Crane Foundation Endowed Water Fellowship Description
Internship Timeframe
The Water Fellow is expected to work for 32 weeks (the academic year), beginning in September and ending in May.
Compensation
Internships will not be paid on an hourly basis. Intern will receive a $4,000 stipend for the Academic Year (32 weeks) to be paid out in two installments after each semester. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.
Position Summary
Intern will serve as program support for WMEAC’s water research, education, behavior change, and action programs and initiatives. The primary role of the Water Fellow will be to participate in research and program development, and administrative activities to support WMEAC’s water programs, with the intended goal of providing learning and leadership opportunities that contribute to the professional development of the Water Fellow. Additional duties include serving the community by delivering presentations and interactive activities to interested student, faith based, and/or civic groups about water quality issues, with the goal of funneling new volunteers into opportunities for action for WMEAC’s water protection programs. Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected when the intern’s schedule permits.
Qualifications
- Current graduate or upper-level undergraduate student pursuing a degree in environmental science with a focus on aquatic sciences or water resources policy
- Knowledge and passion for regional watershed, water quality, and/or stormwater policy issues
- Excellent communication and writing skills, including public speaking, with a mastery of environmental science vocabulary
- Strong research skills, experience in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data
- Willingness to represent WMEAC and its Water Programs and to intelligently discuss environmental issues with a variety of community and professional audiences
- Good organizational skills, self-starter; leadership experience a plus
- Commitment to protecting the environment
- Ability and willingness to commit to this position for the full academic year
- Knowledge and experiences with geographic information systems (GIS) software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher)
Organization Background
West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization working to protect and enhance West Michigan’s environment by translating the concerns of people into positive action. WMEAC has been delivering environmental education and advocacy to the West Michigan community for over 50 years.
Work Location
Intern will work out of the WMEAC office to the extent possible. However, our staff is currently working a hybrid schedule where staff members work 2-3 days per week in the office and 2-3 days per week at home. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.
COVID Vaccination and Mask Requirements
Due to the increases in infection rates as a result of the Delta Variant, masks will be required while in the office and at indoor meetings and events. All staff and interns are required to be current on their COVID vaccinations, including any boosters as they become available and recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Interns will be required to sign an acknowledgement of this policy. Any staff member or intern that fails to comply with this policy can choose to work remotely, or may seek employment at another agency.
To Apply
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and application to wmeac.org/internships. WMEAC is an equal opportunity employer. No one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
