Fall 2012 Project Intern

Project Internship Opportunity at Innovative Environmental Non-Profit Organization Boston, MA for Fall/Winter 2012

Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. (PSI) is a national non-profit environmental institute with membership from 47 states, over 200 local governments, and more than 75 businesses, organizations, universities, and non-U.S. governments. PSI establishes cooperative agreements to reduce the health and environmental impacts from consumer products. For more information, please visit PSI.

Position Overview:

The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) seeks an enterprising individual who thrives in a fast-paced, small organization. PSI is conducting cutting-edge work on product stewardship and sustainability, and seeks interns who have energy, enthusiasm, and creativity.

PSI interns work on a variety of tasks, which allow them to become informed about current stewardship programs in a variety of product industries. PSI staff assists interns in developing 1 or 2 specific projects for which the intern can take primary responsibility. Interns also perform some administrative assignments, as do all staff.  There are significant learning opportunities pertaining to substantive initiatives.

Responsibilities: 

Potential tasks might include:

• Conduct research to support ongoing product stewardship projects that have the potential to change the current paradigm of waste management.
• Develop and assist in writing and editing technical documents, and summarizing legislation.
• Update PSI's website and assist on press and communications.
• Work with PSI members across the country to build coalitions on legislative priorities.
• Assist in developing funding proposals.
• Organize national contact lists and databases to enhance the organization's ability to communicate with its constituents, and conduct other administrative tasks.

Qualifications:

Interns should have excellent organization, analytic, and communication skills, both written and oral, and be passionate about moving toward a more sustainable future. Ideal candidates will have academic or professional experience or knowledge related to environmental advocacy and/or a sufficient background in environmental and public health issues.

Ideal candidates may have an undergraduate or graduate degree in policy, political science, natural science, environmental science, law, business administration, economics, or a related field.  Alternatively, interns may be a degree candidate in one of these areas. The intern's thoughts and ideas will be considered seriously as a contribution to improving the organization as a whole, as well as forwarding its mission.

Compensation: Unpaid.

Application Due Date: October 19, 2012 (however, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP)

Time Commitment: Approximately 15- 20 hours/week with a possibility of additional hours or a full-time opportunity during breaks and summer.

To Apply: 

Please send a resume, cover letter, and 2 writing samples (preferably 1 short and 1 long) electronically.

Please address all of the following within your cover letter:

• Are you able to reliably meet the minimum time requirement?
• Why are you interested in working on product stewardship Issues?
• Why are you interested in working for the Product Stewardship Institute?
• What in your academic or professional experience makes you uniquely qualified for this position?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?