Andrus Scholars

Advocates for the West

Advocates for the West seeks a highly qualified and motivated summer intern to work closely with our communications, engagement, and development (fundraising) staff, our attorneys, and our summer law clerks on our busy legal advocacy portfolio. 

About Advocates for the West:

As free lawyers for the environment, Advocates for the West protects and defends the West’s public lands, water, fish, wildlife, and communities. We empower conservation organizations, Native American Tribes, and environmental advocates through top-notch, strategic legal services. With our headquarters in Boise, ID and staff in Oregon, Montana, Colorado, and Washington, Advocates for the West is a proven winner in the court of law, enforcing bedrock environmental statutes and the conservation values you treasure. Our team consists of 10 attorneys, 1 paralegal, and 4 administrative staff. For the last 23 years, we have won hard-hitting victories for conservation across the West. Visit www.advocateswest.org to learn more.

Opportunities:

• Public Outreach: Work with our communications team to develop messaging, conduct media outreach, and develop content for our website, newsletters, and other materials; create narratives that highlight the values of our work in tandem with our development team; help organize and participate in outreach events.
• Learn & Network: Meet with our clients and partners, conduct field visits, and attend court proceedings; participate in weekly staff meetings; attend weekly summer clerk and intern seminars to learn more about environmental law.
• Legal Support: Conduct some legal and factual research under the supervision of one or more of our attorneys.

Qualifications:

Applicants with strong writing and communications skills, an interest in law or policy, and a passion for the environment are preferred. We value diversity and encourage students from underrepresented communities to apply.

Location:

This internship will consist of in-person work at our Boise, ID headquarters and regular, virtual meetings with staff located throughout the West. There is potential for some remote work. We strive to be flexible to accommodate the intern’s personal needs and preferences while providing enough structure and support to foster a successful learning experience.

Duration, Hours & Schedule:

10 weeks. Flexible start and end dates. 30 hours per week. Typical and preferred work hours are on weekdays and (roughly) within the 8am-5pm range; however, we are willing to consider alternative schedules to suit the intern’s needs.

Idaho Conservation League

Summary of Position:

The Idaho Conservation League (ICL) Andrus Scholar Fellowship offers college students hands-on experience with ICL’s External Relations team at the intersection of environmental advocacy, communications, and marketing. This position is ideal for students pursuing marketing, communications, graphic design, journalism, or environmental studies, and is designed for those interested in how strategic marketing, storytelling, and public engagement shape conservation outcomes in Idaho.

The Andrus Scholar will support ICL by researching emerging narratives, collecting and elevating community stories, and translating that work into compelling public-facing content and campaigns. This role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to real-world conservation efforts while building professional skills in marketing strategy, content development, branding, and public engagement.

Experience or interest in marketing strategy, graphic design, digital marketing, social media, photography, or merchandise design is a plus, but not required.

Duties

• Marketing, Digital Content, and Brand Support
  Support ICL’s marketing and outreach efforts by assisting with the creation and adaptation of digital and print materials, including campaign visuals. Complete basic graphic design tasks using established ICL brand guidelines and templates. Support communications staff by assisting with message testing and reviewing engagement metrics across digital platforms.
• Merchandise and Outreach Support
  Assist with the development, promotion, and use of ICL merchandise and creative outreach materials (e.g., stickers, shirts, event swag) that support conservation messaging. Support inventory coordination and integration of merchandise into campaigns and events. Assist with tabling and outreach at community events, volunteer days, and presentations.
• Advocacy and Communications Support
  Support the External Relations team through interviews, short story collection, blog writing, and digital storytelling to elevate ICL’s presence within affected communities.

Skills needed

Strong analytical, writing, communication, and organizational skills. Degree seekers may include (but are not limited to) students in marketing, communications, graphic design, journalism, environmental studies, public relations, or related fields. A sincere interest in Idaho’s natural resources is essential.

What you will learn

The goal of this opportunity is to provide real-world experience for students interested in environmental nonprofit work, environmental communications, and grassroots advocacy and mobilization. The scholar will gain insight into how environmental activism and strategic communications advance conservation goals, as well as an appreciation for the many roles required to operate an effective nonprofit organization.

Hours

This position is approximately 30 hours per week for 10 weeks, beginning as early as late May and ending as late as late September. While the schedule is flexible, occasional evenings and weekends may be required. The position is based out of ICL’s Boise office, with opportunities to travel to surrounding communities.

Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation (HRWMA)

Internship Description:

Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation (HRWMA) is looking for a dependable, motivated summer intern to job shadow with our Conservation Director on outdoor restoration projects and a variety of other conservation, urban-interface, education, and outreach topics.

About HRWMA:

HRWMA is a non-profit organization established to mitigate adverse impacts to wildlife through conservation planning and restoration efforts and was authorized as part of the Boise City Council’s approval of the Harris Ranch planned development in 2007. In addition to its wildlife mitigation mission HRWMA engages in community education and outreach to bring knowledge of the environment to the homeowners at Harris Ranch. HRWMA works with other partner organizations in the valley. Visit www.hrwma.org to learn more about us.

Summary of Position/Opportunities Available:

• Restoration and Conservation: Hands on field experience assisting in maintenance of restoration areas (watering native seedlings and weeding around them), spring planting, mapping and citizen science, scientific monitoring, reporting, and learning about land management issues, such as noxious weed control, recreation use, ecosystem recovery, and wildlife in urban settings. You’ll have the opportunity to observe plants and wildlife in the Barber Valley
• Education and Outreach: Develop educational content, such as newsletters, and help organize and participate in classes and outreach events
• Networking: Meet local partner organizations (county, city, state, and NGOs) and work collaboratively on projects while learning more about conservation in your community

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a strong interest in and knowledge of the environment; ability to work outdoors under varying weather conditions (hiking, bending, kneeling, and lifting); good writing and communication skills; willingness to take on tasks, and be responsible and timely.

Location:

This internship will be based remotely (work from home) and also in the field (in east Boise). Field work is conducted in the Barber Valley on the private lands managed by our organization and on neighboring lands along the Boise River and foothills.

Duration, Hours, and Schedule:

This internship is for approximately 30 hours/ week for 10 weeks from the beginning of May through mid-August, but may flex depending on the applicant. The hours and schedule of work are flexible. Typical hours are within the 8am-5pm range on weekdays, but may also include occasional Saturdays.

USDA Forest Service, Boise National Forest – National Environmental Policy Act & Disaster Relief Internship

The USDA Forest Service, Boise National Forest is looking for an intern to work with our interdisciplinary teams for the summer of 2026.

Position Description

The intern will gain valuable skills as a technical assistant in the supporting collaboration and coordination with staff from multiple disciplines to support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses and the implementation of $21M in Disaster Relief funds for restoration work across the Boise National Forest. We will also seek opportunities for an Andrus Scholar to participate in the broad spectrum of work the Forest Service does on the landscape, with exposure to the suite of natural resources and specialists on the Boise National Forest. This intern will primarily perform field visits to collect information on road and trail conditions, recreation site data, assist with writing and editing related to collecting information related to project level environmental analysis, and record management, including for potential litigation. The intern will be expected to prepare notes and data summaries to provide to specialists across the Forest. The intern will also conduct data analysis, and database entry, and/or GIS work in support of Forest projects and will be expected to write a report of his/her findings at the end of the internship. 

The selected individual would work 80 hours every two weeks (40+/- hours per week) and the schedule will vary dependent on the site locations, workload and terrain (e.g., four 10-hour days or longer depending on field data collection needs, or five 8-hour days for office-based work, dependent on weekly scheduling needs). Duties would be split at roughly 70% office work and 30% field work. Driving to and from field sites in a government vehicle will be necessary, and a valid driver’s license is required. Some field work may require long periods of walking over rough, uneven, or rocky terrain. There may be limited opportunities to camp in the field and working in remote areas may require camping for up to five days at a time on occasion.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate would have experience and/or education in the fields of environmental science, GIS or other related disciplines. We are looking for self-motivated learners who work well with small teams and who have good oral and written communication skills, and file management skills.

Duty Station

Boise National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Boise, ID (1249 South Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709). There is no government housing available.

USDA Forest Service, Boise National Forest – Fisheries and Hydrology Internship

The USDA Forest Service, Boise National Forest is looking for an intern to work with our Fisheries and Hydrology teams for the 2026 field season.

Position Description

The intern will gain valuable skills as a technical assistant in the performance of a variety of hydrology and fisheries biology tasks working alongside District, Fisheries Biologists, Hydrologists or other staff. We will also seek opportunities for an Andrus Scholar to participate in the broad spectrum of work the Forest Service does on the landscape, with exposure to the suite of natural resource practicians on the Boise National Forest. This intern will primarily perform field work related to collecting hydrologic (such as groundwater monitoring) and fisheries data (such as electro fishing) monitoring best management practices, conducting stream, riparian, and soil surveys, inventorying roads, trails, and other infrastructure throughout the Forest, and collecting information related to project level environmental analysis. The intern will be expected to prepare field notes, pictures, and data summaries to provide to Hydrologists and Fisheries Biologists across the Forest. The intern will also conduct data analysis, and database entry, and/or GIS work in support of the fisheries and watershed programs and will be expected to write a report of his/her findings at the end of the internship. 

The selected individual would work 80 hours every two weeks (40+/- hours per week) and the schedule will vary dependent on the site locations, workload and terrain (e.g., four 10-hour days or longer depending on field data collection needs, or five 8-hour days for office-based work, dependent on weekly scheduling needs). Duties would be split at roughly 70% field work and 30% office work. Driving to and from field sites in a government vehicle will be necessary, and a valid driver’s license is required. Some field work may require wading streams, long periods of walking over rough, uneven, or rocky terrain, repetitive bending and crouching, and carrying of equipment that may exceed 40 pounds. Working in remote areas will require camping for up to five days at a time on occasion.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate would have experience and/or education in the fields of hydrology, geomorphology, soils, aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, geology, GIS or other related disciplines. We are looking for self-motivated learners who work well with small teams in remote settings.

Duty Station

Boise National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Boise, ID (1249 South Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709). There is no government housing available.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Internship Description:

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s mission statement is to protect, preserve, perpetuate, and manage Idaho’s wildlife resources. The Fisheries Research program within the department provides science-based answers to fisheries management questions and develops new tools and technology to help fisheries managers.

General Information:

The intern would be a member of a fisheries research team assisting with three projects (Wild Trout Evaluations, Hatchery Trout Evaluations, and Lakes and Reservoirs Research). The intern will work alongside fisheries biologists, technicians, bio-aides, hatchery staff, interns, and volunteers. Field crews can vary from two to sixteen staff. Duties may include electrofishing streams, rivers, and lakes (day and nighttime); backpacking; camping; operating, transporting, and trailering outboard/jet motorboats; gillnetting lakes; stocking fish; collecting biological samples; conducting water quality surveys; maintaining and repairing equipment (sampling equipment, vehicles, etc.); and collecting, recording, and managing data. With or without reasonable accommodations, interns must be able to work and camp in remote locations under adverse weather conditions, hike long distances (>9 miles) in rough terrain, operate four (4) wheel drive vehicles in steep/rough terrain, handle live and dead fish; wade in swift flowing waters; and lift/carry up to 50 lbs. All camping equipment, uniforms, food items while in the field, and transportation to and from field sites are provided.

Opportunities to work alongside conservation officers, hatchery, genetics, and wildlife staff can also be made available depending on the specific interests of the intern.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a strong interest in a fisheries or wildlife career and must have a valid driver’s license. The ability to collect and manage data, navigate with GPS in backcountry environments, work well independently and with a team, good handwriting, attention to detail, and professional conduct are all competitive qualities.

Location:

This internship will be based out of the Nampa Fisheries Research Office at 1414 E Locust Lane, Nampa, ID. Although this office is home base, the intern will spend the majority of their internship conducting field studies throughout the entire state. The intern would require transportation to and from the office but transportation to and from field sites will be provided.

Schedule:

General timeline for the internship is mid-May through mid-end August (start and end dates are flexible). This position requires frequent travel with a research team throughout Idaho for periods of up to five days working a minimum of 40 hours per week. Field work includes frequent overnight travel and backcountry camping with variable schedules including early/late hours. Time not in the field will be dedicated to maintaining equipment and data entry during a regular 8AM-4PM workday.

City of Boise, Parks and Recreation

About City of Boise Parks and Recreation

The City of Boise Parks and Recreation manages over 5,800 acres open space and nearly 25 miles of paved and unpaved greenbelt property along the Boise River. These properties are management for wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreational access.

Position Description

The student will support open space management along the Boise River and in the Foothills on City-owned properties. The position will be co-managed between Parks and Recreation’s Open Space and Resources divisions. This position provides hands-on experience in field ecology, habitat restoration, and community-based conservation.

Field Work

• Assist with identification, mapping, and monitoring of invasive plants and habitats
• Participate in invasive species removal efforts (manual, mechanical, and/or chemical, as permitted) in pollinator gardens, riparian habitats, and open space reserves
• Collect field data in regenerative recreation research in partnership with Boise State University
• Support on-going restoration projects through mowing, watering, mulching, weed removal, etc.
• Follow established safety protocols and environmental best practices in the field

Volunteer Coordination & Outreach

• Assist in planning and leading volunteer workdays and stewardship events
• Provide clear instructions and educational information to volunteers in the field
• Track volunteer participation and assist with reporting hours and outcomes

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a program in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field
• Interest in invasive species management, habitat restoration, conservation, and community science
• Avid Ridge to Rivers Trail user and knowledge of trail and open space reserve system
• Ability to work outdoors in hot weather

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike, bend, lift, and carry equipment (up to 40 lbs)
• Ability to work extended periods outdoors in sun, heat, rain, or uneven terrain

Duration, Hours, and Schedule:

This internship is for approximately 30 hours/ week for 10 weeks from the beginning of May through mid-August but may flex depending on the applicant. The hours and schedule of work are flexible. Typical hours are within the 8am-5pm range on weekdays but may also include occasional Saturdays.