Binational Program Intern, Resource Assistant Internship Program (Remote)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Reclamation, is seeking one Binational Program Intern with a background or interest in international relations and water resources management. Successful applicants will join GBI’s Research Associate Program.

The primary project objective of the internship will be to conduct a literature review of, and interviews of personnel involved in, the binational management of the major binational river basins along the Mexico/Guatemala/Belize borders -  the Candelaria, Coatam, Grijalva, Hondo, and Suchiate River Basins - to compare to the binational management of the Colorado River Basin.  Additional objectives are to improve technical competence, workload management, communication skills, leadership characteristics, and independence while working in the public sector. The project will also include an expansion of the database and library development of existing articles and resources on historic and current efforts on the Colorado River Basin and the creation of a similar database for resources related to the river basins on the Mexico/Guatemala/Belize borders.

The intern will conduct a formal presentation of their project findings to key decision-makers during the final week of the internship. The intern will have the opportunity to collaborate with Reclamation staff and to travel to project sites in the course of their work. Program funds may be used for professional development opportunities, such as infrastructure tours and work travel. The intern will work and communicate with a Great Basin Institute Program Manager during the internship. The intern will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. 

Contract Timeline:

The 11-week internship will be a full-time (40 hours per week) opportunity beginning in June or July upon successful adjudication of a DOI Background Investigation.

Location:

This is a telework only project. The intern will not report in-person to a duty station. If the intern is required to travel, the office will pay for travel. Computer equipment and a cell phone will be provided for the duration of the Internship.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $22.80/hour;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost;
• Work travel expenses paid - used for orientation, trainings, infrastructure tours, and professional development opportunities that align with the intern’s goals;
• Upon successfully completing the internship and subsequently earning their undergraduate or graduate degree, the intern may be non-competitively appointed into permanent Federal positions in the competitive service for which they are qualified;
• Interns have 2 years from the date they completed their undergraduate or graduate degree to be hired using the Direct Hire Authority.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
• Available to work full-time (40 hours per week), starting in June or July 2024 for the full duration of 11-weeks;
• At a minimum, completed at least 2 years at an accredited university or earned an Associate’s degree or higher;
• Preference for 3rd or 4th year undergraduate student or graduate student;
• Currently enrolled and in good standing at an accredited college or university;
• Must have at least one quarter or semester of undergraduate or graduate coursework remaining prior to graduation after the internship is complete; Ages 18 to 30; up to 35 for veterans; and
• US citizenship or permanent residency. (Interns must undergo a government background check if selected);
• Since this is a remote position, please note that the selected candidate needs to reside in one of the states that we are registered to conduct business in: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IL, MA, MT, NC, NM, NV, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, or WY.    

The Ideal candidate has the following skills:
• Intermediate level in Spanish reading, writing, and speaking;
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience;
• Strategic thinking abilities;
• Demonstrated writing skills;
• Ability to work in a team and independently;
• Willingness to learn new skills and cultural competencies;
• Demonstrated presentation and research skills; and
• Knowledge of or strong interest in water management topics.
    
The ideal candidate has the following coursework:
• Coursework in International Law/Policy, Water Resources Management, Spanish, and/or Environmental Policy.