Application Guide

How to Apply for Groundwater Accounting Platform Intern

at The Environmental Defense Fund

🏢 About The Environmental Defense Fund

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) stands out for its unique blend of rigorous science, market-based solutions, and collaborative partnerships to tackle complex environmental challenges globally. Working here means contributing to practical, scalable solutions that balance ecological needs with human demands, making it ideal for those who want their work to have real-world policy and environmental impact.

About This Role

This internship involves supporting the development of EDF's Groundwater Accounting Platform by conducting a landscape analysis of water accounting during extreme weather events and exploring land use change scenarios. It's impactful because you'll directly contribute to tools that help manage scarce water resources in drought-prone states like Arizona and California, enhancing climate resilience for communities and ecosystems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching water accounting practices under extreme weather conditions, documenting findings for the platform's development, and participating in team meetings to discuss land use change scenarios. You could also assist with outreach materials or communications to support stakeholder engagement, all while balancing multiple tasks in a remote setting.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For

  • Has a demonstrated interest in water markets or decision support tools, possibly shown through coursework, projects, or advocacy related to western U.S. water issues.
  • Possesses strong research and documentation skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information about water accounting practices under stress.
  • Is exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple tasks like research, planning, and communications support simultaneously.
  • Communicates clearly both in writing and verbally, ideally with some experience in environmental or science communication.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Environmental Defense Fund

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any coursework or projects related to water resource management, economics, or science communication—specifically mention if you've studied western U.S. water systems.

2

In your application materials, explicitly connect your skills to the CRWS workstream's focus on Arizona, California, Colorado, or Texas, showing geographic awareness.

3

Demonstrate your ability to multi-task and meet deadlines by providing concrete examples, such as managing a research project with tight timelines.

4

Research and mention EDF's 'uncommon partnerships' approach, suggesting how you might collaborate with diverse stakeholders like water agencies or governments.

5

Avoid generic environmental passion statements; instead, focus on specific interests in groundwater management, water accounting, or climate resilience tools.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your specific interest in groundwater accounting or water markets, linking it to EDF's work in states like California or Colorado.", 'Highlight any experience with research, documentation, or communication related to water resources or environmental decision-making.', "Describe how your organizational skills and attention to detail will help you contribute to the platform's development and outreach efforts.", "Express enthusiasm for EDF's science-and-partnerships model, and how you align with their mission of practical, scalable solutions."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore EDF's Climate Resilient Water Systems workstream and their current projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas.
  • → Learn about groundwater accounting platforms or tools used in water-scarce regions to understand the context of this role.
  • → Review EDF's partnerships with water agencies or governments, noting any recent collaborations mentioned in their reports or news.
  • → Study the basics of water markets and decision support tools in environmental management, as these are key to the role.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss your understanding of water accounting challenges in the context of extreme weather (e.g., droughts or floods) in the western U.S.
2 Explain how you would approach researching existing water accounting activities and identifying gaps for the platform.
3 Describe a time you managed multiple priorities or deadlines in a research or academic setting.
4 Share your thoughts on the role of market-based approaches or partnerships in solving water management issues.
5 Ask about the specific outreach and communications tasks involved, and how the intern will engage with stakeholders.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention water management, groundwater, or EDF's specific focus areas.
  • Overemphasizing broad environmental passion without concrete examples of interest in water resources or accounting.
  • Failing to demonstrate organizational skills or experience with multi-tasking, which are critical for this research and planning role.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Environmental Defense Fund!

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