Environmental Justice Organizer - Internship

Job Description

Clean Water Action focuses on campaigns related to water access, water quality, and environmental justice. With over half a million members nationwide and 160,000 members in Michigan, Clean Water Action's impact is far-reaching. We work to empower people to take action to protect America's waters, build healthy communities and to make democracy work for all of us.  Our recent victories include passing the strongest lead in drinking water standard in the country here in Michigan, passing federal drinking water standards for PFAs, and continuing to fund lead pipe replacement across the state.

Right now, Michigan is experiencing a surge in proposed data center developments, despite the protests of local residents all across the state - who have good reason to be skeptical. Data centers consistently promise economic development opportunities that don’t materialize. While there are temporary job gains during construction, data centers have historically created only a few low wage jobs in the long term, while communities pay the price in higher energy bills and threats to water quality. A May 2026 poll found that 77% of Michigan residents support regulations requiring more transparency from data center projects.  We need to pause this data center frenzy before more damage is done. That's why we're working to pass a moratorium on data center construction across the state.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Ensuring communities are aware of our issues and given the tools to achieve solutions by organizing and fundraising with our field canvass team. 
• Aiding community members in writing letters or otherwise contacting their lawmakers on these issues.
• Identifying volunteers who will work with us to hold politicians accountable for their votes on environmental and health related issues.
• Participating in occasional press conferences, lobby days, and other events.

If you're ready to make a difference in the environmental sector while working in a dynamic and supportive environment, apply now and become a part of our motivated team!

We look for candidates who have strong oral and written communication skills, and who possess good attention to detail. Candidates are expected to possess cultural competence and a commitment to racial justice and equity. Candidates should have an interest in environmental or social justice issues, non-profit work, or politics. We encourage applicants from all major backgrounds to apply, but this position is an especially good fit for candidates with a background in Social Work, Sociology, Communications, Political Science, Public Health, or Environmental Studies. Candidates must enjoy working with a broad spectrum of people and be comfortable dealing directly with people every day. We do provide extensive training on the job responsibilities and on the issues we cover. Multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The hours for the work are from 2 pm to 10:30 pm, Monday through Friday in Ann Arbor or East Lansing. Pay during our 10-day training program is $16 hourly. Post-training pay is $20 hourly with the opportunity for performance bonuses. We are currently looking for candidates interested in  full time (4-5 days per week) or part time (3 days per week) positions with availability at least through the end of the Fall semester, starting immediately. We provide a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and 401k; opportunities for travel within Michigan and throughout the US; and the potential for long term growth within the organization.

These are in person positions. Employees are expected to be masked in indoor spaces, and we clean and sanitize the office and our vehicles multiple times per day. We provide masks and sanitizer to all staff. 

* Unfortunately, we do not provide any housing assistance.  Please only apply if you have a specific plans to be located in Ann Arbor or East Lansing, MI. If you don't already have plans to be in Ann Arbor or East Lansing, please consider applying for our position listed in a region that is closer to your home or school base. *

As an equal opportunity employer, Clean Water Action is dedicated to non-discrimination in every aspect of employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other ground prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. This equal opportunity policy applies to veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. This policy covers all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, terminations, pay, and the work environment.