The Intern Experience
The New Jersey LCV internship program is much more than a rewarding job experience. Our internships are robust part-time positions that afford college students the chance to participate in a variety of meaningful ways, as well as work collaboratively with a team that is making a real difference in our state. Our interns are part of the unique community and culture that makes New Jersey LCV such a special place to work, and we welcome applicants that are passionate about the environment and want to get first-hand experience learning how to enact change.
Sally
—2024 Summer Intern
During my time at New Jersey LCV, I gained hand-on experience in environmental policy and advocacy. I had the opportunity to conduct research on state-level legislation, assist during community outreach events, and engage with coalition partners. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the legislative process but also deepened my understanding and commitment to environmental justice.
Gabriella
—Summer/Fall 2024 Intern
My internship at New Jersey LCV has been an incredible learning experience, helping me grow both personally and professionally. Under the guidance of my supervisor, Jasmine Metellus, I’ve had the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, try out new tools and develop valuable skills. The passion and dedication of the team have been truly inspiring, and this experience has equipped me with tools and insights that will support me in the next steps of my career.
Cassandra
—Summer/Fall 2024 Intern
Working at New Jersey LCV has provided me with the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of environmental policies throughout New Jersey while collaborating with a brilliant minded and welcoming team that you can tell each has a passion for their job. Seeing the work that gets done and the success of their initiatives was inspiring and has encouraged me to pursue environmental policy in my future.
Rucha
—Summer/Fall 2024 Intern
I am immensely thankful for the multi-faceted internship opportunity at New Jersey LCV. I learned a variety of crucial skills across multiple fields, including fundraising, operations, human resources, and development. I encourage all those interested to apply!
Lauren
—Winter/Fall 2025 Intern
"At New Jersey LCV, I had the opportunity to use strategic storytelling and digital advocacy to engage New Jerseyans on key environmental issues. I’m grateful for the opportunity to hone my skills and deepen my experience with creating compelling content that supported policy-driven campaigns."
Program Components & Culture
Staff & Intern Picnic
The New Jersey LCV Internship Program is designed to afford participants the chance to not just work in a business or gain office experience; we believe the most fulfilling and rewarding program provides students with a chance to engage in tangible assignments and responsibilities that grow their knowledge and understanding of our mission-based environmental work; learn how to interact with and work collaboratively with a diverse and robust cross-departmental team; contribute to caused-based efforts to enact change; hone their skills and abilities with actual projects and tasks; and receive meaningful feedback that will further the ways in which they present and distinguish themselves from among others in the job market. Components of our program include:
Staff Mentorship and Learning Opportunities
Interns interact with and have access to many members of the staff during their semester-long program, and gain from the knowledge and experience of the team. Interns are also encouraged to participate in our full-staff learning sessions and other opportunities that are available, as their schedules allow.
Staff Sunshine Committee Activities
Throughout the year we have events where we spend some casual time together, get to know each other better, and celebrate our team’s successes. Our interns are encouraged to join in these fun activities as their schedules allow.
Team Justice & Equity Discussions
As an organization, we engage together in experiential learning programs and discussions on topics related to racial justice, gender justice, intersectionality, disability, and more. We also gather to recognize, honor and celebrate specific cultural heritage months. Our interns are included in these meetings and encouraged to participate as their schedules allow.
Resume Workshop
Interns have the opportunity to participate in a resume review workshop led by key members of the staff and senior team. The group feedback workshop provides insights from staff participants, suggestions for ways to enhance and create standout resumes, as well as ways to articulate the work done at New Jersey LCV. Interns are also given access to other resume templates and samples that can help in each intern’s own resume design and enhancements.
Capstone Collaborative Project
The capstone project is a demonstration assignment designed for interns to explore a timely environmental issue and develop plans to address it through policy, fund development, and communications campaign efforts. The interns have access to subject matter experts on our team for guidance, and work together to finalize a presentation deck that illustrates their ideas and hypothetical campaign. This is a great opportunity to further develop critical thinking and collaborate creatively with the other interns. The final project is presented to the entire New Jersey LCV team at the conclusion of the semester.
New Jersey State House Tour
The New Jersey LCV intern experience culminates with a guided tour of the New Jersey State House in Trenton.
Mr. Bingley Hard at Work
Pet-friendly Office
Both the building complex and our office offers a pet-friendly environment. Staff are able to bring their tame, people-friendly pets to the office.
Full width image
The Hiring Process
This experience has underscored the significance of cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment. I've gained valuable insights into the workings of state agencies in New Jersey, and I hope to leverage this knowledge in any potential future roles.
—Summer/Fall 2023 Intern
I was honestly shocked by how nice everyone was. The environment was so open and friendly and I felt really welcome during my time here. I also liked the hybrid style of the office, and I think it really helped me have days where I could recharge at home and also experience what it’s like to work with people in an office setting.
—Winter/Spring 2023 Intern
The capstone project was definitely a highlight of this internship. It was a great experience; I was able to learn more in depth about a topic very important to the environment. It was a great opportunity to work with the other interns.
—Summer/Fall 2022 Intern
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the impressive work of this organization. New Jersey LCV has made me believe in myself more and has given me the confidence to pursue a job in the environmental and government sector.
—Summer/Fall 2023 Intern
I felt included and heard. I was asked for input, and my feedback was listened to. I had a few projects where I had targeted research for environmental justice policies. Nothing else would have made me feel more at home.
—Winter/Spring 2023 Intern
The resume workshop was a fantastic experience. I appreciate that everyone took time out of their schedules to review and give feedback on our resumes. I think my resume is greatly improved and I feel more confident in it.
—Summer/Fall 2022 Intern
Our annual internship program is divided into two separate semesters: Winter-Spring (January - June) and Summer-Fall (July - December). Internship opportunities are posted on our website at the general start of the Fall and the Spring college semesters. Qualified interns will be invited to a virtual interview process where they will meet with multiple members of the New Jersey LCV staff. Decisions and job offers are typically extended approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start of a program semester. While we do not participate in internship-for-credit University programs, we are happy to confirm internship hours and provide the internship job description upon request.
Academic Partnerships
We partner with regional colleges and universities to expand and diversify our internship program, and focus primarily on institutions that have 50%+ BIPOC student bodies, and areas of academic study that align with our mission, environmental issues and topics. We attend job fairs and post internship openings through university job boards and institutional newsletters.
Applying
When applying for a posted internship candidates are asked to email their resume, cover letter, and three references (character, academic, or professional) to internships@njlcv.org, and will receive a response from us confirming receipt of a submission. Due to the volume of applications received, we are only able to directly contact those candidates that are being offered an opportunity to interview.
Job Posting Sites
Our current opportunities are posted on our website, also on Indeed.com.
Onboarding
We're invested in providing our interns with a great overall experience. In their first week, interns will learn key aspects about our organization, the current work of their departments, and the goals for their internship. They are also provided with an opportunity to engage with each other, understand the structure of their program and positions, and receive an introduction to environmental issues and our overall mission.
Current Opportunities
We're on a mission to protect New Jersey's water, air and open spaces. Join our team in this work through our internship program!