoenix; and Beijing, we organize our work around the achievement of six goals: low-carbon, climate-resilient communities and regions; efficient and equitable tax systems; reduced poverty and spatial inequality; fiscally healthy communities and regions; sustainably managed land and water resources; and functional land markets and reduced informality.

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy Overview

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, seeks to advance the integration of land and water management to secure a sustainable water future in the West, throughout the U.S., and the world.

Position Overview

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy is seeking a Native American Intern with an interest in exploring water and land management within communities across the Colorado River Basin, including Indigenous communities, to join our team for a summer and/or academic semester internship. This internship will contribute to Babbitt Center’s integrated land and water planning efforts, focused on policy, research, and practice.

This is a part-time position @ up to 19 hours/week reporting to the Senior Program Manager. This is a 4 to 6 month internship to start. We will also consider hiring a summer internship.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct policy research and write memos or reports on varied subjects associated with Babbitt Center’s land and water policy work as it relates to Colorado River communities and stakeholders, including Indigenous communities
• Research and analyze existing or proposed laws, regulations and policies, and data that impact Babbitt Center’s mission and its work with Indigenous communities
• Data collection and visualization
• Participate in organizational staff meetings and related activities as appropriate
• Conduct outreach to and communicate with Babbitt Center partners, constituents, and Colorado River stakeholders 
• Present findings to Babbitt Center staff and partner organizations as appropriate
• Work on existing Babbitt Center programs such as the Water and Tribes Initiative, Growing Water Smart, and Sustainable Agricultural Futures
• Revise the Colorado Basin Story Map on ArcGIS
• Propose and develop new projects that are closely aligned with Babbitt Center’s mission and contribute to the land and water management needs of Colorado Basin indigenous communities
• No travel required

What You’ll Need

• College junior or higher educational level, including master’s students, with a concentration in one or more of the following fields: geography; GIS; hydrology; environmental and natural resources management and planning; environmental engineering; environmental studies; or related field
• Basic understanding of – and strong interest in – environmental sustainability issues in the Colorado River Basin, including implications of climate change for land and water resource management
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and research/analytic skills
• Understanding and appreciation for the cultural context within which Indigenous communities and Nations function and operate
• Motivation to take ownership of projects and demonstrate follow-through to complete tasks
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge and familiarity with Indigenous sovereignty and governance preferred, not required
• Experience working with Indigenous populations both in Indigenous Nations and urban centers preferred, not required 
• Relationships with Indigenous community leaders, state and local decision makers, and other stakeholders in the Intermountain West preferred, not required
• Indigenous language skills preferred, not required

Application Overview

To apply, please click the APPLY FOR THIS JOB button. For questions, contact Faith Sternlieb at fsternlieb@lincolninst.edu.

Compensation Overview

The hourly range for this role is $15-$20/hour depending on level of education and years of experience.

Our Values

We support a culture of forthright feedback, initiative, cooperation and teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accepting responsibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), ancestry, citizenship status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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