Become a Sustainability Intern!
Join a team of high-achieving, environmentally-focused undergraduate students as an intern at UConn’s Office of Sustainability. Internships last throughout the academic year, with the opportunity to continue in subsequent years, based on performance.
What will I do in this role?
UConn Office of Sustainability, Sustainability Interns (SIs) help the department lead critical university sustainability programs, events, and reports. Interns host campus sustainability engagement events, collect data to report UConn’s sustainability progress and challenges, research best practices for sustainability in Higher Education, and lead programs that reduce our environmental impact.
Your work responsibilities may include:
- Communicating sustainability programs, data and opportunities to the UConn community, including students, faculty and staff. This includes creating social media content, writing newsletters, website updates and authoring stories
- Planning, executing and evaluating sustainability engagement events (e.g. Earth Day Spring Fling, Haunted HEEP, Green Careers Panel)
- Researching, analyzing, and summarizing best environmental practices at peer institutions on topics ranging from Energy & Buildings, to Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Waste Reduction & Diversion, Outreach & Engagement, Water Resources, Food & Dining, Purchasing, Transportation, Grounds, Open Space & Conservation and more, in order to develop and improve sustainability programs at UConn
- Supporting sustainability working groups, committees or task forces, and/or supervisory staff to carry out the University’s strategic sustainability plans
- Coordinating the efforts of student volunteers participating in campus sustainability activities and events
- Compiling UConn's annual greenhouse gas inventory, and tracking and reporting about progress toward UConn’s Climate Action Plan and carbon-neutrality goals
- Tracking UConn’s performance on key campus sustainability indicators, drafting environmental progress reports, and responding to surveys (such as AASHE STARS) and questions about UConn’s environmental practices
Additionally, as part of this role, you will automatically be enrolled as a participant with Work+. You will work with your supervisor to complete program-specific tasks and trainings designed to amplify your working learner experience and enhance your overall professional development.
What will I gain from this role?
- Project management skills: You will be responsible (with guidance) for planning, executing, and evaluating sustainability events and programs. This is a highly transferable skill for any industry.
- Understanding trends: Familiarity and experience with reporting sustainability performance data and trends.
- Building connection: Being part of a network of nearly 100 Sustainability Intern alumni.
- Communication skills: You’ll learn to tailor communication styles and modes based on the diverse audiences our Office collaborates with.
- Teamwork: You’ll work closely with other interns to execute real projects, reports and programs.
- Mentorship: We value helping interns navigate their future career paths.
- Get Paid: You’ll be paid $17.50 /hour for all work performed; paychecks are issued on a bi-weekly basis. The opportunity to remain employed with the Office of Sustainability throughout your undergraduate program at UConn. Office continuity is vital to our program’s success. We value dedicated and reliable interns, who will earn increased responsibilities and leadership roles as they gain experience and effectiveness working in the OS. To have your position renewed, you must:
- Remain a matriculated, undergraduate student in good standing with UConn
- Remain in good performance standing in accordance with policies set forth in the Office of Sustainability Code of Conduct and Handbook.
How do I know if I’m qualified?
Eligible candidates should be able to exhibit the required skills and qualifications as outlined below:
- Be a current freshman or sophomore student pursuing a bachelor's degree at UConn and not planning to graduate before May 2028.
- 3.2 GPA or higher
- Be available to work 10 hours per week within standard Office of Sustainability business hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm at our office (3107 Horsebarn Hill, Storrs, CT). Work hours will be scheduled around your class schedule and will be consistent for the entire semester. Occasional event work will happen outside of these hours (1-2 times a month).
- An interest in the environment, sustainability and their interactions with society
- Demonstrated peer leadership and project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting professionally with faculty, staff, and students
- Commitment to learning and continuous improvement
- Ability to work in a team
- Positive attitude, adaptability, enthusiasm, professionalism, and patience
How do I apply?
Apply on 12Twenty by 11:59pm on April 26, 2026. A current resume and a cover letter specifically outlining your interest and qualifications for the position is required. Reliance on AI to prepare your cover letter will not work in your favor. Applications that do not include both attachments will not be considered.
The Office of Sustainability is committed to creating an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and supports the communities and individuals it serves. We strongly encourage the participation of individuals from all social identities such as race, color, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, age, national origin, ancestry, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, and gender identity or expression, as well as various life experiences and perspectives, military service, and past and current employment. Individuals requiring accommodations during the application process should reach out to betsy.mortensen@uconn.edu.