Energy, Climate, and Justice Internship

The Energy, Climate, and Justice Internship at Multnomah County is a temporary, in-person role based in Portland, OR, for summer 2026. Interns will support the Office of Sustainability on various projects related to energy, climate resilience, and community outreach. The position offers a pay rate of $24 per hour for 20-30 hours per week over 12 weeks. Candidates should have an interest in environmental and climate justice.
Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range $16.30 - $30.00 Hourly

Department Non-Departmental

Job Type Intern

Exemption Status United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled If No Date Specified) April 08, 2026

Opportunity

Energy, Climate, and Justice Internship

College to County Intern 2026 – Office of Sustainability

Pay Rate $24 per hour

Job Type Temporary College Intern

Duration Summer 2026 – 12 weeks – Starting in June

Hours 20 – 30 hours a week (360 hours total)

Location Hybrid In-Person at Multnomah Building – 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland OR 97214

TriMet Passes are available if transportation to County facilities is required.

Eligibility requirements and more details found on our College to County website.

Office Of Sustainability Description

The Multnomah County Office of Sustainability was established in 2010 to help plan, implement, and coordinate the County’s environmental sustainability programs. Our mission is to work to create a just, equitable, livable, resilient, and low carbon community by centering the priorities of frontline communities and advancing sustainability efforts within the County, region, and state. We envision a community and a world where everyone experiences life in a stable climate, has a safe place to live, and can access clean air, clean water, and the resources they need to thrive.

Job Task Description

The Energy, Climate, and Justice intern will support the Office of Sustainability in a variety of projects, including with a main project selected based on the intern’s interests and experience, as well as the Office’s needs. Internship tasks and options for the main project may include:
• Supporting county energy and recycling initiatives through community and employee outreach and education.
• Researching and sharing local community led climate-resilience initiatives, programs, and events.
• Supporting the creation and implementation of an energy affordability public information plan, including by developing trainings and materials on programs and protections available to community members.
• Supporting the expansion of educational resources on air quality and pollutants exposure (e.g. wood burning impacts).
• Supporting the implementation of the Climate Justice Plan, including baselining metrics and initiating project plans.
• Supporting energy policy work on formal and informal processes to improve policies and practices that support a just energy transition for Multnomah County and that foster equitable energy security and access in our community.
• Support the County’s internal energy and waste conservation efforts to help the County “walk its talk” on sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications
• Ability to follow directions, work independently and self-start projects, and seek guidance when needed
• Ability to work collaboratively and develop effective working relationships with diverse groups of people
• Eagerness to strengthen verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interest on issues related to environmental, climate, or energy justice
• Eagerness to learn new skills and subject matter

Preferred Qualifications (include Any Of The Following)
• Strong writing, research, and analytical skills
• Experience conducting monitoring and research in the field
• Experience creating charts, graphs, and other figures for reports and presentations
• Experience with spreadsheets and databases to support project activities
• Experience analyzing the impacts of potential policy decisions
• Experience with environmental policies and laws
• Experience developing effective marketing/communication messages/strategies
• Lived experience that supports the Office’s justice mission

In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference

Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act

We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter

Cole Whitehurst

Email

cole.whitehurst@multco.us

Phone

+1 (971) 2713709

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile 8007 - College Intern