Application Guide
How to Apply for Summer 2026 Science Internship – International Program
at Earthjustice
🏢 About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is unique as the nation's premier nonprofit environmental law organization, using the power of the law to protect people's health, preserve wild places, and advance clean energy. Working here means directly contributing to high-impact legal battles against climate change and environmental degradation, offering a chance to apply scientific expertise toward tangible environmental justice outcomes.
About This Role
This internship involves conducting targeted scientific research to support administrative comments, litigation, and campaign materials on energy projects and regulations, while also drafting comprehensive research memos on emerging technical and policy issues in the energy transition. It's impactful because your scientific analysis will directly inform legal strategies that challenge harmful energy policies and promote environmental protection.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing scientific studies on the environmental impacts of a proposed energy project to draft sections for an administrative comment, followed by a virtual meeting with the Staff Scientist to discuss findings. You could also spend time compiling data on renewable energy trends for a long-term research memo, using tools like Excel or literature databases to support Earthjustice's advocacy materials.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For
- A graduate student in environmental science or a closely related field (e.g., environmental engineering, energy policy) who will be enrolled during both spring and fall 2026 semesters.
- Demonstrates proven ability to conduct rigorous scientific literature reviews and perform basic quantitative data analyses relevant to energy or environmental topics.
- Possesses exceptional written communication skills, with experience distilling complex scientific information into clear, actionable memos or reports.
- Is adaptable and tech-savvy, comfortable with MS Office and eager to learn new research tools or software as needed for environmental advocacy work.
📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice
Highlight any coursework, projects, or research specifically related to energy systems, climate policy, or environmental regulation to show direct relevance to Earthjustice's focus areas.
Include concrete examples of scientific literature reviews or data analyses you've conducted, specifying the methodologies and tools used (e.g., Excel, R, GIS).
Tailor your resume to emphasize environmental advocacy or nonprofit experience, even if volunteer-based, to align with Earthjustice's mission-driven culture.
Mention any familiarity with administrative processes like NEPA comments or regulatory appeals, as these are core to the role's responsibilities.
If you have remote work experience, detail how you've successfully managed research projects independently while collaborating virtually with teams.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express a genuine passion for environmental justice and climate action, linking it to Earthjustice's specific campaigns or legal victories.", "Detail a relevant research project where you analyzed scientific data or literature to support a conclusion, emphasizing how it prepared you for this role's discrete and long-term research tasks.", 'Explain why the energy transition focus resonates with you, perhaps referencing a specific issue like renewable energy siting or fossil fuel regulations.', "Connect your graduate studies in environmental science to the internship's timing, confirming your enrollment status for spring and fall 2026."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Earthjustice's recent legal cases and campaigns focused on energy, such as those opposing fossil fuel infrastructure or advocating for clean energy policies, to understand their strategic priorities.
- → Explore the organization's 'Our Work' section to learn about their specific program areas, like Clean Energy or Fossil Fuels, and note any recent victories or ongoing efforts.
- → Read the Staff Scientist profiles or related team bios on their website to grasp the interdisciplinary nature of their work and how science integrates with legal advocacy.
- → Familiarize yourself with key energy regulations or policies Earthjustice often engages with, such as the Clean Air Act or state-level renewable energy standards.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Earthjustice's mission or specific energy-related work, making it seem like a mass application.
- Overemphasizing laboratory or fieldwork experience without connecting it to policy, litigation, or advocacy contexts relevant to this role.
- Failing to confirm graduate enrollment for spring and fall 2026, as this is a strict requirement and could lead to immediate disqualification.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!