Intern, Government Relations

Woodwell Climate Research Center 

Summer Internships Program 2025

Intern, Government Relations (Part-time)

Falmouth, Massachusetts,  Hybrid  or Remote

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.  

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary 

Join Woodwell’s 2025 Summer Internship Program as an Intern, part-time, in our Government Relations Department. Government Relations directly influences policy decisions, fosters critical external relationships and ensures our organization’s voice is heard in shaping legislative and regulatory landscapes around climate policy.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Gain practical experience by working on projects and tasks that are policy orientated
• Assist in the writing and editing process of climate change risk assessments for communities across the world
• Provide administrative support such as assisting in the drafting and editing of newsletters, ensuring accurate notes from department meetings, and internal interdepartmental communication
• Provide written background assessments on the public policy networks and local government structure in the communities we work in
• Participate in meetings and scoping sessions with the communities we work with, ensuring detailed minutes are recorded and agendas are properly followed
• Assist in the writing and design of one pagers and policy papers summarizing our climate policy work
• Network with professionals in field of interest, including mentors, managers and other interns
• Participate and learn about the Center’s scientific interdisciplinary and operational programs such as staff meetings, employee engagement activities.

Must Have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace preferred
• Willingness to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting
• Willingness and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Self starter and an ability to productive in a remote setting
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal)
• Open to receive guidance from experienced professionals and learn new techniques and tools
• Must have access to reliable internet/wifi

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, taking political science, environmental science/policy, or related courses

Physical Requirements

In the office:

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate
• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Frequent phone use required
• Ability to use computer
• Repetitive movements
• Air, train, vehicle travel to attend meetings/event

Work Environment

The functions of this role are conducted indoors

Hours of Work

• This role is paid on an hourly basis
• Typically, full-time, temporary employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. 

Application review will begin on March 26, 2025

Desired Start Date: June 16 - August 22, 2025  (less than 90 days)

Classification and Compensation: This is a part-time, temporary, hourly, non-exempt intern position, the salary range is the minimum wage, determined on state employee works or comes funded by specific program. Internship will not exceed more than 90 days.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts Onsite, Hybrid or remote

Application Instructions: To apply, please complete the application, attach your resume and cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position in a single PDF. Please reference your name on your resume/cover letter and the job the internship(s) you are interested in applying for. All resumes without cover letters will not be reviewed.

​​Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work. 

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Woodwell

WE NEED ALL VOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) understands that the climate crisis—from causes to consequences—is inextricably linked with persistent social injustice. Effectively addressing either requires addressing both. The climate crisis demands that we bring to bear all of the knowledge, expertise, innovation, and creativity that we can collectively muster, and those who have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted must be heard.

The work Woodwell does—the questions we ask, the ways we seek answers, and the strategies we put forward—is stronger when shaped by a diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to welcome, respect, and amplify differing voices. We value individuals as they are, with all their differences in race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, and mental and physical abilities.

Woodwell acknowledges that our organization, and the scientific community more broadly, have a long way to go in living up to these ideals. We approach the work of improving our organization with the same ambition and commitment to systemic change that we bring to addressing climate change.

We will inevitably make mistakes, but we will continue to listen, learn, and do this critical work. We understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment from each and every one of us. We are actively engaged in building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture within our organization, and in fostering greater diversity in climate science.