Sustainable Communities and Transportation Policy Intern
Job Description

Sustainable Communities Program Overview: 

EESI’s Sustainable Communities Program is focused on highlighting and strengthening the connections between energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation and smart growth.  Through our work, we seek to encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources in land-use planning, building design and transportation policies. 

To promote energy-efficient community designs and increase the use of local renewable energy technologies, EESI promotes the following principles: 1) better integration of energy policy and land-use policy on the federal, state and local levels; 2) greater inclusion of energy efficient/renewable energy techniques in development and design decisions;  3) identification of viable models/ “best practices” for replication in other states and communities; and 4) improved research and tools to evaluate the energy value of different community and building designs.  The benefits are: a cleaner, healthier environment; enhanced public health; advancement of more “sustainable”, biologically diverse communities; and a more resilient and less vulnerable energy network. 

Intern Responsibilities:

• Monitor smart growth, green building, planning, energy and other related issues in various publications and the Internet
• Research and compile information for EESI projects and publications related to smart growth, green buildings, energy, and planning.
• Qualitative analysis of relevant smart growth, energy and planning policies at the federal and state level. 
• Attend Congressional hearings, briefings, meetings, or relevant events related to smart growth, green buildings, planning, and energy issues.
• Update Sustainable Communities database information as needed.
• Aid with setup, ‘meeting and greeting’ and other day-of preparation for EESI Congressional briefings and meetings.
• Project-related administrative tasks

Intern Qualifications:

• Required: Bachelors degree in planning, urban studies, environmental policy or a related field.  Students pursuing a Masters degree in planning, urban studies, environmental policy or a related field encouraged to apply.
• Interest in smart growth, sustainability, green buildings and energy issues
• Self-starter, flexible and able to manage multiple tasks
• Adequate computer skills or ability to quickly learn various computer programs including: Microsoft programs (Front Page, Excel, Outlook and Word) and database programs.
• Clear and concise writing for newsletter, hearing/briefing write-ups and facts sheets.
• Efficient, accurate, and timely research for program information. 
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team or independently as needed. 
• Openness to expressing new ideas and capacity to produce questions that will further EESI’s mission.

Internship Application Requirements: 

EESI internships require a commitment of 20-40 hours per week for 10-12 weeks, with a possible extension.  Please see our Employment page for application submission period dates.   Please specify the time period during which you seek to intern. Citizens of any nation may apply.  We offer a friendly, informal and progressive work environment. 

To apply please submit the following to Jan Mueller at jmueller@eesi.org.  Electronic submissions are preferred.  Thank you for your interest.

a) cover letter explaining your interests and what you hope to gain through an internship with EESI
b) current resume, list of publications if applicable
c) writing sample, two-five pages in length
d) unofficial transcript

The position is open until filled.  We offer transportation benefits.

Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit established in 1984 by Congressional leaders, dedicated to promoting environmentally sustainable societies in the areas of renewable energy/efficiency, climate change; transportation/smart growth; and agriculture and energy.  Its primary focus is on national policy and policymaker education.  EESI effects change by producing credible, timely information and innovative policy ideas and through coalition building, media outreach, publications, Congressional briefings/workshops and task forces. For more information, please visit www.eesi.org.