Climate Cabinet: Grand Rapids Public Transportation Intern

LOCATION

Remote

SALARY

$22/hr with 20 hours, 3 months early-September-mid-December / Hourly

COMPANY

Climate Cabinet

DEPARTMENT

Research

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

Non-Profit

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We are accepting applications via Greenhouse. Please include a resume, LinkedIn page, and answers to our application questions Applications due August 25th, 2025. Target start date is September 8, 2025.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description:

Climate Cabinet is accepting applications for a part time Transportation Intern in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This new role will be focused on growing engagement, collaboration, and strategy building to improve public transit in the Greater Grand Rapids region. 

In communities across the United States, people are eager for better public transit options. From more frequent and reliable bus service, to protected and connected bike lanes, to light rail, communities are eager for quality of life improvements that also can create jobs and increase customer spending with local businesses. 

This role would build on years of siloed transit advocacy efforts and ideally create a longer term plan for improving transit in the region. 

This is a 3-month internship. If you’re ready to grow public transportation in Greater Grand Rapids—let’s talk.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • With the support and direction of Climate Cabinet’s Michigan State Lead, you will:

  • Build out a local transit advocacy table that brings together community groups, advocates, businesses, and other stakeholders to coordinate around shared priorities for improving the Greater Grand Rapids Region’s public transportation system.

  • Research and assess opportunities to expand and improve local transportation and bicycle infrastructure in Grand Rapids and the surrounding region, focusing on projects that strengthen mobility, equity, and climate resilience.

  • Attend local transit agency meetings, city commission sessions, and community forums to track developments, share information with partners, and ensure that community needs are reflected in decision-making.

  • Develop and maintain relationships with local agencies, key city and county departments, and elected officials to foster collaboration and advance aligned transportation goals.

  • Research and engage Grand Rapids’ transit community, including riders, advocacy organizations, and stakeholders, on local and state budget processes to identify opportunities for influence, protect transit funding, and advocate for increased investment in sustainable transportation.

  • To achieve these goals, you will:

  • Serve as a connector between state-level transit advocacy and local priorities in Grand Rapids, ensuring both are mutually reinforcing.

  • Keep the Climate Cabinet team and the Michigan state lead updated with regular reports on opportunities, challenges, and wins, helping shape our broader strategy for equitable transportation policy.