Summer Intern- Science & Standards

Job Description:

American Humane Society is seeking a Summer Intern. This internship will be hybrid and reports directly to the Farm Science & Standards Coordinator.  American Humane is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage high-performing applicants from all backgrounds to apply

For nearly 150 years, American Humane Society has led the way in protecting animals and strengthening the bonds between animals and people. We respond first when animals need rescue, shelter, or protection. Through our groundbreaking programs – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” certification in Hollywood to our farm and conservation welfare standards – we set the highest level of care and compassion in animal protection.

Working at American Humane Society means being part of something bigger. With offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, we provide a supportive, professional environment where your work makes a real difference in animals’ lives.

Internship summary:  
This Intern supports the development and enhancement of Farm program standards through research and data analysis. Responsibilities include conducting research to support updating duck and hatchery audit tools and standards based on current science, producing supporting documentation for multiple species (Duck, Hatchery, Swine, Dairy Cattle), and managing a nest-space research database. Key deliverables include literature reviews on selected topics, proposed standards updates, educational and reference materials, and a final presentation of findings and outcomes to the Farm team.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the review, development, and revision of poultry welfare standards, particularly for Duck and Hatchery programs.
• Conduct weekly literature reviews on assigned welfare topics, synthesizing key scientific findings to support standards updates.
• Draft scientifically informed language updates to welfare standards based on literature review outcomes and team feedback.
• Create supporting materials such as FAQs, farm manual templates, and stakeholder-facing documents that align with updated standards.
• Support the development of communication materials, including fact sheets, summaries, and public relations content related to poultry welfare.
• Contribute to internal or collaborative poultry welfare research efforts, including data collection and coordination.
• Review and maintain the internal research database, ensuring information is accurate, current, and well-organized.
• Prepare and deliver a final report and presentation summarizing project findings, literature insights, and recommendations.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborative reviews to help ensure materials reflect current science and best practices in animal welfare.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Currently enrolled in an M.S. program in Animal Science, Poultry Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in animal welfare science and its practical applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with scientific literature and basic research methods preferred.
• Conducts oneself with a high level of professionalism and responsiveness
• Operates with a high level of personal integrity and discretion, maintaining confidentiality and using sound judgment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; active listening
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) able to quickly learn and adapt to new software or database systems

Direct reports:  

• None

Physical demands and work environment: 

• Must be comfortable being around animals
• This internship may be fully remote and will require a reliable internet connection. 
• May have an opportunity for local travel to visit a farm location.

American Humane Society’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane Society’s core values: 

• Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others. 

• Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions. 

• Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms. 

• Loyalty to Mission – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us. 

• Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future. 

• Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another. 

American Humane Society (AHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering a welcoming, supportive workplace where our work makes a real difference in animals' lives. 

Job Details:

• Title: Summer Intern – Science & Standards
• Type: Internship
• Location: Remote
• Compensation: $6,000