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 seeks an Intern to assist in research related to sustainable agriculture within the seven Colorado River Basin states.

Water sustainability in the southwestern U.S. is inextricably connected to the future of agriculture in the region. Irrigated agriculture utilizes nearly three quarters of the water supplies in the Colorado River Basin, occupies over four million acres of land, and provides food and fiber for the 40 million residents of the Basin and for global agricultural exports. However, irrigated agriculture throughout the Basin faces a future with less water, more expensive water, and less reliable supplies. Projected climate change and impending reductions in available water of 20 percent or more and continued urban growth competing for water supplies are all impacting agricultural communities.

To aid in a sustainable agricultural future, the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy is initiating an agricultural water futures research effort. The Intern will collect, analyze, manage, and summarize data about agricultural land use changes within the Colorado River Basin.

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

• Research on agricultural land and water use throughout the Colorado River Basin, such as (a) Land ownership (b) Crop type/operations (c) Adoption of new and emerging water efficiency irrigation technologies (d) Changes in hydrologic factors (groundwater levels, snowmelt, runoff, annual yield from surface water) (e) Climate change drivers and impacts (e.g., droughts, flooding, etc.) and (f) Changes in water markets, water transfer arrangements, and rural-urban water exchanges 
• Expand and synthesize literature review on ag producer attitudes and perspectives 
• Produce geospatial datasets and visualizations based on above research
• Write blogs, reports, StoryMaps, and/or working papers summarizing findings; present the final product to the Babbitt Center staff and partner organizations as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned
• 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 (written and verbal) and research/analytic skills
• Understanding and interest in the rural-urban nexus and how it applies to agricultural water use, development, and conservation
• Motivation to take ownership of projects and demonstrate follow-through to complete tasks
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

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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