Climate Resilience Intern

Position Type: Part-time or full-time options, depending on candidate preference, $16-$22 per hr. non-exempt, grant-funded position, reporting directly to the Impact Director. Depending on candidate preference; the goal of this internship is to transition from intern to a full-time permanent staffing role. 

Hiring Policy:
Groundwork Southcoast (GWSC) strongly encourages individuals from the communities we serve—particularly those with lived experience in environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods, and who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, women, gender non-binary, and neuroatypical individuals—to apply. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. GWSC values diverse experiences and perspectives and recognizes that lived experience is as valuable as formal qualifications. Network-wide Green Team alumni are encouraged to apply. 

We are seeking 1 Climate Resilience Intern who has a clean driving record, CORI, and SORI to join our organization part-time hourly at 20hrs per week to full-time hourly at 40hrs a week (i.e., 1040 to 2080 hrs a year). A portion of this time will be dedicated to a NOAA/POCIE internship.

Location: Fall River and New Bedford; GWSC’s office is currently in New Bedford

How to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply directly here: Groundwork Southcoast Application

About Groundwork Southcoast:
(GWSC) is an environmental justice (EJ) organization focused on investing in the leadership of youth and adult residents from EJ communities in Fall River and New Bedford through leadership development, workforce programs, and environmental stewardship. We prioritize community-driven action that addresses issues of environmental, racial, and social justice and equity.

About Professionals of Color in the Environment (POCIE):

POCIE is a community network for BIPOC environmental professionals encompassing individuals from all career stages . We work to advance racial equity and dismantle barriers within the environmental sector as well as provide support and resources for current and future environmental professionals. 

Position Summary:

The Climate Resilience Intern will work alongside the Impact Director and Climate Resilience Coordinator to support critical initiatives related to climate resilience, environmental justice, and community empowerment. This role involves supporting data collection, analysis, and the implementation of climate resilience projects related to the Climate Safe Neighborhoods initiative, focusing on land, water, food stewardship, and community leadership development. POCIE will provide the selected candidate with funding for travel and conference expenses. POCIE also hosts various professional development and networking opportunities that will be available to the selected candidate. As part of the mentorship program, the selected candidate will also gain experience within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Restoration Center through their NOAA mentor. 

Key Responsibilities:

Data, Climate Safe Neighborhoods, and Climate Resilience (65% of work):

• Data Collection & Analysis: Support the quantitative and qualitative data collection efforts, including the use of GIS mapping tools to track and analyze environmental data.
• Maintain Data Systems: Assist in maintaining and organizing environmental data related to climate resilience, land, water, and food systems.
• Support Analysis: Help analyze collected data to inform GWSC’s climate resilience and environmental justice efforts.
• Mentorship & Professional Development: Participate in mentorship programs, including guidance from the Supervisor and a dedicated mentorship from a BIPOC environmental professional from POCIE’s community to build skills in environmental data analysis, resilience planning, and to enhance candidate’s professional development. Attend and present at least one professional conference to showcase the work of the internship.
• Collaboration: Attend key meetings, including those related to environmental and climate resilience initiatives, and provide support as needed to the Impact Director and other team members. Step-in and contribute to the overall growth and development of GWSC and help meet organizational goals.

Groundwork Southcoast Coordination (35% of work):

• Asset Organization: Organize and maintain both physical and digital tools used for data collection, such as tablets, air quality monitors, computers, and other equipment.
• Grant Support: Provide technical support in grant writing and reporting, helping to secure funding for GWSC’s climate resilience and environmental justice initiatives.
• Team Coordination: Ensure effective communication and coordination within the team, participating in required meetings and completing daily tracking tasks (CRM, timesheets, etc.).

Additional Information:

• Some evening and weekend hours are required.
• Occasional overnight trips for youth programs (e.g., week-long trips to a National Park or conferences)

Qualifications:
GWSC encourages applicants who are passionate about environmental justice and climate resilience, particularly those with lived experience in EJ communities. We are looking for candidates who are motivated to work at the intersection of community empowerment and environmental sustainability.

• Strong commitment to racial, environmental, and social justice, focusing on uplifting historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Lived experience in or strong ties to environmental justice neighborhoods, particularly those impacted by climate change, food insecurity, and environmental hazards.
• Experience or willingness to engage in land, water, and food stewardship activities.
• Ability to lift and handle equipment (up to 40 lbs) as required for data collection and environmental activities.
• Comfort with data analysis and technical design, along with experience in using Zoom, online software, and Google Drive for collaborative work.
• Ability to engage with diverse community members, youth, young adults, and environmental justice residents, fostering inclusive communication, building strong relationships to gather data, tell impactful stories, and promote environmental education.
• Strong organizational skills to manage digital and physical assets, ensuring smooth operation of data collection efforts.
• A positive, collaborative attitude with the ability to bring joy and appropriate humor to the workplace, maintaining professionalism.
• Resourceful, adaptable, and a team player who thrives in a growing non-profit environment.
• Bilingual proficiency in languages preferred. Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, or K’iche is highly encouraged.