Resilience & Adaptation Intern

The intern will carry out tasks related to NY State’s Climate Smart Communities Program, specifically related to Pledge Element 7:  Enhance Community Resilience to Climate Change.  The intern will support the development of a county-level Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Plan (CCARP), a project funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Smart Communities Coordinator Services Program.  

The main responsibility is to assist HVRC in supporting a Mid-Hudson County to complete a climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan.

Related duties may include:

• Help draft and/or edit a county-level climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan.
• Review and analyze relevant municipal data and research past plans and policies.
• Create compelling charts, graphics, and maps for inclusion in the plan.
• Help develop and/or execute a community outreach and engagement plan.
• Meet with local stakeholders to educate and inform them on the climate adaptation and resiliency planning process.
• Create engaging communications materials to publicize and highlight plans.
• Connect county and local governments with relevant organizations, campaigns, and programs.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events with the County, partners, and HVRC staff as needed.
• Assist the County and local government(s) with understanding and completing PE7 actions toward Climate Smart Communities Certification.

Qualifications:

• Experience in climate action planning, including assessing climate hazards, developing adaptation strategies, and evaluating impacts on vulnerable and frontline communities.
• Strong GIS and/or mapping skills.
• Strong writing and oral communications skills.
• Solid foundation in Microsoft office suite.
• Research and data analysis experience preferred.

Note:  Expected time commitment is ~30 hours per week with hourly pay of $16/hour.  The intern must reside in the seven-county Mid-Hudson Region of New York.  All duties will include technical assistance and input from HVRC staff, subject matter experts, and participating counties and communities.

Additional Background Information

Project Information

This project will facilitate the creation of a climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan as well as support municipalities in achieving resiliency actions through the NY State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program.  Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is an interagency New York State program that supports local efforts to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges of climate change.  The program offers leadership recognition, grants, and free technical assistance.  Local governments participate by signing a voluntary pledge and using the CSC framework to guide progress toward creating attractive, healthy, and equitable places to live, work, and play.  This project is part of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) funded Climate Smart Coordinator program.

Internship Details

• Expected Timeframe:  June-November 2026.
• Hours:  ~30 hours/week
• Location:  The intern must reside in the seven-county Mid-Hudson Region of New York.  The internship will be primarily remote with occasional opportunities for in-person work/events.
• Compensation:  $16 per hour.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Hudson Valley Regional Council

The Hudson Valley Regional Council (HVRC) was established in 1977 as an organization of county governments comprising Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties.  It’s one of 650 such councils in the United States that, in addition to providing a regional perspective, offers planning, education & outreach, and advocacy for the communities they serve.

HVRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  HVRC treats all applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence.  This policy shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, gender identity/expression, race, color, religion, national origin, age, genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, arrest/conviction history, military status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a victim of domestic violence.

HVRC shall not discriminate against any applicant with a sensory, physical, or mental impairment, unless the impairment cannot be reasonably accommodated and prevents proper performance of the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.  Applicants with physical or mental health conditions that may qualify as disabilities as defined by federal or state law should make HVRC aware of their need for an accommodation as soon as it arises.  HVRC will work with each individual to define their job-related needs and to try to reasonably accommodate those needs.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter by email by April 21, 2026 to Sofie diTommaso at sditommaso@hudsonvalleyrc.org.