Summer Intern, Port Sustainability & Resilience

Description

About the Internship

The Port Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented college intern to support the Port Sustainability & Resilience (PSR) team. The PSR group leads initiatives that advance environmental stewardship, climate resilience, decarbonization, and sustainable operations across the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey-one of the nation's busiest and most complex port systems. This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in port-sector sustainability and contribute to initiatives that shape the future of resilient, low-carbon maritime operations in the region.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside PSR staff to advance programs and research that strengthen the Port's environmental performance and long-term climate resilience.

• Assist with data collection, analysis, and visualization for sustainability, emissions, and climate-risk initiatives.

• Support research on best practices in green port operations, clean energy technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Contribute to sustainability program development (e.g., clean trucks, shore power, environmental compliance).

• Help prepare reports, presentations, communication materials, and stakeholder engagement resources.

• Participate in field visits, team meetings, and cross-departmental collaborations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrollment at a college or university at the time of the internship

• Major in Environmental Science, Engineering or related discipline

• Must be able to drive and possess a valid driver's license

• Pursuit of studies in environmental science, engineering, sustainability, urban planning, public policy, data science, or related fields.

• At least one year of completed college coursework in a relevant major.

• Demonstrated experience through coursework, projects, or prior internships in at least one of the following areas: Environmental or sustainability analysis, Data analysis or GIS, Climate resilience or climate science, Public policy or research, Engineering or infrastructure-related studies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience with GIS, data visualization tools, or environmental modeling software is a plus.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong analytical, research, and written/verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Interest in climate adaptation, maritime operations, transportation planning, and public-sector sustainability.

Internship Details

• The start date will be Thursday, May 28, 2026

• The internship will last approximately 12 weeks, ending on Friday, August 21, 2026

• This is a full-time internship (5 days per week at 7.25 hours per day)

• In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits interns to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required depending on business needs. Some internships may require interns to be fully in-person.

Selection Process

• Only applicants under consideration will be contacted

• If selected to move forward, the hiring team will reach out directly to schedule 1-2 interviews

• Different internships will have different timelines for interviews

Compensation & Benefits

• The hourly rate range is $18.07 to $30.31 (the exact rate will be determined by internship type and rising school year)

• Ability to opt in to the New York State and Local Retirement System

• Access to Employee Business Resource Groups (https://www.jointheportauthority.com/pages/diversity-inclusion-programs)

• Facility Tours

• Career Panels

• Social/Networking Events

REQNUMBER: 63935