Internships
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 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 an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace. All current students are welcome and encouraged to apply. Learn more about our workplace culture here. Applications for Spring 2025 positions are now open.
(Looking for a list of current interns? Please visit this page.)
Open positions for Spring Semester 2025 are below.
The deadline to apply is November 1, 2024.
E-Mobility Intern
Intern will join the Clean Energy and Climate Solutions team to support the advancement of electric vehicles and fleet electrification within UGA’s Facilities Management Division. Key responsibilities include: assisting with the vetting and selection of electric vehicles, planning for charging infrastructure, tracking vehicle electricity usage, implementing managed charging strategies, and developing and managing data systems to support electrification efforts. The intern will also conduct research on diverse topics such as dashboard development, procurement processes, and opportunities for federal funding, including IRA programs. Preferred qualifications include experience in spreadsheet skills, data analytics, Python coding, and/or GIS.
Green Labs Intern
This position will serve as UGA’s Site Coordinator for the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge, a global competition to improve the efficiency of cold storage in research laboratories. A single laboratory freezer can use the same amount of energy in a day as an entire American household, thus providing a great opportunity for optimization and lowering energy use in campus research labs. The candidate will assist campus researchers to take sustainable actions in their labs, teach researchers best practices, oversee all communications and outreach to participants, and manage all campus data related to the challenge. This position reports directly to the Green Labs Program Manager and must be a self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently. Preferred applicants will have laboratory experience, the ability to interact with the research community, and a passion for energy conservation.
Strategic Communications - Graphic Design Intern
The Strategic Communications - Graphic Design Intern will work collaboratively with Office of Sustainability staff and other interns to develop informative and engaging graphic content to highlight student, faculty, and staff-led sustainability initiatives at UGA. Graphics will be used in social media and newsletters, campus signage, and other media. Candidates should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite programs including InDesign and Illustrator, collaborative, willing to engage with a broad range of sustainability topics, and possess excellent visual communication skills with a passion for inspiring sustainable actions.
Sustainability Metrics (STARS) Intern
Intern will coordinate the collection of information and data to complete UGA’s triennial STARS assessment and report. STARS stands for Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) and is a sustainability rating system used by members of AASHE, the Assocation for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. UGA has been a gold rated participant in STARS for 10 years. Candidates should have a strong background in campus sustainability programs, demonstrate strong leadership and initiative in coordinating with a large number of people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, possess organizational skills and comfort with data, spreadsheets and analysis, and writing skills capable of reporting and promoting the story of UGA’s STARS performance.
Sustainability Certificate Intern
Intern will support the Sustainability Certificate (SC) by coordinating events (primarily the Spring Sustainability Showcase & Sustainability Networking Nights), assisting with Sustainability Certificate marketing, promotion and outreach, graphics and design, and working with the SC Staff, alumni network, and ambassadors. Must be available for an all-day event on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
UGArden Compost Intern
This intern will report to UGArden and manage the farm composting system. They will work with a Master Gardener to manage the piles, grind and turn them with a tractor, and record the temperature for our compost records. Experience operating equipment not required. However this intern will be expected to operate the tractor and should be prepared and willing to do so. Intern may be asked to assist with other UGArden activities.
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 justice, sustainability, and resilience in the Athens area. Partners identify strategic priorities to advance their core mission.
Current and past interns
A listing of current and past student interns can be found in the Interns Directory.
Internship Program Details
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 during an afternoon/evening before semester classes begin.
Work Plan
An individual work plan will be completed by each intern by the end of the second week of the semester. This document will be revised periodically to track project goals and expectations. The Internship Coordinator and/or direct supervisor will assist development of individualized work plans.
Weekly Cohort Meetings
Interns are required to participate in weekly meetings with fellow interns, Office of Sustainability staff, and occasional guests. Meeting topics include project updates, team building and problem-solving, leadership and professional development, and public speaking opportunities. 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 the Internship Coordinator and/or primary staff supervisor to discuss evaluations.
Final Presentations
At Semester in Review, which takes place on Reading Day, four to five interns will be selected to give oral presentations about their projects. All other interns will present a poster or other display of their project during the event.
Transition Document
Interns will document work completed, key contacts, and recommended next steps to help guide future interns or related projects.
Semester-End Interview
Interns will complete a survey and evaluation of the program and their internship experience.
The Internship Coordinator is responsible for managing the overall program to ensure successful outcomes for student interns and partnering organizations. The Internship Coordinator provides direct supprt to student interns throughout their particip[ation 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.
Interns typically spend 10 hours per week working on a specified project and assisting the Office of Sustainability and/or patnering organizations as needed.
Interns must notify their direct supervisor and the Internship Coordinator in advance of an absence. Attendance at the weekly All Intern Meeting is a required part of this internship and is included in the 10 working hours per week; please do not schedule doctor, dentist or other appointments during this time unless you are ill.
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.
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.
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.