Summer Access Programs Intern

This summer, Boston Harbor Now seeks a motivated and community-oriented intern to support programs that expand equitable access to Boston Harbor and the Harbor Islands. Working closely with the Community Engagement Manager, the Access Intern will help implement key access initiatives, including Community Cruises, Island Pass, Free Ferry Days, and Summer Nights at Carson Beach.

The Access Intern will assist with outreach, logistics, and on-site support to help reduce barriers to participation and ensure welcoming experiences for communities across Greater Boston. Responsibilities may include coordinating participant registration and communication, supporting transportation and ferry logistics, engaging community partners, assisting with event setup and breakdown, collecting participant feedback, and helping monitor participation data to inform future access efforts.

This role is ideal for someone interested in environmental justice, public space activation, and community engagement. Many responsibilities take place outdoors on the waterfront, at Carson Beach, and on the Boston Harbor Islands, with some hybrid administrative work.

This is a seasonal position from June through September (13 weeks). The position requires a flexible work schedule including weekends and some evenings. The typical work week is Tuesday through Saturday, but will vary. 
 

Responsibilities 

• Support access programs including Community Cruises, Island Pass, Free Ferry Days, and Summer Nights at Carson Beach
• Work outdoors on the Harbor Islands and waterfront parks with families, youth groups, and community partners
• Welcome participants and help create a friendly, inclusive, and accessible environment
• Assist with event setup, breakdown, check-in, and on-site logistics
• Help manage supplies and confirm details with vendors and partners
• Support participant registration and track attendance
• Collect participant feedback and assist with basic data entry and evaluation to help measure program impact
• Work with the Communications team to share program information and updates
  Coordinate with Operations to ensure events run smoothly
• Support administrative tasks such as organizing documents, assisting with contracts and payments, and maintaining program records
• Represent Boston Harbor Now’s mission and partnerships in a professional and positive manner

Qualifications and Experience
Below lists the required qualifications for this position. All credentials and experience, both formal and informal, will be considered:

• Interest in community engagement, public programming, environmental justice, nonprofit management, parks and recreation, or a related field
• Experience with or willingness to learn Google Suite (including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Calendar) for appointment managing, document sharing, and digital collaboration
• Problem-solving skills and ability to present possible solutions to supervisor
• Is comfortable lifting equipment (up to 30 pounds) and is willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat and rain
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
• Willingness to assist with data collection, registration tracking, and basic evaluation tasks
   

The ideal candidate:

Below lists examples of the preferred skill set of the ideal candidate. All credentials and experience, both formal and informal, will be considered:

• Has a strong work ethic, is good at taking direction, and is able to work with minimal supervision
• Has a demonstrated interest in public parks and/or community programming and events
• Has experience working with children and families
• Has experience working with groups and the public, particularly in an event setting
• Has organization and time management skills 
• Ability to speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Portuguese is preferred
• Is a proactive problem solver and takes initiative to come up with solutions
• Is comfortable making phone calls and talking with vendors, external partners, and community members
• Believes in the mission of Boston Harbor Now

Research shows that people of color and women are less likely to apply if they don’t believe they meet every qualification listed. At Boston Harbor Now, we recognize that experience can be gained in many ways—lived, professional, volunteer, and others. We encourage BIPOC candidates, people with disabilities, women, and people with non-dominant gender identities to apply.

Benefits and Salary

Hourly, non-exempt employee; $18.50/hour working an average of 30 hours/week for 13 weeks. Sick time and paid holidays (e.g. Fourth of July) included. Paid 30 minute lunch breaks included in shifts 6.5 hours or longer.