Massachusetts Green Jobs

_Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs Intern_ The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) mission is to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Conservation & Technical Assistance, Agricultural Markets, Animal Health, and Crop and Pest Services – MDAR strives to support, regulate and enhance the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production. The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is to help keep the Massachusetts food supply safe and secure, and to work to keep Massachusetts agriculture economically and environmentally sound. The Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs Intern reports to MDAR’s Commissioner’s Office and supports cross-agency implementation of MDAR’s Climate Task Force priorities, leaning on guidance from the MA Climate Assessment, Food Action Plan, Clean Energy and Climate Plan 2050, and the Statewide Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan (SHMCAP). The intern will also support the development of draft documents relevant to climate equity to present to MDAR’s Climate Change Task Force. In addition, the Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs Intern will support the Commissioner’s Office in various legislative functions, including providing assistance on legislative briefings, developing reports and materials on Massachusetts legislative committees and commissions, tracking relevant bills, and assist with drafting responses to requests for guidance regarding policy issues and priorities. A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. _Duties:_ The Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs Internwill support the implementation of Climate Equity programs and policies. The Contractor will also work closely with MDAR’s Commissioner’s Office, Climate Change Task Force, Legal, Fiscal, and other MDAR staff to track and implement program priorities and deliverables. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Developing and maintaining legislator profiles * Synthesizing and summarizing information from climate equity resources * Supporting efforts to brief legislators on MDAR programs * Provide administrative support for MDAR’s Climate Change Task Force * Assisting with the preparation of reports. * Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Required * Strong communication and writing skills are essential. * Project management experience, with excellent attention to detail. * Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally. * Strong interpersonal skills. * Ability to read, understand, and relay relevant information in an engaging and easy to navigate and understand manner to agency staff and key stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications * Experience in writing and communication. * Experience with database management, including Access and Excel. * Awareness of, or experience with, Climate Equity principles, resources, and fielding inquiries from the public. * The ideal candidate will have experience, education or a strong interest in subjects relating to Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs and its application to agricultural fields of study. _Project Management:_ The Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs intern will support the Commissioner’s Office to manage responsibilities, as mentioned above, related to the implementation of relevant climate plans, and support for legislative affairs. The intern will also work with partner agencies to assist with education and outreach and overall implementation as well as provide regular and detailed progress updates to MDAR. _Outreach:_ This work will include communication to individual stakeholders, agency personnel, partner organizations and ensuring MDAR is receiving all the documentation that is required to report on the progress of the Environmental Justice Strategy. _Program and Network Development:_ Work closely with MDAR’s Commissioner’s Office, MDAR’s Climate Change Task Force, and other MDAR staff to support the development and execution of Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs activities.* * This part time contracted student intern position will work 20 hours per week. The extension of this contracted position is contingent upon funding availability and approval. The salary range of $16.00 to $34.00 per hour will be based on education and experience. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Please see Preferred Qualifications. *Comprehensive Benefits* There are no benefits with this position, except earned sick leave. Executive Order #595:As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption. 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. *Job: Agriculture *Organization: Department of Agricultural Resources *Title: *Climate Equity/Legislative Affairs Intern Location: Massachusetts-Boston - 251 Causeway Street Requisition ID: 2300038F