Bahamas Environmental Policy Research Fellow

Position Description 

The Bahamas has faced indiscriminate extraction of limestone, sand, marine species (primarily lobster and conch), wood, and salt for many decades. Many Bahamian residents rely on these resources for their livelihoods, yet are often facing environmental risks associated with these practices, compounded by the increasing impacts of climate change and development. The current Bahamian administration is interested in ingraining the preservation of marine, fresh water, and other natural resources into governmental policy. The Community and College Partners Program (C2P2) is partnering with the Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources to better understand the issues associated with extracting natural resources, gather evidence of benefits and impacts, research best practices from other countries, and use data to formulate recommendations for effective environmental policies.

We are looking for an undergraduate student who is eager to contribute to a project at the intersection of environmental justice and environmental policy. The selected student will work alongside a Bren graduate student mentor and other partners to develop a report synthesizing the key environmental challenges in the Bahamas, with a focus on limestone mining hazards, marine species extraction, and sustainable development. The student will conduct literature reviews, analyze available data, and generate written summaries of their findings. The student will interview community members about the historical impacts of extraction and analyze and compare policy options that can benefit both people and nature. 

Qualifications

Interest and enthusiasm about the project!
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience working with scientific and public policy information, data analysis, and professional writing is helpful but not required (training will be provided)

Details

The position is 10 weeks, 35 hours per week, with exact dates negotiable from late June to mid-September. Most work can be conducted remotely, with in-person opportunities pending student location and availability. Payment is $18.57/hour. This position is part of the Bren Environmental Leadership (BEL) Program – the student will participate in professional development training during the summer and a poster session at the Mantell Symposium on Environmental Justice and Conservation Innovation in Fall 2024. 

Eligibility 

This position is supported through UCSB’s Center for Equitable Environmental Sciences. Applicants must be full-time continuing UCSB undergraduate students (not graduating within 2024 calendar year) with California resident classification and eligibility to work in the United States. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, are first-generation college students, and/or identify as being from a group underrepresented in their discipline.

How to Apply

Please submit applications to this form by March 31 at 11:59 pm. Applications should include:

A cover letter describing why you are interested in this project and how your experience and qualifications make you a good fit for the position. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and supporting diverse students in Environmental Science, including those from underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college backgrounds, and those active in DEI, environmental justice, or social justice. Please include insights into how your experiences or perspective might shape your contribution to the BEL community.
A resume or CV, including any relevant coursework and previous experience