Sierra Club Student Internship Program

Summary

The Sierra Club considers applications from potential student interns on a rolling basis. We encourage students to submit an application using the process described below, and we will accept interns based on a student’s interests and skills as they align with the needs of the Sierra Club’s work in Oregon. We have a particular and immediate need for an intern interested in assisting with the Sierra Club’s fundraising and development efforts in Oregon.

Our Internship Program at the Sierra Club’s Oregon Chapter is designed to expose high school and college students to the day-to-day operations of a premier non-profit environmental advocacy organization.

Depending on a student’s abilities and area(s) of interest, Sierra Club staff will work with qualified applicants to design a meaningful internship program that provides work experience and builds skills in a range of areas including community organizing, policy and advocacy, communication strategies, volunteer engagement, and organizational development.

About the Sierra Club

Named “the most influential environmental organization” in an Aspen Institute poll, the Sierra Club gives the public the information and the means to make their voices heard. As the world’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization, the Club’s 750,000 members in 65 chapters and over 400 local groups nationwide possess the unique ability to empower people and influence public policy through community activism, public education, outreach and litigation.

The Sierra Club’s Oregon Chapter represents the organization’s 20,000 members in Oregon and has worked to protect Oregon’s environment and natural resources since 1978. Today, the Sierra Club employs eight staff in Oregon who work with volunteer leaders to advance the chapter’s conservation priorities. Current priority conservation efforts of the Oregon Chapter include protecting Oregon’s wild forests, Protecting Oregon’s high desert, stopping irresponsible liquefied natural gas pipelines and terminals, and promoting clean energy solutions.

Additionally, the Sierra Club maintains a professional presence at the state capitol and is active in efforts to influence legislative and administrative decisions that impact Oregon’s environment. The Oregon Chapter also conducts a wide array of activities that engage members and the general public in efforts to explore, enjoy and protect our shared environment; including outdoor hikes, service activities, community forums, and research efforts.

SALARY: Unpaid. The Sierra Club is willing to assist student-led efforts to secure outside funding for the position and/or to secure school credit for the internship experience.

COMMITMENT: Minimum 10 hours/week for at least 8 weeks. Preference will be given to applicants committing to an approximately 40 hour work week for a 10-12 week period.

DEADLINE: Rolling deadline. Applications will be reviewed as submitted, and applicants will be contacted if the applicants skills and interests align with current needs.

Responsibilities

The following are examples of the types of responsibilities that an intern’s work might include depending on the applicants skills, experience and interests:

• Research and write, articles, letters, reports and/or fact sheets related to the Oregon Chapter’s conservation priorities and advocacy work
• Assist in drafting and submitting comments to federal, state, or local agencies concerning projects and proposals that impact Oregon’s environment and natural resources.
• Assist in lobbying activities and monitoring policy making at the state capitol and/or administrative bodies.
• Plan and implement public outreach events such as a press conference, public rally, or house party; engage and recruit volunteer attendance at important community meetings or public hearings.
• Draft web content, action alerts, and news releases.
• Assist with donor research, and the developing and implementation of fundraising plans.

Qualifications

The preferred candidate will possess the following traits and qualifications:

• High-energy, creative, and detail-oriented team players who are able to work independently as needed.
• Superior oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to listen well.
• Self-starter. Strong initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks successfully.
• Computer literate: proficiency in Word, Excel, and internet search engines.
• Passion for protecting Oregon’s environment and natural resources.

To Apply

Provide (1) a resume and (2) a letter of interest that describes:

1. The dates and hours of your availability
2. Any deadlines you might have for securing outside funding for this internship
3. The specific aspects of the Sierra Club’s conservation or other work that interest you
4. Why you believe a Sierra Club internship would help you grow both personally and professionally

Materials can be sent to brian.pasko@sierraclub.org or mailed to:

Brian Pasko, Director
Sierra Club Oregon Chapter
1821 SE Ankeny Street
Portland, Oregon 97214

No telephone calls, please.