Overview

The Environment Department at Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is offering an internship  to support environmental and hazard mitigation planning projects, as well as other climate-related efforts, throughout the MAPC region.
MAPC fosters a supportive learning environment for all staff. Anticipated outcomes from this internship experience include:
•Networking opportunities within the planning field
•Increased familiarity with climate and environmental planning projects, such as hazard mitigation plans, climate vulnerability assessments, climate action and resilience plans, etc.
•Exposure to the range of planning areas represented at MAPC, beyond clean energy and environmental planning; including public health planning, arts and culture planning, and
•Exposure to the operations and decision-making processes of local governments

Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

  • Support the development of Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs) for cities and towns in MAPC region, including:
    • Conduct research on community profiles, natural hazards, climate data analysis;
    • Assist with identifying community stakeholders, conducting outreach, and support notetaking and facilitation of project team and public meetings; and
    • Provide writing support for select HMP chapters.
  • Help organize stakeholder meetings and provide communications and administrative support for other work in the department, including the Accelerating Climate Resiliency program, and various climate action and resilience planning projects.
  • Participate in reviewing and drafting memoranda on climate-related policy issues.
  • Assess innovative opportunities for the Environment Department to implement equitable community-based programs in the Greater Boston region.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position must be a student studying environmental studies, urban planning, natural resources management, emergency management, engineering, public policy, architecture, business, or another related field.
Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:

  • Familiarity with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s guidelines for hazard mitigation planning, and Massachusetts’ Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, as well as related hazard mitigation and adaptation planning efforts; previous experience working on hazard mitigation plans is preferred;
  • Familiarity with climate change mitigation and adaptation, current environmental and/or climate-related policies, programs in Massachusetts;
  • Experience with climate data analysis; and
  • Strong writing and research skills, WordPress, or graphic design is a plus.

Per MAPC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, all employees, including remote employees, must be fully vaccinated. This position will require the selected candidate to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, including the Bivalent booster. MAPC is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law.

Only candidates currently enrolled in an academic program will be considered for this position.

Compensation and Benefits: 
This is a paid internship with an hourly rate of $17.00 – 21.00, depending on qualifications. We are seeking 15-25 hours per week, with flexibility. To qualify as an intern, individuals must be enrolled in an academic program, provide written verification of their status, and agree to a scheduled end date upon hire.
 
How to Apply: 
Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a sample of relevant writing or work product. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States.

About Metropolitan Area Planning Council

MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities are sustainable development, regional collaboration, and fostering an equitable and resilient region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
Interns will be working remotely, and will not be expected to come into the office regularly. Candidates must reside in Massachusetts while they are working remotely.
MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each and every staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.
This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston.