Dark Skies Intern

Overview

Guided by biblical teaching, the National Religious Partnership for the Environment (NRPE) seeks to encourage people of faith to weave values and programs of care for God's creation throughout the entire fabric of religious life and to bring the religious voice to the forefront as we join together to address environmental concerns and care for God's Earth and God's people. The Dark Skies Internship is part of NRPE’s recent initiative working to raise awareness of and advocate for the protection of dark sky zones along the Continental Divide Trail, focused in New Mexico.

Dark Skies Internship Summary

Dark skies interns promote integral ecology by advocating for bipartisan federal and state policy and organizing community-based action along the Continental Divide Trail and throughout New Mexico. Interns will join a cohort of young adult advocates to commit to deepening their understanding of the social values of religious teachings as they relate specifically to politics, science, and the environment while developing advocacy and community organizing skills through experiential learning. This is a remote internship with some travel required to attend dark sky events. 

Essential Functions

1. Seek out and capitalize on opportunities to engage the federal legislative and rulemaking processes to promote integral ecology: for example, by contacting policymakers, submitting comments to policymakers, attending and testifying at hearings, hosting webinars, etc.
2. Design and implement a Creative Advocacy Project in your state that generates community action around dark sky protections
3. Study theological documents and practice applying those values as a lens for policy discernment
4. Collaborate with other interns as well as work one-on-one with a supervisor
5. Support local initiatives educating communities about the importance of dark skies and exploring the intersections of faith, astronomy, and care for creation.

Qualifications

1. Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree for the entirety of the 2025-26 academic year OR demonstrate how the internship aligns with your career goals
2. Self-starter with proven time-management skills
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred qualifications

1. Pursuing degree(s) in theology, political science, environmental studies, astronomy, or related fields
2. Previous work experience at a parish, in environmental work, or in politics
3. Familiarity with environmental issues and the legislative process both nationally and in your state
4. Leadership experience

Benefits

1. Access to invitation-only, real-world advocacy experiences such as hearings, meetings with legislators, press conferences, webinars, etc.
2. Networking opportunities with faith-based advocacy professionals, astronomers, local conservationists and other professionals in the field
3. $300-1000/month stipend, depending on availability and desires of intern
4. Fully remote and flexible for students’ schedule throughout the academic year

Duration of Internship: September 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026 

Hours per week: 5-15, depending on availability and desires of intern