Clean Transportation Intern

POSITION: Clean Transportation Intern
REPORTS TO: Managing Director, Growth & Communications
POSITION TYPE: Internship, 20 hrs/week over 14 paid weeks (with 1 week off unpaid), paid as a stipend
LOCATION: Honolulu, Hawai‘i
TERM: January 15, 2024 – April 26, 2024
COMPENSATION: Undergraduate: $15/hr ($4,200 stipend); Graduate Student: $18/hr ($5,040 stipend)

SUMMARY:

Transportation accounts for almost two-thirds of Hawai‘i’s fossil fuel use. Through community programs, educational resources, and bold advocacy, Blue Planet Foundation strives to accelerate and support the adoption of practices that improve mobility, reduce travel demand, promote equity, increase accessibility, and reduce emissions from the ground transportation sector. These include initiatives to shift modes of transportation away from single occupancy vehicles and towards more sustainable transportation choices like public transit, biking, and walking; and promoting alternative fuels.

This position is funded by the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program (CCUWDP), an initiative of Clean Cities, a government-industry partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program. Clean Cities strives to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector in nearly 100 communities across the country. 

Blue Planet Foundation administers the Sustainable Transportation Coalition of Hawaii (STCH), the Clean Cities chapter for the state of Hawaii. This internship will give students the opportunity to grow public awareness and expand the markets of advanced vehicle technologies, alternative fuels, and practices that improve efficiency in the transportation sector. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

1. Increase community engagement and build awareness for clean transportation programs through creative marketing activities.
   • Create compelling and educational social media content and research relevant news stories for sharing with key audiences
   • Develop content for STCH stakeholder communications including, but not limited to Quarterly Newsletters and updates to the STCH website
   • Assist staff with organizing tabling opportunities to increase engagement and awareness for clean mobility options
2. Support strategic outreach to key transportation stakeholders and conduct research to uncover our greatest opportunities for impact.
   • Support staff in planning and organizing a listening session with transportation community members. Responsibilities may include:
     • researching topic areas
     • drafting the agenda
     • logistics and day-of coordination
     • note-taking
   • Conduct research to support ongoing local efforts to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure
   • Assist with quarterly STCH Advisory Board meetings
3. Other activities are required, including:
   • Support initial planning efforts for the September 2024, Hawaii Commute Challenge.
   • Participating in Clean Cities University webinars and training as assigned

ARE YOU THE PERSON WE NEED?

“Must-have” Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program from an accredited college or university, or if recently graduated, no more than one-year post-graduation
• Ability to work 20 hours per week
• A passion for combating climate change and an interest in creating change through policy transformation and coalition-building
• A big picture thinker with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision to accomplish tasks on time
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills contributing to an ability to build relationships
• Exemplify our Blue Planet Superpowers: Vision, Imagination, Boldness, Heart, Curiosity, Ohana, and Extraordinary

“Nice-to-have” Qualifications:

• Strong research and writing skills
• Experience creating social media content and utilizing social media scheduling tools
• Experience developing communications material such as event flyers and newsletters
• Experience in social justice or diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Familiarity with climate, clean energy, and/or Hawaii’s transportation ecosystem