Louisiana State Policy Intern

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 Coasts and Watersheds program works in a bold and collaborative manner to ensure resilient ecosystems and communities along coasts and rivers thrive with water and are safe, equitable and prosperous places to live, work and play. This multi-faceted program deals with the many complex challenges associated with restoring natural systems to create sustainable communities in the U.S. and globally.

In Louisiana, EDF is part of Restore the Mississippi River Delta (MRD), a bold and collaborative effort of the Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Pontchartrain Conservancy with the vision “reconnect the Mississippi River to its delta to advance an equitable, safer, and flourishing coast for Louisiana’s communities, ecosystems, and economy.” This multi-faceted program deals with many challenges associated with restoring coastal wetlands on a working coast and aims to restore natural system processes to create sustainable communities with improved infrastructure and robust economies. A key part of the MRD work is advancing new thinking in the restoration and resilience of coastal Louisiana by finding answers to key science and engineering challenges.

Overall Function

The Louisiana State Policy Intern will work closely with our coalition partners on the MRD state policy committee to advance advocacy efforts for key coastal restoration projects, assist with research on long-term funding opportunities for coastal restoration projects, and help educate incoming elected officials on coastal issues in the state. This position will provide support and will be accountable to MRD state committee members, and report to the Strategy Manager, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Work with a dynamic group of coalition partners to strategically advocate for coastal restoration initiatives in Louisiana.
• Research on longterm funding strategies and finance mechanisms that can support the state’s coastal restoration program into the future.
• Assist with coalition advocacy activities and events during the Spring 2024 legislative session.
• Contribute to developing the framework for an advocacy campaign for longterm funding for coastal restoration.
• Provide support to the team by assisting with organizational needs, such as meeting scheduling, coordination, and internal communications.
• 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

• Enrolled in/ recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program with coursework in political science, state government and/or environmental policy.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in Louisiana state politics and/or coastal restoration.
• 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 diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Location

U.S. Remote, with option for hybrid work in a New Orleans, LA based office.

Term

Spring 2024 (January - May)

Hours

Part-time (16 - 21 hr/week)

Compensation

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

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.