Summer 2008 Internships

We seek applicants with skills and interests in environmental health science and policy and non-profit management.

Responsibilities will be tailored to the skills and interests of the applicant. Each intern will work directly as an assistant to a supervising staff member, and interns are encouraged to develop an independent project to be completed during the internship as well. Responsibilities may include literature searches, interviewing, environmental sampling, data management, and writing, among other possibilities. Undergraduate and masters level interns are expected to spend approximately 20% of their time on office support tasks (telephones, etc.). Interns are expected to maintain regular work hours, with some flexibility to accommodate major assignments and exams.

Examples of previous and projected intern activities:

Identify from chemical engineering references the consumer products that are likely sources of exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds

Using GIS, map likely air pollutant exposures on Cape Cod

Assist in developing web site capabilities and content

Help maintain and expand the Institute’s 6,000-item special library
Using interviews and published literature, identify the best models of community based participatory research

Interview breast cancer activists about environmental attitudes

Requirements: Excellent academic record. Chemistry, biology, statistics coursework an asset for research interns. Energetic, flexible, constructive outlook. Excellent attention to accuracy, ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team. Commitment to careful and impartial research in a context of partnership between scientists and the public.

To apply, send cover letter describing your interests and experience related to this internship, resume, writing sample, and copy of academic transcript (photocopy is fine) to Diane Czwakiel, Administrative Manager, Silent Spring Institute, 29 Crafts Street, Newton, MA 02458, or email to careers@silentspring.org with 'Internships' in the subject line. Please designate the time period you are interested in.

Archivist Intern

Silent Spring Institute is seeking an archivist intern or practicum student to work with our librarian in establishing the Institute’s archive. Silent Spring Institute’s unique history of research has created correspondence, grant proposals, reports, audio and video recordings, maps, photographs, and other documents that span the ten plus years since its founding. The archivist intern will help organize, select, catalogue, and process materials that will be housed at the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe.

Responsibilities: The specific duties of this internship include:

• helping identify and assess the archival value of materials
• processing of the collection, including physical arrangement (sorting, boxing, labeling)
• inventory and description of materials
• creation of database records.
• creation of collection guides and other basic finding aids
• drafting of a records retention policy and schedule for the historic records of the Institute, utilizing recognized archival and records management practices.
• Communicating with Radcliffe’s Schlesinger Library.

Requirements: Completion of at least the introductory courses in archives principles and practices via an accredited Library Science program is preferred. Good computer skills. Good communication and organization skills.

To apply, send cover letter describing your interests and experience related to this position, resume, and copy of academic transcript (photocopy is fine) to Kathleen Attfield, Staff Scientist, Silent Spring Institute, 29 Crafts Street, Newton, MA 02458 or careers@silentspring.org

Internship Position in Special Events and Outreach

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) / Silent Spring Institute (SSI) intern will assist with publicizing and preparing for the annual Against the Tide fundraising and outreach events. This position involves daily communication with Cheryl Osimo, MBCC/SSI Event and Outreach Coordinator. The intern will be contacting media outlets throughout Massachusetts with press releases and feature news stories covering the events.

Job responsibilities can be completed from school or home, as Internet and telephone will be the primary communication tools needed for assignments. Thus, the flexibility of the position is substantial, with minimal travel except for on-site assistance required the day before and day of the 2008 Against the Tide Swim/Walk/Kayak events held in Hopkinton, MA, on June 21st and Brewster, MA, on August 16th. Interested individuals may choose to commit to spring semester, summer, and/or fall semester time periods in 2008. The duration of the intern commitment is flexible. Individual arrangements can be made with Cheryl Osimo. While the position is unpaid, many institutions offer students credit or stipends to cover expenses.

Job Responsibilities May Include:

• Interviewing Against the Tide event participants. This responsibility requires phone and/or e-mail contact with those who have been touched by breast cancer. Phone interviews are critical for obtaining information used in press releases and media coverage. In some instances it will be necessary to interview participants in person.

• Preparing press releases for newspaper, radio, and television coverage, as appropriate, and e-mailing and/or faxing to media outlets. This includes follow-up calls and providing additional information when necessary.

• Initiating contact with local community businesses, health facilities, and individuals to encourage community sponsorship and individual and team participation.

• Posting event materials including posters and mailers in various locations. This responsibility includes targeting high traffic locations that will increase event participation.

• Assisting with preparation the day before and the day of an event. This may include inflating buoys, marking the walk trail, contacting event vendors, and various other duties.

This position requires access to a computer and telephone. Critical skills include ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks, excellent communication skills, concise and clear writing abilities, Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel document preparation. Organizational skills are necessary to manage a high volume of e-mails, documents, event information, and contacts. The position also requires interviewing skills that allow for a level of compassion, sensitivity, and tact that is necessary given the nature of the discussion.

For more information please contact Cheryl Osimo, MBCC/SSI Event and Outreach Coordinator, at 508.778.1942 or cherylosimo@comcast.net.