Resilience and Adaptation Internship

Resilience & Adaptation Internship

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 a project as part of a NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) program through which HVRC will facilitate the creation of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plans (CCARPs) and provide technical assistance and guidance to counties and municipalities.  

The main responsibility is to assist HVRC in supporting a Mid-Hudson County in the completion of 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 relevant plans. 
• Help develop and/or execute a community outreach and engagement plan for input into adaptation efforts. 
• Create compelling charts and graphics for inclusion in the plan. 
• Meet with local stakeholders to educate and inform them on the climate adaptation and resiliency planning process. 
• Create engaging communications to publicize and highlight plans. 
• Connect county and local governments with relevant organizations, campaigns, and programs. 
• Attend meetings with the county, partners, and HVRC staff as needed. 
• Assist the county and local government(s) with understanding and completing PE 7 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 writing and oral communications skills. 
• Solid foundation in Microsoft office suite. 
• Research and data analysis experience preferred. 

Note: Expected time commitment is a minimum of 20 hours per week with hourly pay of $16/hour. 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 

• Timeframe: Fall 2025 Semester, with possibility for extension. Part-time or full-time options available. 
• Location: Remote, with preference for candidates able to check in locally or attend periodic in-person meetings.  
• Compensation: $16 per hour. 

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, race, color, religion, national origin, age, genetic predisposition, marital status, 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 September 18, 2025 to Sofie diTommaso at sditommaso@hudsonvalleyrc.org.