Careers

Eco-Journalism and Blogging Internship

Internship Timeframes

Intern is expected to work for a period of 15 weeks.

*Timeframes are approximate.

Compensation

Internships will not be paid on an hourly basis. Intern will receive a $500 stipend, paid at the conclusion of the internship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary

Intern will research, write, and/or produce content on identified West Michigan environmental issues for print and online publication, as well as for radio and cable TV broadcasts. Intern will support WMEAC’s various water quality, climate change, policy, environmental education and administrative programs and projects. Regular attendance at Communications Team meetings is required. Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected, when the intern’s schedule permits.  Intern is expected to work 10-15 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor. Intern will report primarily to WMEAC’s Deputy Director.

Qualifications

Required:  

• Documented journalism experience including published writing samples
• Training or professional experience with social media
• Experience doing interviews
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn digital content management systems
• Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn basic photography and video skills

Preferred:

• Upper-level university student, graduate, or emerging professional with education, experience, or training in the field of journalism or professional writing
• Basic knowledge of common or local environmental issues

Organization Background

West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization working to protect and enhance West Michigan’s enviornment 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. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

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.

Communications and Marketing Internship

Reports to: Director of Development

Internship Time Commitment: 10 to 15 hours per week for 15 weeks, which typically aligns with the beginning and end of the semester.

*Timeframes are approximate.

Compensation

Intern will receive a $500 stipend, paid at the conclusion of the internship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary

The Communications and Marketing Intern helps lead a robust communications strategy that primarily includes WMEAC’s e-news, print news, website, and social media. They will help maintain the organization’s website, create collateral materials as needed to promote WMEAC’s mission, and design and copy edit WMEAC communications. This role often involves close collaboration with WMEAC staff to bring timely, relevant, and informative communications to a diverse array of constituents.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain WMEAC’s digital communications (e-news, social media, and web content)
• Collaborate with Director of Development to design and execute print newsletters
• Design and maintain on-brand, engaging collateral materials to share at events and with supporters
• Copy edit as needed
• Evaluate success of various communications strategies and provide recommendations for improvement
• Along with WMEAC staff, occasionally table on behalf of the organization at community events, and assist with any signature events that coincide with the semester (2-3 per year)

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

• Experience managing newsletter, website, and social media content

• Graphic design experience (Canva or Adobe Illustrator preferred)

• Proficiency with website platforms such as WordPress

• Proficiency with email platforms such as Mailchimp

• Self-starter able to work both independently and collaboratively 

• Highly organized, strong attention to detail, creative flair, and strong written communication skills

• Demonstrated interest in the environment and sustainability

Organization Background

West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s (WMEAC’s) mission is to work collaboratively alongside our diverse community to educate, engage, and advocate for environmental values, environmental and climate justice, and a healthy and resilient community for all. WMEAC has been a key environmental education, engagement, and advocacy organization since 1968, and is a registered 501c3 nonprofit. We serve West Michigan communities, with primary emphasis on the Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon metropolitan areas.

Work Location

WMEAC has a hybrid work schedule, where full-time staff members work 2-3 days per week in the Grand Rapids office and 2-3 days per week at home. The Communications and Marketing Intern may also work a hybrid schedule, but is expected to work from the office at least 1 day per week. Our Grand Rapids office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays, and in-office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10am – 5pm. WMEAC staff will work with the Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

To Apply

Applicants should submit 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.

Climate Action Communications Internship

Internship Timeframe

Intern is expected to work for a period of 15 weeks.

*Time frame is approximate.

Compensation

Internships will not be paid on an hourly basis. Intern will receive a $500 stipend, paid at the conclusion of the internship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary

Intern will work closely with WMEAC staff to support the Climate Action Campaign (CAC). This internship will focus on climate policy communications and marketing through social media, digital newsletters and membership communications, website and press materials. Intern will support climate policy; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental justice efforts. This internship is intended for a student or community member who is passionate about communications, climate policy, marketing, and community engagement. Intern is expected to work 10-15 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor. Intern will report primarily to WMEAC’s Director of Climate Solutions and Justice.

Although specific tasks will depend on WMEAC and CAC events, projects and opportunities that arise during the course of the internship, intern is expected to:

Communications

• Create social media content regarding climate and environmental justice messaging
• Create content for regular digital newsletters, social media stories, and blogs, for WMEAC audience, organizing and elected outreach efforts (as needed)

Marketing

• Develop marketing and promotion for CAC campaign and associated events through social media and digital communications tools
• Share organizational announcements for CAC campaign by sending out press releases as needed

Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected, when the intern’s schedule permits.

Qualifications

Required: 

• Familiarity and experience managing social media platforms for an organization or business
• Experience and/or ability to create and design content for e-newsletters, social media, and marketing campaigns; photography, video and/or creative design experience a plus
• Highly organized and able to contribute to a complex, multi-faceted communications strategy
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience and/or willingness to learn to operate basic website tools
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs
• Ability to speak to a group of community members and partners

Preferred: 

• Detail-oriented and able to plan and execute logistics for multiple, concurrent event campaigns
• Basic knowledge of climate policy, environmental and/or social justice issues is helpful

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 have the opportunity to work out of the WMEAC Grand Rapids Office and/or at a remote location in the Kalamazoo area. Fellow may work remotely for a portion of their responsibilities but is also expected to attend in-person events as directed. The Grand Rapids office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days at the Grand Rapids office will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible hybrid schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

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.

Community Outreach & Inclusion Internship

Internship Timeframe*

Intern is expected to work for a period of 15 weeks.

*Time frame is approximate.

Compensation

Internships will not be paid on an hourly basis. Intern will receive a $500 stipend at the conclusion of the internship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary

Intern will work closely with staff and the WMEAC IDEAL (Inclusion and Development of Environmental Allies and Leaders) committee. Intern will expand their skills in community engagement, volunteer management, and communications and deepen their understanding of inclusion and equity in a nonprofit environmental organization. This position is open to both students and non-students interested in engaging a diverse group of community members and organizations in environmental issues and action.  Intern is expected to work 10-15 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor. Intern will report primarily to WMEAC’s Director of Engagement.

Although specific tasks will depend on the community events, committee projects, and opportunities that arise during the course of the internship, intern is expected to:

Inclusion

• Attend WMEAC’s IDEAL committee meetings and provide support as needed for committee projects
• Connect with community partners at community meetings and events

Volunteer Programs & Community Events

• Respond to volunteer inquiries, plan and coordinate volunteer work days and other opportunities and promote the volunteer program through the volunteer e-newsletter, social media, and email.
• Coordinate event tabling requests received from community and partner organizations, plan logistics and activities for events, and represent WMEAC and engage community members at events.

**Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected, when the intern’s schedule permits.

Qualifications

Required: 

• Experience or strong interest in volunteer management, community outreach and inclusive practices
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with database management tools
• Ability to speak to a group of community members, partners, and volunteers
• Knowledge of social media writing and content development
• Strong organization skills
• Detail-oriented and able to plan and execute logistics for multiple, concurrent events
• Ability to conduct accurate research to support grant initiatives
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs

Preferred: 

• Interest and/or experience in environmental justice, equity, inclusion, and collaboration
• Community activism and organizing experience
• Basic knowledge of environmental and/or social justice issues

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. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

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.

Crane Foundation Endowed Water Fellow Opportunity

Matilda M. and Harold D. Crane Foundation Endowed Water Fellow

Fellowship Timeframe

Fellow is expected to work for an academic year (Fall – Spring/32 weeks).

Compensation

Fellowships are not paid on an hourly basis. Fellow will receive a $4,000 stipend, payable in four quarterly installments. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this fellowship 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. Fellow is expected to work 20-25 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor.  Fellow will report primarily to WMEAC’s Director of Sustainable Community Development.

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

Fellow 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. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

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.

Hope College Environmental Advocacy Fellowship

Internship Timeframe: *Not currently hiring for Fall 2024.

Compensation

The Environmental Advocacy Fellow will not be paid on an hourly basis. Fellow will receive a $4,500 stipend at the conclusion of the fellowship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary

The Environmental Advocacy fellowship opportunity was established in partnership between Hope College and West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) to develop advocacy, education, and sustainability leadership skills related to water protection, climate change, and other environmental issues in West Michigan. The Environmental Advocacy Fellow will report primarily to WMEAC’s Deputy Director, but will also provide support as needed to other staff members.

Fellow will work closely with staff and WMEAC’s IDEAL (Inclusion and Development of Environmental Allies and Leaders) and ACT (Action, Coordination & Transformation) committees. Although specific tasks will depend on environmental policy issues that arise during the course of the fellowship, fellow is expected to:

• Research and summarize policy issues and environmental questions
• Program development and administrative activities to support WMEAC’s programs team
• Identify, track, and analyze important environmental legislation
• Additional duties include serving the community by delivering presentations and interactive activities to interested student, faith based, and/or civic groups about environmental issues
• Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected when the fellow’s schedule permits.

Qualifications

Required:

• Rising senior at Hope College pursuing a degree in environmental studies and/or environmental science.
• Knowledge of and a strong interest in federal, state, and local political systems; environmental issues, especially water, energy, and climate resilience
• Successful academic coursework in government and political science or environmental policy
• 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 committees and programs and to intelligently discuss environmental issues with a variety of community and professional audiences
• Good organizational skills, self-starter; leadership experience a plus
• Demonstrated dedication to protecting the environment and a willingness to try new tasks and outreach opportunities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher)
• Reliable personal transportation, and flexible availability
• Successfully clear a background and felony records check

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. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

To Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and application to wmeac.org/internships by January 22, 2024. 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.

Lakeshore Fellowship 

Fellowship Timeframe

Fellow is expected to work for an academic year (Fall – Spring/32 weeks).

Compensation

Fellowships are not paid on an hourly basis. Fellow will receive a $4,000 stipend, payable in four quarterly installments. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this fellowship for credit.

Position Summary

The Lakeshore fellowship opportunity was established to ensure WMEAC develops leadership to engage with community members in climate and other environmental issues in our lakeshore communities in Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana, and Allegan counties, providing the opportunity to work alongside a 30-year veteran environmental advocate. This fellowship is intended to help develop a relationship between WMEAC and the fellow; commitment to the full nine months is key to the success of the fellowship. The Lakeshore Fellow will be a member of WMEAC’s lakeshore team, reporting primarily to the Lakeshore Outreach Organizer and providing support as needed to other staff members. Fellow is expected to work 20-25 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor. 

The Lakeshore Fellow will serve as program support for WMEAC’s lakeshore programming, including but not limited to the Muskegon County recycling project, septics and water quality initiatives, and the lakeshore climate action education and advocacy initiatives. Fellow will work with elected and community leaders to strategize and support ways to improve coordination, information and educational messaging, and availability and access to environmental services. Work will be accomplished via policy and field research, writing and analysis, public engagement, and administrative coordination tasks. Attendance at WMEAC events is also expected when the intern’s schedule permits.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current graduate, upper-level undergraduate, or recently-graduated student pursuing a degree in environmental science or comparable field
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including public speaking, with a familiarity of environmental science vocabulary
• Strong research skills, experience in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data
• Willingness to represent WMEAC and it Lakeshore programming, and to intelligently discuss environmental issues with a variety of community and professional audiences
• Good organizational skills, self-starter
• Demonstrated dedication to protecting the environment and a willingness to try new tasks and outreach opportunities
• Ability and willingness to commit to this position for nine months
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Docs
• Successfully clear a background and felony records check
• Reliable personal transportation, and flexible availability

Preferred:

• Knowledge of basic climate science and climate change solutions and recycling, composting, waste reduction, and upcycling issues
• Leadership experience a plus

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

Fellow will have the opportunity to work out of the WMEAC Grand Rapids Office and/or utilize the satellite office in the Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon. Fellow may work remotely for a portion of their responsibilities but is also expected to attend in-person events as directed. The Grand Rapids office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days at the Grand Rapids office will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible hybrid schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

• WMEAC Grand Rapids Office: 1007 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
• GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute: 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441

To Apply

Applicants should submit 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.

WMEAC Policy Internship

Internship Timeframes

Intern is expected to work for a period of 15 weeks.

*Timeframe is approximate.

Compensation

Internships will not be paid on an hourly basis. Intern will receive a $500 stipend at the conclusion of the internship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary

Intern will work closely with staff and the WMEAC Action, Coordination and Transformation (ACT) committee, reporting primarily to WMEAC’s Deputy Director.  Intern is expected to work 10-15 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor. 

Although specific tasks will depend on environmental policy issues that arise during the course of the internship, intern is expected to:

• Attendance at ACT Committee and agenda-setting meetings
• Research and summarize policy issues and environmental questions
• Identify, track, and analyze important environmental legislation
• Respond to community-based inquiries on environmental concerns and actions to be taken
• Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected, when the intern’s schedule permits.

Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge of and a strong interest in federal, state, and local political systems; environmental issues, especially water, energy, and climate resilience

• Successful academic coursework in or experience with government and political science or environmental policy
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including public speaking, with a mastery of environmental science vocabulary
• Strong research skills, experience in collecting and analyzing secondary qualitative and quantitative data
• Willingness to represent WMEAC and its ACT committee 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
• 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. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

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.

WMEAC Recycling and Zero Waste Internship with Kent County Department of Public Works

Internship Timeframes

Intern is expected to work for a period of ~16 weeks.

*These timeframes can be adjusted as appropriate for your internship and availability.

Compensation

Internships will not be paid on an hourly basis. Intern will receive a $500 stipend at the conclusion of the internship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary:

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) and the Kent County Department of Public Works (KCDPW) are offering a joint internship opportunity for an individual to support the Zero Waste in Landfill (ZWIL) and recycling education programs. We are seeking an intern to support strategies to improve participation and product quality for recycling in Grand Rapids and Kent County. The intern will assist in providing education about recycling and waste management to our community. The intern may be assisting with community outreach, volunteer coordination, public speaking, research, data management and analysis. Intern is expected to complete 10-15 hours per week, at times to be arranged by intern and staff at WMEAC and Kent County. Occasional evenings and weekends should be expected for community outreach events. Intern will report primarily to WMEAC’s Education Programs Manager.

Although specific tasks may depend on seasonality, intern is expected to:

• Attend community events and outreach opportunities, including Imagine Craft Mondays at Kent County Recycling Center (KCREC)
• Plan and execute WMEAC/KCDPW events such as workshops, recycle drives, and facility tours
• Assist with K-12 education opportunities about recycling, composting, and living sustainably
• Update and maintain KCDPW’s Recycling and Waste Directory which assists Kent County residents in finding the proper method of disposal for their municipal waste
• Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected, when the intern’s schedule permits.

Qualifications

Required:

• Intern MUST be available Mondays from 1 – 5pm for the KCREC’s Imagine Craft Mondays workshops
• Reliable personal transportation, and flexible availability; mileage reimbursement will be provided at the current federal rate for events attended outside of the expected workplace commute
• Strong communication and writing skills to knowledgeably and professionally represent WMEAC and KCDPW and their programs in a variety of audiences and ages
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Suite applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Basic knowledge of common recycling and materials management issues
• Successfully clear a background and felony records check

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the concepts of a circular economy, municipal solid waste, composting, and waste-to-energy
• Familiarity with West Michigan’s current state of recycling/composting infrastructure and future plans for the Kent County Sustainable Business Park and waste reduction goals by 2030
• Demonstrated dedication to protecting the environment and a willingness to try new tasks and outreach opportunities
• Experience in planning and promoting community events such as workshops, recycle drives, facility tours, etc.
• Experience working with K-12 students and/or developing lesson plans and activities
• Kent County resident preferred, but not required if intern has access to reliable transportation

Organization(s) 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.

KCREC serves as the primary materials recovery facility for residential recyclables generated in homes throughout West Michigan. Nearly 58 million pounds of recyclables were delivered to the facility in 2017. Our ZWIL programs promote recycling and activities that minimize waste. KCDPW Waste Reduction Educators also educate residents about recycling and waste and offer resources that will assist residents in safe disposal options for discards that are mindful of environmental impacts.

Work Location

Intern will have the opportunity to work out of the KCREC and/or the WMEAC office to the extent possible. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks. 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. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

To Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, 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.

Wolverine Community Advisory Group (CAG) Communications Internship

Internship Timeframe

Intern is expected to work for a period of 15 weeks.

*Timeframe is approximate.

Compensation

Internships will not be paid on an hourly basis. Intern will receive a $500 stipend, paid at the conclusion of the internship. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this internship for credit.

Position Summary

Intern will work closely with WMEAC staff and the Wolverine CAG Communications and Leadership Teams to expand and support the CAG’s communication platforms. This internship will focus on communications and marketing through social media, blog posts, and website maintenance. Intern will support PFAS and water quality policy efforts, locally and statewide. Intern is expected to work 10-15 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor. Intern will report primarily to WMEAC’s Deputy Director.

Although specific tasks will depend on WMEAC and CAG needs that arise during the course of the internship, intern is expected to:

• Track media coverage, public and private remediation and testing, ongoing research regarding PFAS contamination
• Create content for social media, blog posts, and media releases, as directed by CAG membership
• Update and maintain CAG website with updates, blog posts, meeting announcements and content
• Update, post, and maintain CAG social media platform(s)
• Attend meetings of the Wolverine CAG and Michigan Water Table each month
• Attendance of WMEAC events is also expected, when the intern’s schedule permits

Qualifications

Required: 

• Familiarity and experience managing social media platforms for an organization or business
• Experience and/or ability to create and design content for blog posts and social media; photography, video and/or creative design experience a plus
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience and/or willingness to learn to operate basic website tools
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs
• Ability to speak to a group of community members and partners

Preferred: 

• Basic knowledge of PFAS contamination issues
• Familiarity with Wolverine Worldwide legacy contamination issues in Northern Kent County

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. Our office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days will primarily be Tuesday – Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.

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.