Student Internship Program

Experiential learning through real-world solutions

The Office of Sustainability Student Internship Program provides opportunities for experiential learning and professional development while making a positive and tangible impact within the University of Georgia and Athens communities. The Office of Sustainability partners with campus and community organizations to identify real-world challenges and develop sustainable solutions. Leadership training is enhanced through collaborations with the UGA Parents Leadership Council, J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, UGA Career Center, and others.

Are you a student who would like to apply for a sustainability internship position?

The Office of Sustainability is committed to cultivating a welcoming and respectful workplace. All current students are encouraged to apply.

Internship Application

Spring 2027 Open Positions – Apply by November 1, 2026

Athens Farmers Market Intern

This position will report to the Athens Farmers Market Director to support AFM’s mission to ensure prosperity for farmers and artisans, ease of access for current and future customers, and an optimum sense of wellbeing for all in our community. Intern will primarily work at the Saturday morning market at Bishop Park from 6:30AM – 1:30PM to help with set up, break down, serve as a greeter, and assist EBT customers.

Athens Land Trust Strategic Communications Intern

This position will work directly with Athens Land Trust (ALT) to create inspiring storytelling in the areas of statewide conservation, farmer services and education. The intern will collaborate with ALT staff and business partners to develop engaging content that features local farmers, outreach events, and conservation easements that steward valuable natural and cultural resources. Intern will be responsible for creating a monthly email newsletter and weekly social media posts, managing media engagement, and analyzing reach to maximize impact. Candidates should have strong graphic, verbal, and written communication skills with a passion for storytelling and sustainable food systems.

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Fellow

The Food Bank Fellow will support the goals and objectives of the Philanthropy team to advance the mission and vision of the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia: connecting neighbors with nourishing food. The Food Bank Fellow will provide key support for marketing & communications, donor stewardship, and communication, as well as fundraising and volunteer events coordination. This one-year position will last from January – December 2027. Candidates should be organized, enthusiastic, and collaborative with reliable transportation, expertise in customer service and relationship building, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. As a member of the team, this person will be invited to attend regular weekly team meetings as they are available.

Freezer Challenge Site Coordinator

This two-semester position (Spring and Fall 2027) will report to the director of UGA’s Sustainable Science & Green Labs Program and serve as UGA’s Site Coordinator for the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge. A single laboratory freezer can use the same amount of energy in a day as an entire American household. This intern will help researchers implement best practices and preventative maintenance to reduce energy use, oversee program communications, and manage all data related to the challenge. Spring semester focuses on outreach, conducting in-lab consultations, and completing scoresheets. Fall semester focuses on data management and reporting. Preferred applicants will have laboratory and data management experience, with the ability to work independently and communicate professionally with a variety of stakeholders.

Go Georgia Communications & Outreach Intern

This intern will report directly to Go Georgia and help support their mission – to make Georgia a better place to bike, walk, and roll for everyone – through support for communications deliverables including blog posts, social media, video, imagery, design, and more. Duties will include backoffice organization tasks, writing, editing, and production. Preferred candidates will be strong writers, communicators, visual thinkers, and self-starters, at ease in both digital media and traditional media.

Sustainability Leadership Program Intern

This position will help the Office of Sustainability and J.W. Fanning Institute implement the UGA Sustainability Leadership Program designed to help UGA staff members grow as leaders, build community, and create positive change. Intern will plan and host program meetings, coordinate subject matter expert speakers, support cohort members and their supervisors, develop and analyze participant surveys, track progress and impact of sustainability projects, and develop plans for the upcoming 2027-2028 cohort. Candidates should be highly organized and self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

University Housing Sustainability Intern

The University Housing Sustainability Intern will assist with special events and communication related to environmental sustainability initiatives within University Housing. The primary function of this position is to co-advise the University Housing EcoRep program, an experiential learning program in which 13-15 student leaders provide peer to peer education and engagement on departmental sustainable initiatives within the residence halls. The Intern will also help to plan and implement special events relating to resident engagement in sustainability initiatives, including support for communications through social media, video/photos, emails, design, and other tasks. Special events include seasonal waste reduction initiatives such as our move-in and move-out donations and recycling, and preferred candidates will be strong writers, communicators, and self-starters.

Required Intern Activities

In addition to completing specific tasks related to individual internship positions, each student intern will complete the following required activities:

Semester Kick-off

Team-building gathering and dinner for all interns during an afternoon / evening before semester classes begin.

Project Management Plan

The Intern Project Management Plan is a dynamic document that should be updated throughout the semester as you plan and implement your project. It will serve as a roadmap for you, as well as a guide for future interns who will continue your project or program after you leave your position. Components of the Project Management Plan include Aim, Role & Goals; Priorities & Objectives; Weekly Tasks / Progress; Resources & Stakeholders; Outcomes & Metrics; etc.

Weekly Cohort Meetings

Interns are required to participate in weekly Intern Staff Meetings with fellow interns, Office of Sustainability staff, and occasional guests. These meetings are typically held at 8-9AM on Wednesday mornings in the UGA Tate Student Center. Meeting topics include leadership and professional development activities, public speaking opportunities, and project updates. Interns should come to meetings prepared with updates, questions, and input.

Mid-Term Evaluation

Interns evaluate their experience to date in the program, and supervisors evaluate intern performance. Intern meets with their primary staff supervisor to discuss evaluations around mid-point in the semester.

Final Presentations

Sustainable UGA Semester in Review takes place on Reading Day and is open to the public. All interns participate in the event by serving as greeters, displaying posters, and/or providing an oral presentation about their work.

Reflection Survey

Interns will complete a survey to reflect on their internship experience and evaluate the Office of Sustainability Internship Program.

Reporting Structure

The Internship Coordinator is responsible for managing the overall program to ensure successful outcomes for student interns, supervisors, and partnering organizations. The Internship Coordinator provides direct support to student interns throughout their participation in the program. In addition, each intern will report directly to a supervisor who will guide the intern in completing specific projects and tasks. Office of Sustainability staff are available to support and advise students throughout their internship.

Time Requirements

Interns typically spend 10 hours per week working on a specified project and assisting the Office of Sustainability and/or partnering organizations as needed. Weekly schedules are developed collaboratively by the student intern and their direct supervisor. Typical work hours are between 8AM-5PM on Monday – Friday, however individual positions may require work outside of these times.

Interns must notify their direct supervisor and the Internship Coordinator in advance of an absence. Attendance at the weekly Intern Staff Meeting is a required part of this internship and is included in the 10 working hours per week; please do not appointments during this time unless you are ill.

Onboarding and Payroll

Paid interns are required to complete an I-9 Form through Facilities Management Division Human Resources to be onboarded into the UGA payroll system. Interns will be required to provide 1) a current resume with appropriate address, 2) a passport or picture ID and Social Security Card, and 3) a UGA ID number.

Interns are paid bi-weekly as hourly employees through the OneUSG Connect System. In order to be paid, student interns must directly input their hours into their timesheet. Interns are also responsible for ensuring that their bank information and emergency contacts are up to date. Employees, including student workers, can log on to check payroll and other information through OneUSG Connect.

Office of Sustainability Support & Community Service

All interns are asked to assist with at least one Office of Sustainability event during the semester. Events and community service opportunities will be announced throughout the semester. Interns are encouraged to support their peers and to participate in service events while also maintaining personal health and academic success.

Academic Credit

Some degree programs require an internship. Students are encouraged to initiate opportunities for relevant academic course credit through their college or school. To date, credit internships have been arranged through the Odum School of Ecology, College of Environment + Design, College of Public Health, Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communications, and others.

Are you a campus or community partner that could benefit from a dedicated student intern?

Our Partnership for a Sustainable Athens provides meaningful support for campus and community partners working toward sustainability and resilience in the Athens area. Partners identify strategic priorities to advance their core mission and participate in intern selection.

Interested organizations can email [email protected] to inquire about opportunities.

(Looking for a list of current & past interns? Please visit the OoS INTERN DIRECTORY.)