Job Opening: Biomass Policy and Market Graduate Student Summer Intern at Blue Forest

Blue Forest is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation finance. Our main goal is to accelerate the process and scope of ecological restoration. Since 2018, we have been managing investor capital through our flagship financial product, the Forest Resilience Bond (FRB). This bond uses private capital to fund forest restoration projects on both private and public lands, with the aim of reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. In addition to the FRB, we have recently established Blue Forest Asset Management (BFAM), an investment management platform that connects investors to various mission-aligned opportunities, including private equity and private credit investments, beyond just FRB projects.

At Blue Forest, we have a diverse team of professionals, including scientists, engineers, foresters, finance experts, and communications specialists. Together, we are utilizing financial innovation and forming partnerships with investors, non-profit organizations, private companies, and the public sector. Our objective is to design sustainable solutions to the climate resilience challenges faced by vulnerable communities and ecosystems. As we continue to grow and develop new financial solutions for pressing environmental issues, we are committed to promoting social equity and amplifying the voices of historically excluded groups in the field of conservation finance.

The Biomass Policy and Market Graduate Student Summer Intern will play a crucial role in our organization. They will primarily work with our science and investment teams to explore several key areas. Firstly, they will investigate how the sustainable use of low-value forest biomass can contribute to achieving the wide range of policy initiatives aimed at carbon neutrality by 2045. Secondly, they will identify any barriers that currently exist in utilizing low-value forest biomass for carbon beneficial purposes, such as hydrogen or biochar. Lastly, they will research and propose strategies for establishing an environmentally sustainable and socially just forest restoration industry. This internship provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to important research and make a meaningful impact in the field of conservation finance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Biomass Policy and Market Graduate Student Summer Intern at Blue Forest

Preferred Skills & Background

Active contributor: Demonstrates the ability to work independently and pays close attention to detail. Consistently completes assigned tasks, follows through on commitments, effectively manages time, and takes ownership of workstreams. Proactively identifies and communicates bottlenecks, conducting thorough research to find solutions for the team.

Communication: Possesses excellent written and oral communication skills. Capable of distilling complex ideas into clear presentations and written memos. Skilled in facilitating conversations and ensuring effective communication.

Partnerships & Collaboration: Exhibits strong active listening skills and embraces an inclusive approach. Values diverse perspectives and actively seeks them out to design effective solutions and projects.

Conservation Finance, Ecosystem Services, Utilities, or Forestry Expertise: Displays a passion for and some understanding of conservation finance, ecosystem services modeling, water and electric utilities, forestry, or other relevant fields. Previous experience working with or knowledge of the USDA Forest Service or utilities is advantageous but not mandatory.

Continuous learner: Committed to continuous learning and growth. Actively seeks opportunities to incorporate feedback and learn from others. Recognizes the importance of understanding historical place-based context and strives to empower and support diverse communities within the conservation and financial sectors.

Qualifications: Biomass Policy and Market Graduate Student Summer Intern at Blue Forest

The hiring process at Blue Forest will prioritize the qualifications listed below. However, we want to emphasize that we only expect candidates to meet some of these criteria, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply.

1. Current graduate student
2. Clear written and verbal communication skills
3. Demonstrated interest in and commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience
4. Experience with interviews, policy analysis, literature, forestry, and/or land management is highly preferred.

COVID VACCINE REQUIREMENT

All Blue Forest staff members are required to be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proof of full vaccination is a condition of employment and must be provided before starting work, unless prohibited by law. Blue Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will engage in the interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a disability/medical condition, sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance, or a claimed exemption under applicable state law.

HOW TO APPLY: Biomass Policy and Market Graduate Student Summer Intern at Blue Forest

To apply for this position, please submit your resume on recruitee. We especially encourage individuals from historically underrepresented populations and those with non-traditional career paths to apply. The application period will close on March 25, 2024.

Blue Forest provides equal employment opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth based on individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this position, please submit your resume through recruitee. We strongly encourage individuals from historically underrepresented populations and those with non-traditional career paths to apply. The deadline for applications is March 25, 2024.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At Blue Forest, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering advancement, compensation, training, and growth based on individual merit. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Biomass Policy and Market Graduate Student Summer Intern at Blue Forest

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Policy Initiative Research

Conduct research on current policy initiatives aimed at achieving climate goals and explore how the utilization of low-value forest biomass can contribute to these objectives.

Collaborate with Blue Forest staff and various partners from academia, government, non-profit organizations, and industry to gain a comprehensive understanding of California’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. Low-value forest biomass has the potential to support carbon neutrality through the generation of carbon beneficial electricity, fuels, or other products. However, we currently lack an efficient and cost-effective method to access these resources.
1. Conduct Stakeholder Interviews

Engage with a diverse group of stakeholders across the state to gain insights into the challenges of establishing sustainable supply chains for low-value forest biomass. Blue Forest oversees the California Wildfire Innovation Fund, a pioneering climate fund that aims to deliver financial returns while mitigating fire risks through investments in wood utilization and wildfire prevention. To maximize the fund’s impact, it is crucial to establish transparent and reliable supply chains that support forest industries and rural communities in California.

Prepare a Report

Compile and analyze data from interviews and research to create a concise report for the public, highlighting the current obstacles and opportunities in developing environmentally and socially beneficial supply chains for low-value forest biomass.

Draft an Academic Publication

Work on an academic paper for publication.

Collaborate on Policy Solutions

Partner with the Office of Planning and Research at the Governor’s Office to develop policy recommendations for the advancement of biomass supply chain initiatives. GO HERE TO APPLY