Amazon Biodiversity Student Specialist
Academic Year 2026-2027
Highlights
- Hourly rate: $19/hour
- Expected hours per week: 10
- Modality: Hybrid; (twice weekly in-person team meetings at ENR2, otherwise remote)
- Dates: August 2026 - May 2027
Apply on Google Forms: https://forms.gle/cvkmHzeZr88VbV6b7
About the Lovejoy Center
The Lovejoy Center for Bridging Biodiversity, Conservation Science, and Policy is a center at the University of Arizona housed within the Arizona Institute for Resilience. Guided by Thomas Lovejoy's scientific work and unwavering optimism, the Lovejoy Center advances the science and practice of biodiversity conservation through research, education, and cross-sector collaborations. Our team works with conservation science and policy, connecting university research with the people and organizations working towards conservation solutions at scale in the Sonoran Desert, the Amazon, and beyond.
Past student specialists at the Lovejoy Center add, “Student specialists are core contributors, not task-runners. Past student work has been published in policy briefs, presented at university showcases, and used directly by community partners.”
Position Overview
The Amazon Biodiversity Student Specialist will work independently to identify conservation groups and document biodiversity-relevant policies in the Amazon region. The successful candidate will be proficient in Portuguese and able to translate written and verbal communications for center staff.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive research on biodiversity and conservation policies in the Amazon
- Document intersections and variances between policy frameworks and conservation efforts across multiple levels of local government and organizations
- Maintain a database of relevant conservation-focused newsletters, alerts, and communication channels to monitor policy developments in focus regions
- Identify emerging policy issues and upcoming legislative and regulatory decisions that may impact regional conservation efforts
- Prepare monthly “policy briefs” for Lovejoy Center staff summarizing relevant developments in biodiversity and conservation policy in the Amazon
- Maintain a database of relevant conservation groups working in the Amazon
- Create 1-3 written deliverables a month for inclusion in the newsletter, website, or social media
- Engage with professional development activities across the university
- Provide administrative support to the Program Coordinator
- Attend twice weekly team meetings in person at the ENR2 building
Minimum Qualifications
- Junior or senior undergraduate, or graduate student
- Active University of Arizona student in good academic standing and enrolled in at least 6 credits
Preferred Qualifications
- Working proficiency or fluency in Portuguese
- Demonstrated interest in environmental issues, conservation policy, culture, and the Amazon
- Experience living in Brazil or regions in/near the Amazon
- Knowledge of conservation biology principles and biodiversity issues
- Coursework in environmental policy, public administration, or government
- Excellent written communication skills with ability to synthesize complex information
- Interest in environmental policy, conservation biology, NGOs, or public administration
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple ongoing projects
Comparative Policy Analysis Opportunity
Once established in local policy work and depending on student interest and skills, this position would ideally conduct comparative research on biodiversity policies across transnational boundaries, comparing and contrasting the approach, effectiveness, and implementation challenges between the Sonoran Desert and Amazon Rainforest context.
Application
Please submit the application through Google Forms, which will ask for your resume and cover letter.
- Cover letters should describe your interest in the position, relevant experience, and anything else you would like the committee to know about why you would be a great fit for the Lovejoy Center and the position.
Hiring Process
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the summer.
Start and End Dates
This position is intended to start in August 2026 and end in May 2027; exact start and end dates are flexible.
Supervision and Support
This position is supervised by the Lovejoy Center Program Coordinator.
Allowable Work Hours
Please note that during the semester, student employees are limited to 25 hours/week (20 hours/week for international students) across ALL U of A positions.
This position expects 5-10 hours a week and is work-study eligible.
International Students
International students should consult with International Student Services (ISS) if work authorization is needed before securing this role. ISS advising information can be found here.
Questions About This Position?
If you have any questions about this position or trouble submitting the application, please contact Lovejoy Center Program Coordinator Phoebe Meixner (pmeixner@arizona.edu).
Apply on Google Forms: https://forms.gle/cvkmHzeZr88VbV6b7