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
The 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
