Internship Food Justice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

AGR:

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.

Job Description:

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resource's (MDAR) mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers. In 2021, the Executive Office of Energy& Environmental Affairs (EEA) Environmental (EJ) Justice Policy directed all EEA agencies to develop a document outlining EJ Strategies. MDAR's Strategy outlines actions for promoting and integrating EJ considerations across MDAR's programs, policies, and activities to ensure the equal access and meaningful involvement of all people residing in the Commonwealth with respect to agricultural economic and environmental sustainability and the equitable development, implementation, and accessibility to information and resources.The Environmental Justice Internship will work to support MDAR's Environmental Justice Team in implementing the EJ Strategy, with particular projects focusing on farmer support, engagement, language access, and communication to ensure meaningful access to MDAR programs and services.

Job Duties:

• Develop program and outreach materials, educational resources, presentations, and other public-facing content with guidance from MDAR's EJ Team.

• Support community and farmer engagement efforts by assisting with outreach activities, workshops, public meetings, agricultural and cultural events, and other community engagement initiatives.

• Collaborate with MDAR's Language Access Coordinator to develop resources that improve public understanding of MDAR's Language Access Services, including preparing multilingual materials for workshops, events, grant programs, and funding opportunities.

• Assist in the development of "MDAR 101" educational materials that help farmers and community members navigate MDAR programs and services, including support for multilingual captioning, translation, and video accessibility.

• Collaborate with MDAR's EJ Outreach Coordinator to create outreach materials that highlight the diversity of Massachusetts farmers, food systems, agricultural practices, and Environmental Justice initiatives.

• Support the development of Public Involvement Plans (PIPs) by conducting research, drafting materials, and assisting with strategies that promote meaningful public participation in agency programs and initiatives.

• Organize, maintain, and improve stakeholder databases, community partner information, grant inventories, and other program resources to strengthen outreach and engagement.

• Conduct research and support outreach efforts related to culturally relevant local food systems, community partnerships, and equitable access to MDAR programs, services, and resources.

• Assist with special projects, meeting coordination, note-taking, event logistics, and other EJ initiatives as assigned.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate information clearly to a variety of audiences.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to research, analyze, organize, and present information in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner for agency staff, farmers, and community stakeholders.

• Experience creating outreach materials, educational resources, presentations, or other public-facing communications.

• Interest in Environmental Justice, agriculture, food systems, public policy, sustainability, community engagement, language access, or related fields.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with Microsoft Lists, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design and collaboration tools is a plus.

• Experience with graphic design, photography, video production, social media, or other digital communications is preferred but not required.

• Multilingual skills are welcome but not required.

This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field. Interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Please see Preferred Qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.