Summer 2027 Carbon Dioxide Removal Intern

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC's Climate & Energy Department is seeking a graduate intern to support ongoing projects and priorities for its Industrial Division. The intern will report to the Senior Carbon Management Specialist and may be based in the Chicago or San Francisco office. Interns are expected to work onsite three days per week under NRDC's hybrid work model. The intern will support NRDC's emerging carbon dioxide removal (CDR) portfolio and efforts to scale high-quality, responsible, and equitable CDR solutions. Working with the CDR team, the intern will track policy, regulatory, and market developments; map stakeholders and summarize perspectives from partner organizations, policymakers, industry representatives, and other experts; and identify opportunities for state-level engagement and advocacy, initially focused on California. The intern will also develop policy briefs, educational materials, presentations, and other communications resources, and support convenings and outreach activities. This is a paid, 10-week summer internship with a 35-hour weekly commitment and a stipend equivalent to $10,000, paid bi-weekly over the assignment. Three summer sessions are listed: May 24–July 30, June 7–August 13, or June 21–August 27, 2027. Relocation assistance is not available. The incumbent will not qualify as an NRDC employee, fellow, volunteer, or independent contractor, and employment after the internship is not guaranteed.

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Project management and/or problem-solving skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Commitment to NRDC's mission, values, and DEI principles.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Asana and/or a CRM tool.

Responsibilities

Track policy, regulatory, and market developments related to carbon dioxide removal.
Map key stakeholders and summarize perspectives from partner organizations, policymakers, industry representatives, and other experts.
Identify opportunities for state-level engagement and advocacy, initially focusing on California.
Develop policy briefs, educational materials, presentations, and other communications resources for partners and policymakers.
Support convenings and outreach activities related to responsible carbon dioxide removal policy and implementation.