Brownfield & Environmental Intern

Job Summary 

NJEDA has created this internship program for the most promising NJ students interested in environmental science and public administration. Interns will work in the fields of brownfields and environmental economic strategy. We hope to encourage a new generation of New Jerseyans to build better public programs, specifically at the intersection of economic and environmental issues.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for economic growth. The NJEDA drives inclusive and sustainable economic development by helping to build strong and dynamic communities, creating good jobs for New Jersey residents, providing pathways to a stronger and fairer economy, and implementing initiatives to strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness. 

Within the NJEDA, the Brownfields and Sustainable Systems seeks to accelerate the growth of New Jersey’s economy by conceiving and implementing initiatives that address environmental and economic justice issues using holistic integrated approaches to create thriving and inclusive communities. This internship position will include a strong focus on efforts to leverage brownfields for economic growth and economic and environmental justice.  

The successful candidate will work with a team of highly motivated professionals who are passionate about developing and executing forward-thinking solutions to support New Jersey economic well-being. The successful candidate will perform duties that will assist the NJEDA with the development and implementation of programs and initiatives for brownfields and other real estate priorities. He/she will gain first-hand experience working within the state’s premier economic development arm and will perform important and meaningful work in helping New Jersey communities to cope with the current economic challenges and creating a stronger and fairer economy. Interns will receive exposure to brownfield projects and program analysis, building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, and interacting with government agencies, private sector entities, and non-profit partners.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Under the direction of Brownfields and Sustainable Systems staff, prepare meeting materials, such as agendas and meeting minutes. 
• Under the direction of Brownfields and Sustainable Systems staff, assist with processing applications (including entering information into EDA’s Customer Relationship Management tool). 
• Assist Brownfields and Sustainable Systems staff with designing, planning and conducting educational initiatives (workshops, seminars, webinars, bootcamps) and conference presentations on brownfields and sustainable systems related issues. 
• Supports the Authority’s brownfield and environmental initiatives, these efforts may include: assisting senior staff with the development and implementation of brownfield, environmental justice, and resilience strategies and programs. 
• Conduct research on brownfield and environmental initiatives. 
• Engage in stakeholder outreach to help develop and advance brownfield and sustainable systems programs. 
• Write policy memos to distill research, policy recommendations, and other information. 
• Promote teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative, and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff, and external customers. 
• Assist with various other administrative and creative initiatives. 
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned. 

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities 

• Interest in brownfields, economic development, public-private partnerships, and/or government. 
• Strong initiative and self-starter attitude who is comfortable working independently. 
• Ability to assist with preparation of status reports by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing relevant information. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; proficient in grammar, spelling, and editing and foster communications with business professionals and EDA staff.  
• Ability to prioritize workload, must be highly organized, detail-oriented, handle various tasks simultaneously and work independently within limited time constraints. 
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff. 
• Knowledgeable about virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. 
• Demonstrates respectful behavior and promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new software packages. 

Required Qualifications 

 Education and Experience Requirements 

• Enrollment in an accredited degree program related to environmental law, environmental policy, planning, engineering, geology/earth science, or environmental studies; or a similar combination of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills were acquired. 

 Physical Demands 

• Minimal 
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as needed (occasionally) 

 Travel 

• Minimal.  However, the position may include attending meetings, seminars, conferences, and other events within the state of New Jersey. 

 Certificates and Licenses Required 

• Valid driver’s license 

Note 

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. 

Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time.  Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees.  

NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Position Requirements 

• Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011 to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources. 
• Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.