Jobs, RFPs, & Internships

Download: Compost Policy Research Intern Job Description (PDF)

ABOUT RIFPC

Founded in 2011, the Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is an independent statewide network with a mission to promote a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable food system in Rhode Island. Our vision is that, through the work of the Council and its partners, Rhode Island will have a just and resilient food system that provides routes to economic success for all food businesses and their employees, responds to pressing climate change and other environmental issues, and ensures access to fresh, nutritious, community-grown and culturally-preferred food for all. We convene, educate, and empower diverse food system stakeholders; catalyze high-impact projects that address systemic and structural inequities; and support civic engagement and community-based advocacy for good food policy towards a just and resilient Rhode Island food system. We are driven by our core values: collaboration, equity, community, diversity, and empowerment. We operate with a collaborative professional staff, a volunteer board of directors, over 225 engaged and diverse members, and hundreds of stakeholders from across the Ocean State. More information about RIFPC can be found at www.rifoodcouncil.org.

The RI Food Policy Council seeks a part-time paid Compost Policy Research Intern. The primary objective of the person in this role is to conduct and support research related to composting & statewide policy. Specifically this includes researching the resources needed to support implementing existing laws that are not currently being enforced and any necessary changes in the law that are consistent with the implementation of those laws. This research will inform key decision makers regarding funding and policy changes.

The ideal candidate for this position will be:

• Interested in how legislation and regulation make a difference, specifically how composting and wasted food policy is implemented in RI. Someone who wants to understand what the rules are in RI, how they are practically executed or not executed and what ways they’ve been done differently in other places.
• An accountable teammate. Someone who manages time well, is highly organized, and can be counted on to work either independently or cooperatively. A helpful-in-nature person who enjoys “owning” projects, but understands the importance of checking in and being responsive to the team.
• A good listener and an excellent communicator. Someone who is comfortable reaching out via phone and email to collect data, and who can write up ideas and information in a compelling, accessible manner.

The intern reports directly to the Program Director – Food, Climate & Environment, reviews existing legislation and regulations, interviews key stakeholders, such as RI Department of Environmental Management, technical assistance providers (e.g. CET and Rhode Island School recycling Project), other state agencies (e.g. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources), identifi es potential solutions and their costs and barriers, and prepares a report detailing their fi ndings/proposal/plan. The intern attends weekly virtual and monthly in-person staff meetings, and communicates with interested board and Council as requested. Intern may also be asked to support additional projects such as compost end markets research or compost conference support as time permits/is necessary.

This is a part-time position working 10-15 hours per week at $17.50 per hour. Most work will be conducted remotely and some hours are fl exible. There will be virtual meetings during the week, including weekly interaction with the Program Director – Food, Climate & Environment. In-person meetings and events may occur at a rate of 1-2 per month. The start and end dates are fl exible, initiating in May or early June and continuing through late August.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct primary (e.g., email, phone, Zoom) and secondary research to complete a report to help inform legislators and funders detailing:
  • Summaries of 3-5 most relevant existing composting related laws
  • Analysis of the activities necessary within and across state agencies and partners associated with enforcing the laws
  • Estimated Internal costs associated with the identifi ed activities (e.g., personnel costs, materials costs, transportation costs) and external costs/complementary programs (e.g. technical assistance programs)
  • Identifi cation of barriers to enforcement (e.g. the full-time employee cap at RIDEM) and potential solutions for overcoming them
  • Identifi cation of potential public and private funding sources
  • Summary comments
• Support additional research and events

REQUIREMENTS

• Research experience, including internet searches, document analysis, and interviews
• Interest in sustainability and policy
• Comfort working and communicating with a broad range of demographically, experientially, and cognitively diverse people
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent active listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Experience using Google Drive, Excel, MS Offi ce Suite, Zoom, Basecamp, and other common professional platforms/programs
• High school diploma/GED, undergraduate/graduate coursework/degree preferred
• At least 17 years of age
• A US Citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident
• Willingness to undergo a National Criminal History Background Check

We encourage applications from individuals who believe they possess the key competencies for the role and can demonstrate ability to execute the outlined responsibilities, even if they do not have every listed qualifi cation/skill.

Applicants please send a cover letter and resume to isaac@rifoodcouncil.org with “Compost & Policy Research Intern” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applications received by May 23rd receive priority.