WMEAC Lakeshore Fellow Description

West Michigan Environmental Action Council
Lakeshore Fellow Description

Fellowship Timeframe
Lakeshore Fellow is expected to work for a period of 9 months.
Winter/Spring Summer Fall

January - September

Compensation
Fellowships are not paid on an hourly basis. Fellow will receive a $4,000 stipend, payable in four
quarterly installments. We will work with your academic institution if you will be taking this fellowship
for credit.
Position Summary
The Lakeshore fellowship opportunity was established to ensure WMEAC develops leadership to engage
with community members in climate and other environmental issues in our lakeshore communities in
Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana, and Allegan counties, providing the opportunity to work alongside a 30-
year veteran environmental advocate. This fellowship is intended to help develop a relationship
between WMEAC and the fellow; commitment to the full nine months is key to the success of the
fellowship. The Lakeshore Fellow will be a member of WMEAC’s lakeshore team, reporting primarily to
the Lakeshore Outreach Organizer and providing support as needed to other staff members. Fellow is
expected to work 20-25 hours per week, as arranged with their supervisor.
The Lakeshore Fellow will serve as program support for WMEAC’s lakeshore programming, including but
not limited to the Muskegon County recycling project, septic and water quality initiatives, and the
lakeshore climate action education and advocacy initiatives. Fellow will work with elected and
community leaders to strategize and support ways to improve coordination, information and
educational messaging, and availability and access to environmental services. Work will be accomplished
via policy and field research, writing and analysis, public engagement, and administrative coordination
tasks. Attendance at WMEAC events is also expected when the intern’s schedule permits.
Qualifications
Required:

● Current graduate, upper-level undergraduate, or recently-graduated student pursuing a degree
in environmental science or comparable field
● Excellent communication and writing skills, including public speaking, with a familiarity of
environmental science vocabulary
● Strong research skills, experience in collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data
● Willingness to represent WMEAC and it Lakeshore programming, and to intelligently discuss
environmental issues with a variety of community and professional audiences
● Good organizational skills, self-starter
● Demonstrated dedication to protecting the environment and a willingness to try new tasks and
outreach opportunities
● Ability and willingness to commit to this position for nine months
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Docs
● Successfully clear a background and felony records check
● Reliable personal transportation, and flexible availability
Preferred:
● Knowledge of basic climate science and climate change solutions and recycling, composting,
waste reduction, and upcycling issues
● Leadership experience a plus
Organization Background
West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization working to
protect and enhance West Michigan’s environment by translating the concerns of people into positive
action. WMEAC has been delivering environmental education and advocacy to the West Michigan
community for over 50 years.
Work Location
Fellow will have the opportunity to work out of the WMEAC Grand Rapids Office and/or utilize the satellite office in the Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon. Fellow may work remotely for a portion of their responsibilities but is also expected to attend in-person events as directed. The Grand Rapids office is closed to the public on Mondays and Fridays; it is anticipated that intern hours will be virtual on those days unless other arrangements are made with staff. Regular, in-office days at the Grand Rapids office will primarily be Tuesday - Thursday. WMEAC staff will work with Intern to determine a flexible hybrid schedule to accomplish the internship goals and tasks.
WMEAC Grand Rapids Office GVSU Annis Water Resources Institute
1007 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 740 West Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441
To Apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and application to
wmeac.org/internships. WMEAC is an equal opportunity employer. No one will be discriminated against
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.