Fields: urban planning, infrastructure, water, environment, policy
Location: Oakland, California
About the Organization: Founded in 1987, The Pacific Institute is a global water sustainability think tank that combines science-based thought leadership with active outreach to influence local, national, and international efforts in developing sustainable water policies. In 2016, the Pacific Institute launched its Congressman George Miller Water Policy Leadership Program, which annually supports two water policy interns. This program was established to honor the long service of Congressman George Miller to his country, and his legendary dedication and historical accomplishments around sustainable solutions to Western U.S. water policy reform. The goal of the Water Policy Leadership Program is to train the next generation of water sustainability and environmental and economic justice leaders. The complex environmental challenges facing our society call for innovative and forward-thinking solutions from leaders who bring knowledge and expertise that traverse a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
About the Position: The program brings emerging environmental leaders from a variety of backgrounds to contribute to our work under the mentorship of knowledgeable research staff. The program provides each intern with significant and varied experiences to build skills in research, outreach, and leadership; to benefit from a committed mentor; to have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the sustainability field; and to accomplish a specific project that also contributes to her/his career goals. Interns gain experience working in a nonprofit research organization, including such tasks as reading and analyzing academic reports and other literature, analyzing data, writing reports and related materials, conducting Internet and field research, assisting with outreach, giving presentations, and connecting with others in the field. Interns will work 20 hours per week for 10 weeks beginning in the summer of 2019. Gain valuable nonprofit work experience, professional development and mentorship from skilled researchers, and the opportunity for exposure to a diverse set of water issues. Project work varies but may include (1) conducting primary and secondary research on California water challenges facing local communities or the state as a whole; (2) developing summaries for policymakers and the public from the Institute’s research work; (3) conducting research related to business, water, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; and (4) creating digital maps and analyzing data from public agencies.
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
- Coursework and or activities demonstrate her/his interest and experience in environmental sustainability, freshwater, and/or social and economic justice.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program OR be a nonstudent with relevant life experience.
- Have strong writing and computer skills.
- Have a demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
The Institute encourages greater participation in environmental science, policy, and communications from groups that are underrepresented in the professional environmental field and research sector (for example, but not limited to, people of color; the educationally, physically, or economically disadvantaged; and women), and/or with life circumstances, experiences, skills, or talents that will enrich the perspectives of the Pacific Institute and the environmental sustainability and justice fields.
Estimated Salary: $15/hour
Deadline: April 1, 2019
Apply Here:
Pacific Institute
Entry Level Jobs for Social Impact 