Intern – Climate Change & Justice (New Paltz, NY)

NEIWPCC is a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality. We engage and convene water quality professionals and other interested parties from New England and New York to collaborate on water, wastewater, and environmental science challenges across the regions, ecosystems, and areas of expertise.

The Hudson River Estuary Program helps people enjoy, protect, and revitalize the Hudson River and its valley. Created in 1987 through the Hudson River Estuary Management Act, the program focuses on the tidal Hudson and adjacent watershed from the federal dam at Troy to the Verrazano Narrows in New York City. The mission of the Estuary Program is built around six benefits:

• Clean Water
• Resilient Communities
• Vital Estuary Ecosystem
• Estuary Fish, Wildlife, and Habitats
• Natural Scenery
• Education, River Access, Recreation, and Inspiration

The Hudson River Estuary Program is committed to promoting Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEIJ) in our organization and our work with stakeholders and partners. The Estuary Program acknowledges the interconnectedness of social and environmental risks and strive to strengthen our learning, dialogue and engagement around building a more inclusive and equitable future. This internship will assist the program in making greater progress in fulfilling this vision.

The successful candidate will assist with communications, outreach and engagement on climate change and diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) as it relates to watershed management strategies for the estuary. The intern will report to the Estuary Program’s team leader for climate change projects. These include assisting the state’s Climate Smart Communities certification program and Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The position will be based in the NYS DEC Region 3 office in New Paltz, NY with a substantial component of the work being performed remotely.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications support.

• Research and develop summaries on the topics of climate change and DEIJ issues affecting communities in the Hudson Valley as it relates to watershed management strategies for the estuary
• Draft outreach and story content for e-newsletters and webpages
• Assist in the planning, execution and follow up of events and community engagement (virtual and in person)
• Presenting climate change and DEIJ info at educational events

Programming support.

• Develop and update useful resources and tools on climate change and DEIJ issues, solutions and state support programs as it relates to watershed management strategies for the estuary
• Attend and briefly summarize relevant conferences, webinars and events
• Participate in regular team and partner meetings

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in climate change, environmental policy, communications or relevant field, or equivalent life experience, is preferred.
• Candidates who have taken a less traditional path may be considered if an aptitude for success and a strong willingness to learn is clearly apparent.
• Ability to think and act in a broad collaborative style and comfortable in group settings.
• Naturally prone to action and able to manage change.
• Inclusive and interested in helping others.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and able to write concisely and express thoughts clearly.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word), virtual meeting platforms and remote work environments.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel on a limited basis.

NEIWPCC offers a competitive compensation package, including excellent comprehensive benefits for eligible employees.

NEIWPCC is an equal opportunity employer, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, physical and mental disability, ancestry, genetic information, age, political or union affiliation, pregnancy or related medical conditions, military service or application for military service, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by applicable law. Physical or mental disabilities will be considered only as they may relate to the candidate’s ability to fulfill bona fide job requirements. This policy refers to all personnel practices including employee recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, training, disciplining, terminating and all other conditions.

For More Information:

Climate Change Program for the Hudson River Estuary: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/39786.html

Helping communities become climate resilient: https://wri.cals.cornell.edu/hudson-river-estuary/climate-change-hudson-river-estuary/helping-communities-become-climate-resilient/

Adaptation Inspiration short video series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iXSbw4WHLQ&list=PLnBbYubhbH1XmPkxxplT4Fx0E6A56Jucg&index=2

NYS Climate Smart Communities: https://climatesmart.ny.gov/