Methane Source Mapping Intern

Job Description

Program/Department Overview

Science and Innovation (S&I) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, S&I provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization.

The S&I team works on projects across EDF's mission areas and workstreams, translating basic and applied research in natural and social sciences into actionable ideas. Within S&I, the China Methane Science team seeks to understand the spatial and temporal patterns of methane emissions across different sources in China and pursue methane reductions in collaboration with diverse partners in policy and advocacy teams at EDF. Though focused on China, this team is advancing scientific and policy tools to support technologically sound solutions that deliver reductions in methane emissions across the world.

Overall Function

S&I seeks an Intern to geospatially search, compile, integrate, and analyze major methane emission sources in East Asia, starting with EDF’s MethaneSAT target areas and later extending to other regions. Deliverables include geospatial datasets with well-referenced metadata, together with quality assurance and quality control, derived from government public datasets, peer-reviewed literature, and other online resources. The intern will report to a Scientist within S&I.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

Retrieve and compile infrastructure data on methane emission sources from publicly available resources, including government reports, websites, journal articles, and Earth observation imagery.

Integrate and visualize the data using geospatial software and organize outputs into a structured geospatial dataset.

Document the data package and training workflow in a clear, well-referenced report.

Communicate findings and progress effectively with team members.

Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications 

Enrolled in or a recent graduate of a graduate degree program.

Demonstrated interest in environmental topics, climate sciences, or clean energy.

Coursework or background in computer science, environmental informatics, remote sensing, geography, atmospheric science, engineering, or related fields.

Experience with information retrieval from web sources using Python, JavaScript, or similar tools is a plus.

Proficiency in Mandarin for reading and interpreting technical documents.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.

Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.

Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.

Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Location

U.S. Remote with option to be hybrid out of an EDF office in Boston, Massachusetts (MA). Intern supervisor is in MA, and many team members are spread across the country and the world.

Term

Spring 2026

Hours

Part-time (14 hr/week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $20/hr.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.