Climate Justice Research Intern

EDF internships 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.

Location

U.S. Remote with option to be hybrid out of EDF’s office in New York City. Intern supervisor is in New York, and many team members are in across the United States. 

Term

Spring 2027

Hours

Part-time (20 hr/week)

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application.

Program/Department Overview

The Justice & Equity (J&E) team is a core capacity within EDF’s Mission. Guided by EDF’s Equity and Environmental Justice Vision and Principles and its Environmental and Climate Justice Strategic Plan, we work to embed environmental and climate justice frameworks across the Mission, optimizing EDF’s core strengths to drive lasting and effective environmental solutions. 

Overall Function

EDF and Cornell’s Center for Conservation Social Sciences are conducting a research project that synthesizes research on inclusive and equitable technology, policy, and market-based approaches to climate and energy transitions. The team will translate key findings into practical criteria and actions for organizations like EDF to advance effective, inclusive and durable climate interventions in U.S. and global contexts. We will publish the results, create case studies, hold a workshop with partners to share the findings, and will integrate the criteria into EDF’s planning, training, and accountability processes. The intern will join the research team, led by Sr. Director for Just and Equitable Mission Engagement and report to Manager, Justice & Equity. Though the project will be completed after the internship period, the intern will play a key role in research, data analysis, and original writing and project planning. 

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Research case studies that explore the impact of equitable decision making on environmental and climate justice initiatives. Case studies will focus on, but may not be limited to, infrastructure and policies related to the clean energy transition.
• Synthesize case studies and provide a detailed report on internal and external initiatives and the impact of equitable decision making.
• Work with the Frontline Resource Institute team to test and update its AI powered search engine for grants, testing it and writing feedback reports.
• Prepare a strategic mapping of academic researchers and technical assistance providers to help inform an upcoming web series, develop a draft project plan.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in research and environmental or climate justice.
• Coursework in research methods, policy, or environmental studies recommended.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in academic research and writing, including the ability to identify credible sources, review academic literature and policy materials, and organize findings.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills.

Learn more about internships at EDF -http://www.edf.org/environmental-careers/internships