Science Communication Intern Jobs in Portland, OR

JOB TITLE: Science Illustration Intern

LOCATION: Remote position within the United States. Candidates must have a personal office location suitable for work purposes, with broadband internet access, and must work from a city/state location approved by Xerces as their assigned work location.

COMPENSATION: $24 per hour

STATUS & SCHEDULE: Part time, approximately 20 hours/week.

DURATION: September – December 2026, flexible based upon student’s academic schedule

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs

Xerces provides accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org with your specific request.

JOIN US!

At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

As the Scientific Illustration Intern for the Xerces Society, you will build your portfolio and gain experience in science illustration by creating visual media that advances public understanding of invertebrates and advocacy for their conservation. This is a remote position at 20 hours per week from September through December. The intern will be a member of the communications team and work directly with many Xerces Society staff. The internship is made possible by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Produce scientific illustrations, animations, and/or data visualizations of invertebrates and the conservation issues impacting them. Projects will include developing print and digital media to illustrate invertebrate morphology, depict ecological interactions, and promote programs like the Xerces Society habitat kits.
• Work with the communications team and conservation program staff to identify and produce visual storytelling opportunities for Xerces conservation initiatives.
• Participate in relevant staff meetings and events.
• Participate in Xerces Society program experiences, as available.
• Present and exhibit final illustrations through a Xerces Society platform.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

• Ability to portray natural subjects in a scientific manner in one or more mediums
• Experience creating artwork from life and from photo references
• Ability to meet deadlines and incorporate feedback
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
• Strong time, project management, and collaboration skills

PREFERRED

• Ability to communicate scientific concepts through data visualization, and/or
• Experience creating animated short videos

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in the Fall 2026 semester, pursuing a degree or certificate in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or similar related field of study.

PREFERRED

• Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication
• Passion to develop skills in scientific illustration

BENEFITS: This position includes paid time off (PTO) accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Include a portfolio of 5-10 illustration samples that demonstrate skill and experience in scientific illustration of wildlife and natural subjects. 3-5 additional samples of data visualization or animation may be included, if applicable. Please upload one pdf of all samples. You may add links and brief narrative context as needed. Include a cover letter describing how you fulfill the qualifications listed above and how you hope the internship will enhance your professional development.

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs

TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to consider.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Xerces Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.