Western States Climate 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 850 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 U.S. State Climate team works to advance ambitious, effective climate policy through legislative and regulatory action at the state level. With an emphasis on securing declining, enforceable limits on climate pollution, this team develops and advocates for environmentally-responsible, economically-sound policies that will drive reductions in climate pollution from across the economy while also considering the distributional impacts of climate change and climate policy.

Overall Function

The intern will contribute to the U.S. State Climate team’s advocacy efforts in key western states, including Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. The intern will inform policy development and advocacy by performing a deep dives into critical policy research questions. This will require research, tracking of legislation, review of policy recommendations, investigation of stakeholder perspectives, and synthesis and communication of results. The intern will report to Analyst, U.S Region, and will work in collaboration with a range of climate, economic, legal, and political experts.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Support in the analysis of climate policy proposals for equity, environmental integrity, and replicability implications.
• Investigate stakeholder perspectives and synthesize results.
• Track and support in the analysis of legislative proposals.
• Track relevant developments in the political/stakeholder landscape and provide updates and recommendations.
• Support the preparation of case studies, factsheets, blogs, policy briefs, and communications materials on specific issue areas relevant to the U.S. State Climate team’s advocacy needs.
• Attend internal and external meetings to take notes, provide input and updates, and synthesize action items and takeaways.
• Support EDF’s U.S. State Climate team on related projects as needed and/or according to the intern’s interest.
• 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

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program or a recent graduate.
• Demonstrated interest in climate policy, environmental policy, environmental justice and equity, or climate/environmental science.
• Strong research skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Experience with self-directed research projects.
• Ability to develop a knowledge base around climate policy, and/or coursework in climate policy, climate science, environmental policy, environmental science, energy policy, or other relevant area.
• Interest in equity and the distributional impacts of climate policy.
• 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

Term

January-May 2023

Hours

10-15 hours per week

Compensation

This internship would involve either compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $17/hr-$20/hr depending on education level, or academic credit. Students are encouraged to seek academic credit or funding through their college/university and EDF will ensure that any and all paperwork needed to secure academic credit is completed.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application, together with a short writing sample.

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.