We’re hiring interns who envision a cleaner, greener world

Environment Oregon is a policy and action group with one mission: to restore and protect the natural world. Our staff works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife, open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. We’re hiring summer interns to help advance our mission.

Campaigns

Summer 2024 Interns will have the opportunity to work on these campaigns, and others:

• Protect Owyhee Canyonlands: The Owyhee Canyonlands has a diverse set of natural wonders: colorful canyon peaks, racing waters and rare wildlife living undisturbed in their natural habitat. The area also provides endless recreational opportunities, such as hiking up towering rock formations, walking along lava flows, and kayaking, canoeing or rafting on the Owyhee River as rainbow and redband trout swim alongside. Unfortunately, only 5% of the Owyhee Canyonlands is permanently protected, and the threats of industrial development and climate change are clawing at its edges. If Congress won’t act, then we’re urging the Biden Administration to establish an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument before the end of 2024.
• Safeguarding Heceta Bank: Nestled off the rugged coast of central Oregon is one of the most unique ecosystems in the Pacific. It’s called  Heceta Bank. Every year, hundreds of migrating humpback and gray whales travel through this area and above the waves, thousands of albatross and shearwaters prey on fish. On the seafloor, rockfish, sea stars and octopuses traverse the rocky reefs and canyons found here. President Biden set a goal to conserve 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. Amazing environments, such as the ones that exist at Heceta Bank off of Oregon’s coast, would benefit from strong protections from human activity.
• Save Oregon’s Oldest Trees: There’s nothing quite like walking through an old growth forest in Oregon. Magnificent Douglas firs and Western hemlocks stand like giants against the sky, while huge ferns, vine maples, manzanita and wildflowers dot the understory. Douglas squirrels climb the towering trees to get a better look at you as the clatter of a woodpecker rings in the distance. For the patient – and the lucky– you may even get a glimpse of an elk or a spotted owl. These incredible old-growth forests used to cover most of Oregon, but today only a small fraction remains. Many of these forests, along with approximately 50 million acres of mature forests are on federal lands in the United States and are unprotected from logging. We’re calling on the Biden administration to protect old growth and mature trees and forests on all federal land in Oregon and across the country.

The Internship

The internship is designed to help train the next generation of environmental leaders by instilling the skills, ethics, and drive it takes to win campaigns. We are looking for people who work hard, communicate effectively, and are dedicated to positive social change; responsibilities include grassroots organizing, media outreach and organizational building.  Interns will have the opportunity to develop and execute campaign strategies for winning critical parts of our state-wide efforts.  Specific responsibilities include:

 Grassroots Organizing:

1. Identifying and organizing businesses, local leaders, and citizens to promote environmental protections
2. Media outreach: Assist in organizing a press event and writing letters to local papers
3. Collecting petitions, running activist phone-banks, and using our network to pressure on local leaders directly

Organization Building: 

1. News Watch: Track media for stories and opinion pieces relevant to our campaign and organization
2. Maintaining reports on local political climate, researching opportunities for environmental progress
3. Administrative: Help ensure the office and organization continue to run efficiently

Expectations 

Interns must work a minimum of 20 hours per week for at least 10 weeks on a regular schedule, as determined at the beginning of the term.  Interns must be on time and prepared.  They must be able to work independently as well as in groups.  This is an unpaid internship; it may be completed for college credit. If you’re interested in a position you can apply here.