Campaign Department Intern: Reducing the use of neurotoxic insecticides—focus on protecting children and farmworkers

General Job Description

This intern will be a part of PANNA’s Campaigns Department working in support of one or more projects constituting our campaign to reduce the use of and exposure to highly toxic and widely used organophosphate (OP) pesticides. Specific objectives of this work include: (1) providing partner groups and the general public with up-to-date analyses of the hazards of OP exposure with emphasis on children and farmworkers—two of the most severely affected groups in the U.S.; (2) improving EPA’s process of assessing the hazards of and determining the conditions of use for these pesticides; and (3) building the network of groups around the country working together to dramatically reduce the use of OP pesticides.

The intern conducts research to support campaign and program work and works directly with partner groups to help build widespread support of the campaign. The intern may have the opportunity to represent PANNA at local tabling events or may be asked to communicate with PANNA affiliate organizations on behalf of the program work in which s/he is involved.

Links to More Information on this Project

1) Chemical Trespass: Pesticides in Our Bodies and Corporate Accountability (this report focuses on the OP pesticide chlorpyrifos)

2) Fields of Poison 2002: California farmworkers and pesticides

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on health effects of exposure to OP pesticides in general and certain specific OP pesticides.
• Work directly with senior program staff to write reports and outreach materials based on the research.
• Draft letters and statements to be used in campaigns/advancement of pesticide alternatives.
• Create, revise and update pesticide fact sheets.
• Gather organizational information on government groups and its members (e.g. EPA).
• May be asked to assist with mailings, photocopying.
• May have the opportunity to help with tabling or other public outreach events.
• If the volunteer has experience with data management and statistical analyses, they may assist with analyses of California’s pesticide-related illness data.

Qualifications

• Degree or strong background in environment, health, environmental health or related field.
• Research experience including literature searches and reviews.
• Strong interest in public health, environmental sciences, pesticide reform, or social justice.
• Ability to work both independently as well as an active group participant.
• Good writing and oral communications skills.
• Ability to keep work organized in order for it to be interpreted by future interns or PANNA staff.

Benefits

There is no stipend associated with intern positions at PAN; however, we do reimburse any local commuting costs. Benefits include:

• Strengthened research skills.
• Great opportunity to network with individuals and organizations within the field.
• Increased understanding of pesticide issues: politics, environmental and human health.
• Opportunity to conduct independent work.
• Exposure to structure and functioning of an established non-profit organization.
• Reimbursement for transportation to and from the office.

Time requirement: A minimum commitment of 10 hours per week is required. There may be some flexibility depending on level of experience and ability to work independently.

Timeframe: Dates Are Flexible.

Location: Some of this work must be done in the PAN office in San Francisco. If you have a copy of ArcView or ArcGIS on a home machine or laptop, it may be possible to do some of the work remotely.

Supervisor: Margaret Reeves, Senior Scientist

How to Apply: Submit the following to intern_coordinator@panna.org:

• A cover letter indicating that you wish to apply for the “OP campaign” intern position. Include why you want to work with PANNA and what experience/skills you hope to gain, your available dates, number of hours per week you wish to work. Also, please indicate where you heard about this position.
• A current resume highlighting the experience and/or coursework relevant to the position
• A brief writing sample (no more than 10 pages)
• Contact information for two references (name, phone, e-mail, relationship)

The Organization: Pesticide Action Network has worked to replace pesticides with ecologically sound alternatives since 1982. PANNA is one of five regional facilitating organizations serving a global network of more than 600 civil society groups in over 90 countries who share these goals. In North America, we link over 195 affiliated health, consumer, labor, environment, progressive agriculture and public interest groups in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. with thousands supporters worldwide to promote healthier, more effective pest management through research and analysis, policy development, public education, media outreach, demonstrations of alternatives and local, national and international advocacy campaigns. PANNA’s San Francisco office has 22-25 staff. We maintain two primary Web sites and related specialized sites and online services. For more information see www.panna.org.