Environmental Studies Resources
Student Clubs, Internships, Research Opportunties, Fellowships, Scholarships and Job Boards
A degree in Environmental Studies can lead you to many different career paths. This resource guide is designed to help Environmental Studies students make the most of their time at Brandeis and prepare for future careers.
We recommend that you begin by joining the Environmental Studies’ Google Group email listserv. Newsletters are sent to the listserv with information on upcoming events, internships, scholarship opportunities, research and other opportunities. Email environmental@brandeis.edu to join the Google Group.
Environmental Clubs and Organizations on Campus
Brandeis is home to more than 200 student-run clubs and organizations. Below are a few clubs and organizations on campus where you can explore the environment, dive into environmental topics, and connect with like-minded students.
Brandeis Climate Justice (BCJ)/DivestDEIS
BCJ is a student led organization with the goals of encouraging the Brandeis Board of Trustees to divest from fossil fuels, advocating for comprehensive climate reform, and discussing the many intersections of climate change.
- Instagram: @divestdeis
Brandeis Office of Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability helps to fulfill Brandeis' commitment to social justice and its responsibility to the global community by elevating and promoting the sustainability of our campus and our community. One way students can get involved with the Office of Sustainability is through the Brandeis Sustainability Ambassadors Program. The ambassadors hold a paid position where they act as undergraduate leaders and peer educators who lead with sustainability initiatives on campus, and oversee programs that educate faculty, staff and students on how to create more sustainable offices, residence hall rooms and student club events, and more.
Instagram: @sustainable.brandeis
Brandeis Veg Club Seeks to improve animal welfare and protect the environment by reducing meat consumption. Veg Club serves as a community of celebration and resources for people exploring or committed to plant based diets.
- Instagram: @brandeisvegclub
Herbicide Free Brandeis
Student-led movement to eliminate the use of toxic herbicides on Brandeis campus through weed pullings, educational events, and community engagement.- Instagram: @herbicidefreebrandeis
The Waltham Group implements change through community development and empowerment. Through service, education, and outreach Waltham Group’s mission is to ameliorate disparities in the community.
- Instagram: @deis_dcs
BCT promotes interest and engagement in indoor and outdoor rock climbing, regardless of identity or experience level.
- Instagram: @brandeisclimbingteam
BMC regularly connects students with nature through backpacking and ski trips, day hikes, hammock sessions, and slacklining.
- Instagram: @brandeismountain
Research Opportunities for Undergraduates
There are several ways for students to get involved in research opportunities while attending Brandeis. Within the Environmental Studies Program, students can participate in community and citizen science research on campus. Students can get involved with individual faculty’s research by finding opportunities through the new ForagerOne platform. Additionally, students may consider completing a senior thesis, senior essay or an independent study in Environmental Studies.
Below, we have listed additional ways for students to get involved with research on campus and off campus.
Academic Fellowships BrandeisThe Academic Fellowship at Brandeis office supports students’ academic growth and development through providing guidance and resources to apply for competitive fellowship and research opportunities. Academic Fellowships advises students throughout the year about specific fellowship opportunities, each of which has its own timeline. Email fellowships@brandeis.edu to sign up for Academic Fellowships newsletter.
Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Office at BrandeisThe Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Office (URCC) helps students find topics, mentors and funding for an original research or creative project in close collaboration with leading faculty and researchers.
Hiatt World of WorkBrandeis University's World of Work (WOW) fellowship program supports undergraduate students who pursue unpaid summer internships. The competitive program aims to reduce financial obstacles that might preclude students from following their interests, exploring career fields, gaining new skills and experiencing the World of Work.
Doris Duke Conservation Scholars
The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program is a two-year experiential conservation training program for undergraduates who are interested in careers in conservation and in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. Scholars take part in applied field research projects, professional internships, mentoring, and form strong professional networks. Scholars learn a variety of field techniques and research and presentation skills. Students are also prepared to help increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of conservation through coursework in communication, creative problem solving, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program Collaborative is a consortium of universities united to empower a diverse new generation of conservation leaders. The members of this consortium are the University of Florida, University of Arizona, University of Idaho, North Carolina State University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The University of California at Santa Cruz and University of Washington programs are accepts applications from students attending any university
NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship program is designed to increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities. The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergrads (REU)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of 10 or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Education and Training Application (ETAP)
The NSF ETAP program is an another way to discover and apply to opportunities that strengthen your academic career. NSF ETAP opens doors to:
- Active field research experiences
- Hands-on learning and mentorship
- Summer programs and teaching assistantships
- Internships and career experience
- Scholarships and fellowships
The Rachel Carson Council (RCC) Fellowship Program is designed to identify students with a passion for environmental education, organizing and advocacy and provide them with training in Washington, DC, mentorship from RCC environmental staff, and financial support to do the valuable work they care about and become life-long advocates for the environment. RCC Fellows become leaders and active participants in the RCC’s national campus program with over 5,000 active faculty, students, staff and administrators at 56 campuses. As part of the RCC team, Fellows also help build RCC’s network of active students and faculty and have the opportunity to publish and speak on behalf of a respected national organization.
Job Boards & Internship Search Websites
The websites below are excellent places to search for environmental internships and jobs. Environmental Studies Majors and Minors are required to complete an applied learning experience while at Brandeis. An internship is one way this requirement can be fulfilled. More information about this requirement is available through this page.
Hiatt Career Center: Handshake
The Hiatt Career Center provides a variety of resources to assist students and alumni with career exploration, job and internship search, networking, interviewing and entering the real world as a professional. One of the many resources Hiatt provides is Handshake. This platform is a one-stop-shop for accessing career information, job and internship postings, events and more.
Brandeis University's World of Work (WOW) fellowship program supports undergraduate students who pursue unpaid summer internships. The competitive program aims to reduce financial obstacles that might preclude students from following their interests, exploring career fields, gaining new skills and experiencing the World of Work.
Prof. Chester’s web-guide to sustainability, conservation and environment includes an opportunities page with employment, internships, green volunteerism, etc.
President Biden is announcing a new initiative to train young people in high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy. This website will have more information on the program.
American Conservation Experience (ACE)
American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for young adults and emerging professionals of all backgrounds to explore and improve public lands while gaining practical professional experience.
Appalachian Mountain Club Job Board
Job board run by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers and trails of the Appalachian region.
Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA)
The Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) Job Board showcases all levels of positions at nature centers, outdoor schools, and related organizations. ANCA is a professional association dedicated to leaders in the nature and environmental learning center profession, including directors, managers, senior administrators and board members
This job board is a climate tech start-up bridging the equity and inclusion gap within the green economy through conversations, resources, and pathways to bring more diverse talent into the environmental field.
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
BOEM manages the development of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resources in an environmentally and economically responsible way. BOEM offers a “pathways program” which offers clear paths to paid internships for students and careers for recent graduates in order to provide training and career development for individuals starting their Federal careers. There are three programs: Internship Program, Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows Program. See website for more information.
Conservation Careers Job Board
Resource for conservation jobs and career advice for conservationist.
Job board for work opportunities in conservation, ecology, forestry, wildlife and fisheries.
Conservation Jobs in New England & New York
Academics for Land Protection in New England (ALPINE) is a network of people and institutions dedicated to inspiring the next generation of conservationists, especially in and around schools, colleges and universities. The ALPINE Conservation Jobs Board lists current conservation jobs and internship opportunities in New England and New York on the Wildlands Woodlands Farmlands & Communities website.
Conservation Legacy engages youth, young adults and veterans in conservation and service programs from 15 locations nationwide. The organization focuses on local impact, and is embedded within communities to meet the on-the-ground conservation needs. The programs are a part of and supported by the larger national organization, Conservation Legacy.
Ecological Society of America Job Board
Job board for attracting top talent across the ecological sciences.
Ed's Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs List
This website provides a weekly list of climate, energy policy, ESG, clean energy & sustainability jobs and internships for people of all experience levels.
Environmental Business Council New England Inc Job Board
Job board showing positions within the environmental and energy industry.
Government Jobs
This website provides a job board of government sector jobs (state and municipal jobs).
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’ Clean Energy Internship Program
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Internship Program helps prepare the next generation of clean energy workers by funding internships for students and recent graduates at Massachusetts clean energy and water innovation companies.
Massachusetts Environmental Education Society Job Board
Job opportunities based in Massachusetts in environmental education.
The MANO Project (My Access to Network Opportunities) is part of the Hispanic Access Foundation. All programs are paid and many offer transportation stipends, free on-site housing or housing stipends. People of all background are welcome to apply, the organization especially encourages those who culturally identify as Latino/a to apply.
Job board by Texas A&M University Rangleland, Wildlife, & Fisheries Management.
National Audubon Society Job Board
Listing of the current job and internship opportunities available at Audubon.
North American Association for Environmental Education Job Board
Hub for environmental education jobs and professional development.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) & U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provide many opportunities for students, recent graduates, and others looking for internships, fellowships, and similar programs with the federal government. See website for more information.
This job board is a collaboration between Pattie Gonia and Red Fong. It was launched in June 2021 to get queer folks hired in the environmental and outdoor industries.
Student Conservation Association (SCA)
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
Texas A&M features a job board with opportunities from The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Job Board.
The Trustees of Reservations Job Board
Non-profit land conservation and historic preservation organization with a job opportunities in preserving natural and historical places in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. The Interior Business Center (IBC) offers three programs for current students and recent graduates. See website for more information.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA protects human health and the environment. EPA offers internships, fellowships, and recent graduate positions that provide a great introduction to the organization’s work and may lead to permanent employment. See website for more information.
USA Jobs
This website provides a job board of United States government jobs (federal).
Yale School of the Environment Job Board
Yale provides a website with a listing of environmental job websites.