Climate and Health Graduate Intern

Location: Portland, OR

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range

$16.80 - $35.00 Hourly

Department

Health Department

Job Type

Intern

Exemption Status

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified)

October 24, 2026

The Opportunity

THIS WORK MATTERS!

Pay Rate: $24/hour

Telework: Hybrid

We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill and passion to a challenging and evolving environment.  At the Multnomah County Health Department we are all inspired by the mission: We work with communities to advance health equity, protect the most vulnerable, and promote health and wellness for everyone and we uphold the values: Compassion and Care, Empowerment, Racial Equity, Creativity and Integrity. We create a culture of respect, trust and understanding for the highly diverse population we serve in our communities.

Multnomah County's Public Health Division is a vital resource for residents, working to promote physical and mental health, prevent disease and injury, and ensure access to essential health services. Some of our key functions and services include: preventing and controlling diseases, supporting maternal and child health, addressing mental health and substance use, ensuring environmental health, and promoting health equity.

The Climate and Health Graduate Intern assists the Healthy Homes and Communities team in fulfilling the core public health function of addressing the health impacts of climate change.

As the Climate and Health Graduate Intern, your work will include:

Research and Analysis

Conducting assessments of climate-related determinants of health, which may include:

Analyzing high-resolution heat data, impervious surface inventories, right-of-way shade assessments, building-level heat vulnerability assessments, and cooling prevalence

Supporting updates to a heat vulnerability index, cold vulnerability index, and studies associating these determinants with health outcomes

Outreach and Engagement

Supporting team members in designing and implementing community engagement plans, which may include:

Surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews, and outreach events

Communications and Dissemination

Preparing materials and coordinating events that help disseminate research and assessment findings

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education/Training: Enrollment in an accredited institution leading to a post-graduate degree or equivalent program

Experience: One (1) year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills*: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/ transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

Experience or training in public health, urban planning, climate adaptation planning, disaster response, or related fields

Quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse communities and partners

• Transferable skills: Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

SCREENING & EVALUATION (REQUIRED)

The Application Packet: You must submit ALL requested items below. Failure to do so will be deemed an incomplete application.

A completed online application.

A resume that explains all related experience (paid or unpaid) and training in your resume.

A cover letter that expands on your resume: confirming enrollment in a post-graduate degree program and addressing how you qualify for the position and why you are interested in the role

Note: The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the ‘Overview’ and ‘To Qualify’ sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials will be scored and determine your eligibility to advance in this recruitment process.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

Initial review of minimum qualifications

An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates

Consideration of top candidates/interviews

Background, reference, and education checks

Note: Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Type of Position: This position is eligible for overtime

Type: Intern

FLSA: Non-exempt

Schedule: Part time up to 40 hours per week

Work Location: Lloyd Corporate Plaza and remote

Salary/Pay: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at o