EDF offers internships and fellowships for students and recent graduates in a variety of programs and departments throughout the organization. The ultimate goal of our internship and fellowship program is to provide high-quality experiences (including relevant projects and opportunities for networking) that form the foundation for any individual who is serious about pursuing an environmental career.

Program/Department Overview

EDF's Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds program works in a bold and collaborative manner to ensure resilient ecosystems and communities along coasts and rivers thrive with water and are safe, equitable and prosperous places to live, work and play. This multi-faceted program deals with the many complex challenges associated with restoring natural system to create sustainable and equitable communities with improved infrastructure and robust economies.

Climate change presents a grave and immediate threat for Virginia's communities, infrastructure and economy. Virginia has the highest rates of sea level rise along the entire Atlantic seaboard and Hampton Roads is facing compounding flood risks from sea level rise, increasing 'sunny day' flooding and stronger storms and precipitation events. The Commonwealth is finalizing and preparing to implement its first-ever Coastal Resilience Master Plan and has issued the first of several funding rounds for the statewide Community Flood Preparedness Fund. EDF's Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds team is focused on building and maintaining collaborative partnerships that work together to advocate for comprehensive, ambitious, science-based and equitable flood resilience planning and policies.

Overall Function

The Virginia Coasts and Watersheds Policy Intern will provide research, communications and organizational support to help advance the program's near-term strategic goals. Working in a highly collaborative environment, the Virginia Coasts and Watersheds Policy Intern will help advance and communicate EDF's policy priorities for statewide flood resilience planning and governance that informs, engages and empowers local communities. The Virginia Coasts and Watersheds Policy Intern's work will be guided by the Director, Virginia Coasts and Watersheds with support from other staff on the Coastal Resilience team.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Support EDF's engagement in the General Assembly's 2022 Legislative Session to advance knowledge of statewide flood resilience planning and governance strategies.
• Track and support partner engagement and advocacy related to shared flood resilience policy priorities. Tasks may include but are not limited to: organizing meetings, taking notes, and/or drafting policy talking points and fact sheets.
• Support the team with communications needs, including fact sheets, blogs, reports and/or social media toolkits.
• Participate in advancing EDF 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

• Undergraduate studies or degree in a relevant field (environmental science/studies, coastal sciences or oceanography, ecology/biology, public policy, law, government, urban planning and architecture, or social sciences including economics) is required.
• Proficiency in web-based computer applications and standard desktop-based software, including the Microsoft Suite and videoconferencing platforms. Experience with ArcGIS or Canva a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; experience working with various communication styles to effectively communicate to multiple audiences.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work in a team setting, prioritize, and work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated interest in policy development, coastal adaptation, stormwater management and/or community resilience.
• Knowledge of Virginia landscape a plus. Virginia-based student preferred.

Location

Remote

Term

Jan - April/May (i.e., duration of the Spring 2022 Semester)

Hours

Part time (10-15 hours per week)

Compensation

This internship would involve either compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits 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.