Paid Clean Water Policy Internship - WEC

Washington Environmental Council (WEC) is a nonprofit, statewide advocacy organization that has been driving positive change to solve Washington’s most critical environmental challenges since 1967. WEC builds power for the environmental movement in Washington.

Position Summary:
Want to be part of a team of passionate and resourceful individuals who are building power to tackle our state’s biggest environmental issues? Does the idea of working for clean air, clean water, and equitable environmental protection for all Washingtonians excite you? Come join our team!

WEC is seeking a motivated and organized individual to support the work of the People for Puget Sound Team this spring. This is a paid, part-time internship that will involve critical thinking, data analysis, and public engagement. This internship is a great opportunity for someone who is invested in protecting Washington’s environment and interested in understanding how policy is applied in the real world.

What is Nature’s Scorecard?:
For over a century, we’ve developed our land in a way that interrupts the natural water cycle. Paved surfaces and hard rooftops prevent rain from soaking naturally into the soil. Instead, rainwater floods through our streets, carrying pollution directly to local waterways, and our communities are bearing the burden. Around Puget Sound, communities are investing in green stormwater infrastructure because it protects local water quality and salmon, it reduces pollution and flooding in denser communities, and it makes our neighborhoods more livable, walkable, and resilient.

The primary project for this internship is to support the development of a new Nature’s Scorecard, an accountability tool used to accelerate the adoption of green stormwater infrastructure across Puget Sound. This project is a collaborative effort between WEC and Puget SoundKeeper Alliance and the intern will have the opportunity to work with staff from both organizations.

Internship Hours/Timeframe/Stipend:
The Clean Water Policy Intern will serve 15-20 hours per week from March 29th through the end of August. Dates and hours are flexible, but interns should expect to work weekdays between 9-5pm. A $2,000 stipend will be provided. This internship can count as course credit if approved by your institution.

The Clean Water Policy Intern will work under the direction of the Stormwater and Toxics Policy Manager and will have training and networking opportunities. The intern will join 2-5 meetings per week via phone or video, including a weekly check in with their supervisor. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our office is currently closed and the position will be remote.

WEC is committed to a diverse, socially just, and welcoming work environment and people of color, people with varying abilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are especially encouraged to apply. We seek to apply a social and racial justice lens to all of our work.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume and your availability here. If you have any questions about the application process, you can reach out to michelle@wecprotects.org. We will be accepting applications up to March 8th, but may be scheduling interviews as we receive applications.

Responsibilities

Research and compile data regarding green stormwater infrastructure investments of cities and counties across Puget Sound. This will include finding technical information online, sorting through reports, and working with large datasets in Excel
Analyze and map data layers using GIS or another mapping software. Data layers will include both environmental and equity-related factors
Support public engagement activities including, but not limited to, educating the public on stormwater impacts and the intersection of clean water and environmental justice through social media and other communication products
The intern may also have the opportunity to support other campaigns under the People for Puget Sound team including Orca Month and We Are Puget Sound

Qualifications

Listed qualifications are desired, but not required to be considered.

Passion for protecting and restoring Washington’s environment
Commitment to advancing racial equity and environmental justice
Work or educational experience researching and communicating environmental issues
Comfortable working with large datasets in Excel, sorting through PDFs, and finding technical information online
Experience working with GIS or other mapping software
Ability to work in a team and individually
Excellent interpersonal skills