Zero Emmissions Paid Intern | Hybrid in Elizabeth, NJ

Clean Water Action is a 501(c)(4) national organization that works for clean, safe, affordable water, prevention of climate and health-threatening pollution from trash and toxics, creation of green jobs, and empowering people to make democracy work. Clean Water Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization providing education, organizing, and technical assistance to strengthen grassroots environmental efforts.

About the role

We are looking for an open-minded individual willing to learn community engagement strategies that recruit and empower residents to win issue campaigns and make a real difference in people’s lives. Applicants must have an interest in learning how to organize around clean air, water, and environmental justice (EJ) issues.

This internship will focus on health and environmental issues related to port commerce and warehousing, advancing zero-emission policies in overburdened communities. Selected intern(s) will learn from and assist our NJ Zero Emissions & Warehouse Organizer on state and local campaigns focused on clean air, clean jobs, and healthy communities in port-adjacent, EJ, and warehouse communities already overburdened by diesel pollution.

Responsibilities

• Assist with community outreach coordination and initiatives, cultivate local leaders.
• Develop and/or implement selected functions of the zero-emission campaign.
• Help organize residents in selected EJ and non-EJ communities to identify diesel, warehouse, and port-related threats affecting them (e.g., truck counts).
• Assist in efforts to pressure local/state policymakers to advocate for and implement zero-emission policies.
• Work with community partners to advance shared strategies.
• Help create multimedia content related to the Diesel Campaign.
• Help coordinate media outreach and online social media mobilizations.
• Carry out other activities as directed by the Zero Emission & Warehouse Organizer.

Requirements

• Current college student or recent graduate.
• Resident of New Jersey.
• Passion for community organizing and environmental justice.
• Strong oral, computer, and written communication skills; experience preparing and delivering public presentations.
• Cultural competence, a commitment to racial justice, and demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities. Experience working in low-income and communities of color preferred.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and problem-solve in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Strong critical thinking skills; computer skills; well-organized and self-motivated.
• Fluent in Spanish preferred.

Schedule

Hybrid position. Up to 20 hours per week, August 2026 through December 2026.

Benefits

Clean Water Action offers a comprehensive benefits package, including hybrid work flexibility.