Federal Affairs Intern, Coastal and Flood Resilience

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Program/Department Overview

EDF’s Political Affairs team is working to create political will and bold policies in order to deliver the greenhouse gas emissions reductions that scientists say are necessary to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Specifically, the Federal Affairs team works to build support for federal legislation to advance EDF’s policy priorities on climate change, clean energy, environmental justice, agriculture, resiliency, and national security.

EDF’s Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds team strives for thriving, equitable, and resilient communities along coasts and rivers. We use research, science, finance, and policy to help protect communities from all the ways climate change is increasing flood risk – like sea level rise, stronger hurricanes, and more extreme rainfall.

While the position will be part of the Federal Affairs team, the intern will also work closely with the Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds team. The intern will report to the Coastal and Flood Resilience Legislative Analyst, and work closely with the Coastal and Flood Resilience Policy Director.

Overall Function

The Intern will assist the Federal Affairs team with research projects relevant to EDF’s work on creating climate-resilient coasts and watersheds across priority regions. This may include research on federal agencies and their programs, and the implementation of specific legislation that advances climate-resilient and healthy communities and ecosystems along coasts and rivers. They will also aid efforts to promote natural infrastructure and comprehensive flood risk planning at federal, state, and local levels, with a focus on assisting vulnerable communities facing intensifying water resource challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Support members of the Federal Affairs team in their work to advance climate, coastal and flood resilience, natural infrastructure, and other pro-environment legislation in Congress.
• Research federal agencies and their programs (i.e., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)).
• Create a report highlighting model FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) projects.
• Attend congressional hearings, roundtables, and other events and provide detailed notes.
• Research STORM Act implementation, including state legislation and bills in progress, technical assistance efforts, state efforts to create revolving loan funds, and other relevant topics.
• Create talking points on priority legislation, customized for specific state and stakeholder audiences.
• Support the drafting and submission of public comments and other correspondence in response to administrative actions.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in climate change and environmental issues, in particular coastal and flood resilience policy, and promoting natural infrastructure at the federal level.
• Must be enrolled in/be a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Coursework in environmental science/studies, environmental advocacy, public policy, public administration, law, or a related field
• Experience with policy research and knowledge of U.S. federal government systems, congressional affairs, and knowledge about FEMA or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Relevant experience, knowledge, or strong interest in environmental justice issues preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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.
• Must be well organized, motivated, detail-oriented, and able to meet sometimes quick deadlines.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills, calm composure in high-pressure situations, and a respect for unique and diverse perspectives.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Location

Hybrid out of Washington, DC or U.S. Remote.

Term

Spring 2024 (January-May 2024)

Hours

Full-time (35 hr/week) with the opportunity for part-time (15-20 hr/week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $17-$20/hr.

Application Materials

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

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $17.00/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $20.00/Hr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Keywords

climate changeenvironmental issuesnatural infrastructurefederal levelpolicy researchcongressional affairsFEMAenvironmental justicemulti-taskingproblem-solvingcultural competencyinclusivity