Application Guide
How to Apply for Fall 2026 Human Resources Internship
at Earthjustice
🏢 About Earthjustice
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization, fighting landmark legal battles to protect the planet and combat climate change. Interns here contribute directly to high-impact environmental justice work, gaining exposure to mission-driven legal advocacy. If you're passionate about using your skills to support a greener future, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference.
About This Role
As a Fall 2026 HR Intern, you'll support the full hiring lifecycle, from drafting job postings in the Applicant Tracking System (Jobvite) to processing offer letters and managing candidate records. You'll also help assign mandatory HR trainings and generate reports, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. This role is impactful because it enables Earthjustice to efficiently recruit top talent that drives their environmental mission forward.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start by checking emails and prioritizing tasks: drafting a job posting in Jobvite for a new attorney role, then reviewing and updating candidate records for accuracy. You'd likely collaborate with the HR team via Slack or Zoom to assign mandatory trainings and later compile a report on recruitment metrics in Excel. The work is steady, independent, and directly supports Earthjustice's mission to hire passionate advocates.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Earthjustice Is Looking For
- A current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a college/university program, with expected graduation between December 2026 and May 2029, ideally pursuing HR, business, or a related field.
- Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable learning new systems like Jobvite or other ATS platforms.
- Meticulous and detail-oriented, with a track record of accurately managing data, documents, and records (e.g., experience with databases or administrative tasks).
- Strong communicator who listens actively, writes clearly, and can troubleshoot issues independently—comfortable collaborating remotely with a distributed team.
📝 Tips for Applying to Earthjustice
Highlight any experience with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or HR databases in your resume, even if it's from coursework or volunteer roles.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your attention to detail to Earthjustice's mission—e.g., mention how accurate record-keeping supports their legal work.
Since the role is remote, demonstrate your ability to work independently and manage time effectively—provide examples of remote projects or self-directed tasks.
Tailor your resume to include specific MS Office skills, especially Excel for reports and Word for drafting documents.
Research Earthjustice's recent cases or campaigns (e.g., climate litigation, environmental justice) and mention one in your cover letter to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your organizational skills and ability to handle administrative tasks with precision, as the role involves managing candidate records and HR trainings.', "Show enthusiasm for Earthjustice's mission—explain why environmental protection matters to you and how you want to contribute to their work.", 'Highlight any experience with drafting documents (e.g., job postings, offer letters) or using HR tools, even if from internships or class projects.', 'Demonstrate your interpersonal skills: mention examples of effective communication, listening, or troubleshooting in a team setting.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Familiarize yourself with Earthjustice's current priority areas (e.g., climate change, clean energy, biodiversity) by browsing their website's 'Our Work' section.
- → Read about a recent Earthjustice victory or ongoing case to discuss in your interview, showing you understand their impact.
- → Learn about the HR team's role in supporting the legal mission—check Earthjustice's blog or news for any HR-related initiatives.
- → Understand the basics of Jobvite (the ATS mentioned) if you're not already familiar, to show readiness to learn their tools.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention Earthjustice's mission or specific role details suggests lack of genuine interest.
- Avoid overlooking the remote aspect: don't assume you'll be in an office; emphasize your remote work skills and setup.
- Don't neglect to proofread your application materials; attention to detail is explicitly required, and errors will stand out.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!