Greenbelt Alliance seeks an intern to work closely with the Program Director on research, analysis, and writing that will support the implementation of our 2016 report on Farms and Ranches and our campaigns for open space preservation in Sonoma and Santa Clara counties.

About Greenbelt Alliance
Greenbelt Alliance addresses a single challenge: how the Bay Area handles growth. We shape the rules that govern growth to protect the region’s open spaces and to ensure neighborhoods within our cities and towns are amazing places for everyone.
By 2035 we call for:
Fully protecting the Bay Area’s 3.6 million-acre greenbelt of natural and agricultural lands;
Directing all new development into already urbanized areas;
Greenbelt protection and urban development that benefits Bay Area residents across the socio-economic spectrum.

Intern Responsibilities
This intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of different advocacy tasks to support and participate in our conservation and farms and ranches work, from research and analysis to attending public meetings and reaching out to other stakeholders and elected officials.

Some specific tasks include:
Research and write concise reports and memos to inform our advocacy campaigns
Attend occasional public meetings and other events
Analyze public documents, such as Specific Plans, Transit Area Plans and Environmental Impact Reports, General Plans, and draft comment letters, talking points, and factsheets for the public and decision-makers
Develop content for our newsletters, blog, and other communications materials

This position requires an average of 12 - 20 hours per week for 3 months. Some of the committed hours can be fulfilled remotely.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in (or have already completed) a 4-year university or graduate program in land use and urban planning, public administration and policy, agricultural policy, or a similar field.
Commitment to our mission
Excellent research and writing skills
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with diverse people
Ability to plan and prioritize workflow and meet deadlines
Ability to work collaboratively

To Apply
Send a resume and cover letter to internships@greenbelt.org. Please include your name and “Land Use Policy Intern” in the subject line of the email. Applications will be evaluated as they arrive; the position is open until filled.

Benefits
The position is unpaid. Travel reimbursement is available for volunteer interns working more than 30 hours a week who can demonstrate financial need.

This position is an excellent opportunity to have an impact on land use decisions throughout the Bay Area. The volunteer intern will meet professionals from around the region and will learn about environmental and urban planning issues while developing a network of contacts and references in the planning field. When applying for future jobs, volunteer interns will be able to point to tangible results from their work and describe discrete projects that they led.