About us
The NYC Department of Buildings is responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism. We are committed to becoming a premier municipal building organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and making our city safer. We are committed to improving our performance and developing procedures that are streamlined, understandable and transparent.

About the Team
The Sustainability Policy and Legal Affairs unit assists the Bureau of Sustainability in the development and implementation of policy initiatives, local laws, and rules related to Local Law 97, the Energy Code, and other sustainability legislation and issues. For attorneys and policy and data analysts in the unit, such support includes legal and policy research, policy development, drafting rules and legislation, writing policy and legal memoranda, determining processes to implement rules and legislation, data analysis, data modeling, financial analysis, negotiating settlements, representing DOB at OATH hearings, and compliance report review. The work of the unit is integral to the successful implementation of Local Law 97 of 2019, which will help New York City achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by local and state law and committed to in the city’s long-term sustainability plans.

Additional Information:

This internship position reports in- person and does not require New York City residency. If selected, candidates must provide transcript enrollment verification statement from their school attesting that they are enrolled in an accredited degree program. Internship assignments may start as early as May, must conclude by the first week in September, and must not exceed a maximum of 13 weeks.

Responsibilities

Join the fight against climate change and take advantage of a unique opportunity on the cutting edge of climate policy at the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). DOB has an essential role in implementing New York City’s ground-breaking climate policies, including Local Law 97, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s largest buildings. DOB’s Bureau of Sustainability is actively developing the policies and regulations needed to advance New York City’s climate goals. In a city where buildings contribute nearly three-quarters of our greenhouse gas emissions, a focus on efficiency, building energy usage, and decarbonization is critical. DOB is committed to becoming the nation’s premier municipal building organization, enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers, and making our city a safer and healthier place to live. Become a member of DOB’s Bureau of Sustainability team and make a real difference.

Under close supervision, the candidate will receive practical experience in policy work pertaining to sustainable buildings, including the following:

-Conduct policy research in support of Sustainability team initiatives.
-Analyze federal, state, local, and international policy.
-Draft and edit policy memos, external communications and educational materials, and responses to letters and other inquiries.
-Assist in the development of building sustainability policy.
-Work collaboratively with all members of the Sustainability team and with agency colleagues and partners.
-Actively undertake and participate in special projects and assignments.
-Any other duties as assigned.


Preferred Qualifications

Pursuing a degree in law, political science, public policy, sustainability, earth sciences, or environmental sciences, or a related field


Preferred Skills

-Excellent writing and critical thinking and analytical skills.
-Ability to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team on multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
-Interest in sustainability, climate change, and/or the New York City government and civil society landscape.
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in an accredited college, university or law school.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.