Research Intern

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) is a national nonprofit working to reverse today’s extreme levels of corporate concentration and advance policies and programs to rebuild the economic capacity of local communities. We conduct cutting edge research that, for example, is documenting how cities can control their waste streams to build local economic wealth. We strongly value a diverse workforce and are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity.

As we push forward in our vision to create an equitable circular materials economy, the Composting for Community Initiative team at ILSR is engaging in new research to capture the costs and benefits of local and diverse composting and to provide a roadmap for local government of the core elements they need to invest in and implement. The research will be compiled into a report with case studies and aggregate data to make the economic case for small- and medium-sized composting infrastructure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

We are hiring a research intern to help us conduct this national economic assessment and agenda for action research on composting. Primary responsibilities will be research and data collection, data analysis and synthesis, and writing case studies of model programs. Data to be collected include but are not limited to costs, jobs, benefits, and tips for replication.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An exceptionally strong researcher who can collect and manage data with a high-level of accuracy and organization. Someone who can identify the pivotal questions, track down the right sources, and help us develop an insightful analysis.
• A strong writer with the ability to synthesize and convey complex ideas in a clear way.
• Passionate about the ILSR’s mission of equitable sustainable development and building community power.

COMPENSATION:

This internship pays $18 to $19/hour depending on skills and experience. We work remotely and welcome applications from anywhere within the U.S.

Terms of internship: 40 hours per week (there is some flexibility) for approximately 3 to 6 months: Early to mid-February to mid-May or July.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please use the subject line “Compost Research Intern” when sending your materials to hiring@ilsr.org and include a brief cover letter (no more than one page) that describes your interest and relevant experience, resume, writing sample that demonstrates your ability to distill complex information, and two professional and/or academic references. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until this position is filled.