Summer 2027 Food Waste Reduction Intern

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.•San Francisco, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC’s Nature Department is seeking a graduate intern to support ongoing projects and priorities for its Food & Agriculture Division. The intern will report to the Advocacy Associate and may be based in the San Francisco, Washington, DC, or New York office. The position follows a hybrid model, with interns expected to work onsite three days per week. The intern will have the opportunity to contribute to statewide food-waste-diversion research, including work related to biochar, farm and biodiversity loss, and the effects of federal funding on composting and food rescue programs. The opportunity is intended for students interested in environmental advocacy, research, and food waste diversion. The internship lasts 10 weeks, with a commitment of 35 hours per week. Three summer session date ranges are offered: May 24–July 30, 2027; June 7–August 13, 2027; or June 21–August 27, 2027. The paid internship provides a $10,000 stipend, paid biweekly over the assignment. Relocation assistance is not available. The posting states that the incumbent will not qualify as an NRDC employee, fellow, volunteer, or independent contractor, and is not guaranteed employment at the end of the internship.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Support ongoing projects and priorities for the Food & Agriculture Division.
Contribute to statewide food waste diversion research, including topics such as biochar, farm and biodiversity loss, and federal funding impacts on composting and food rescue programs.