Urban Agriculture, Green Roofs and Low Impact Development Internship

Organization: Living City Block Brooklyn

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Stipend: TBD

http://www.idealist.org/view/internship/KGwmNzd7zJjd/

DESCRIPTION

Living City Block (livingcityblock.org) is pioneering an innovative, community-centered approach to block scale energy and resource efficiency in the urban environment. Living City Brooklyn Gowanus is ultimately about creating a better, economically stronger, more vibrant community by engaging blocks of owners and residents through energy efficiency and other sustainability initiatives. Our project will develop a regional and site specific approach to also emphasize stormwater, greenroofs, localized power production and urban revitalization opportunities.

Intern Responsibilities:

Be a smart motivated problem-solver dedicated to helping LCB Brooklyn Gowanus succeed.

1. Identifying the stakeholders, resources, opportunities and obstacles related to the LCB Brooklyn Gowanus project as part of our community mapping initiative.

2. Gathering baseline data crucial to effective project implementation and monitoring:
a. Existing/proposed rooftop gardens, community gardens, street trees and plantings, open space and land use mix within project area.
b. Existing/proposed low impact infrastructure projects within project area.
c. Programs and organizations associated with urban agriculture, green roofs, and LID.
d. Process includes direct outreach to building owners, managers, and tenants.

3. Examining urban agriculture, green roofs, and LID opportunities in NYC and related urban environments.

4. Reporting on findings and maintaining information in project databases.

5. Coordinating assignments with other interns.

6. As needed help with community engagement
forums, workshops, and information preparation.

Experience/Skills Desired:

1. Ability to read architectural plans and drawings

2. Familiarity with and passion for alternative energy/sustainability initiatives (esp. NY-based initiatives)

3. Ability to relate to diverse community stakeholders

Learning Goals

1. Understand the unique challenges associated with implementing green building technologies on a block-wide scale and help develop methods to overcome them.

2. Connect to thought leaders in urban ag, green roofs, and LID and community-focused sustainability initiatives.

3. Develop interpersonal skills necessary to bring technical innovation to community members.

4. Learn and implement database management skills.

5. Utilize information and lessons learned from readings in community organizing, energy efficiency and building modeling, water resources, waste issues, economics, natural capitalism and systems thinking, urban agriculture, urban ecology, and urban (re)development in a real world project.

Additional Details

Time Preference: Full Time
Compensation: TBD

HOW TO APPLY

Please contact Vanessa Meer – Manager of Water, Energy and Environmental Services – with your cover letter and resume at [email protected].