Colorado Resilience Engine Internship Program
ICLEI USA is launching a climate resilience internship program to support local governments in Colorado. This program places interns with host organizations to advance resilience initiatives and develop a skilled workforce for future climate resilience planning.
All interested host and intern applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Program Information Packet before applying to learn more about the program and check their eligibility.
Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, NSF, CO-WY Engine, Innosphere, & ICLEI USA
About the Program
Interested host organizations and internship applicants must complete their respective application processes (details below). Host organization applications close on March 20, 2025, at 5 PM Mountain time. Internship applications are considered on a rolling basis, with interviews expected between March 10 and March 21, 2025. The application process is competitive, with five host organizations and five interns selected.
Financial support for this program is provided by the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine) led by Innosphere and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), with support from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).
Tentative Timeline
Project Focus
Interns will engage in research, planning, and/or implementation of projects that support host organizations’ resilience initiatives, providing hands-on experience in climate resilience work.
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
Projects must support community resilience initiatives including, but not limited to:
- Climate adaptation
- Community engagement
- Conservation
- Public health
- Stormwater management
- Emergency preparedness
Projects can include research, planning (e.g., creating a plan or strategy document), policy development, or program implementation. Host organizations should select narrowly focused projects that can be completed—or on which meaningful progress can be made—over the 7-month program timeline with interns working part-time.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Eligible projects that interns may support include, but are not limited to:
- Creation of a local plan or strategy (e.g., resilience, adaptation, implementation, comprehensive/master plan elements)
- Running a series of workshops or trainings to engage community members in resilience planning
- Laying the groundwork for program implementation (e.g., resilience hubs, rain gardens) through gap assessment, project scoping, or pilots
- Data analysis, GIS, and community surveys
- Developing policies and ordinances
What Types of Projects Are Not Allowed?
ICLEI USA and Innosphere are registered 501(c)(3) non-profits that cannot support partisan activities, political campaign activities, or lobbying. They cannot support projects that collect personal health information.
Host Organization Application Process
- Submit Expression of Interest Form: Indicate your intent to apply by submitting the Expression of Interest Form Here.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the host organization application by March 20, 2025, at 5 PM Mountain Time Here.
- Application Review & Interview: ICLEI USA will review applications, and top applicants will be contacted for an interview to ensure project feasibility and alignment with program goals.
- Status Notification: Organizations will be notified of their consideration for intern placement. Note: Matching with an intern depends on finding a suitable candidate.
- Intern Candidate Matching: ICLEI USA will match interns based on needs and preferences. Host organizations will review intern applications and have 72 hours to accept or decline the match.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): After matching, host organizations must sign an MoU with ICLEI USA to formalize roles and responsibilities.
What Do Host Organizations Need to Provide?
- Workspace and Equipment: Provide space, equipment (e.g., computer), and site access for interns according to the agreed-upon working arrangements (virtual, in-person, or hybrid).
- Designated Workspace: For in-person and hybrid arrangements, provide a physical workspace (e.g., cubicle or desk). For virtual and hybrid arrangements, provide necessary permissions and remote access (e.g., servers, software) for remote project completion.
Host Organization Orientation
A virtual orientation session for host organizations and interns will be organized by program coordinators (expected April 21 – 27, 2025) to outline roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Intern Application Process
- Submit Online Application: Complete and submit the online application.
- First Review: Top applicants will be contacted via email for a video interview.
- Second Interview: Candidates considered a fit will have a 45-minute video interview with ICLEI USA staff.
- Matching & Accepting the Offer: Matched candidates will be reviewed by the host organization. After approval, the intern will receive an offer via email and have 48 hours to accept or reject it.
Training and Professional Development
Orientation
Interns must participate in a virtual orientation from Monday, April 21 – Sunday, April 27, 2025, spending approximately 15 hours over the week. Training sessions will be scheduled to minimize disruptions to coursework, but may include weekend sessions if necessary. Attendance at orientation sessions is mandatory. In case of unforeseen delays, the orientation may be rescheduled.
Professional Development
Interns will receive ongoing professional development, including:
- Periodic training sessions and bi-weekly virtual office hours hosted by ICLEI USA for project support.
- A virtual networking and/or presentation event to present projects and network with local governments.
Compensation and Schedule
- Pay Rate: $24/hour
- Max Hours/Week: 30 hours
- Total Hours: Up to 576 hours over the internship period
Intern schedules are flexible and will be determined in discussion with the host organization. It’s recommended that interns work fewer hours during the school term and more hours during the summer.
Internship Period: April 21 – October 26, 2025 (completion by December 8, 2025, if needed)
