Internships

Green Zone/Green Roof Intern

Intern will track data, equipment performance and user and community experience with the transition of multiple grounds zones from gas-powered equipment to electric equipment.  Skills employed will include working with grounds staff to ensure data tracking, spreadsheet development, dashboards, surveys, and some multimedia communication to include presentations, videos and Storymaps. This internship also helps provide maintenance on 5 campus green roofs. Activities include weed control, watering and assessing plant health with the Campus Gardener. This internship is part of the Clean Energy and Climate Solutions team.

Sustainability Certificate Intern 

This intern will support the Sustainability Certificate by coordinating events, communicating with students and faculty, conducting communications and outreach including the biweekly newsletter and social media sites, and working with alumni and ambassadors. Enrollment in the Sustainability Certificate is preferred. 

Sustainability Leadership Program Intern 

This position will assist the Office of Sustainability in implementing and enhancing the UGA staff Sustainability Leadership Program (SLP), including planning and co-leading biweekly SLP meetings and activities, communicating with SLP participants, coordinating guest speakers, analyzing program feedback, and planning ongoing program development. Candidates should be organized and self-motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

Zero Waste Infrastructure Intern 

This intern will help UGA plan and implement Zero Waste Infrastructure across strategic buildings on campus. This work will include assessing interior waste infrastructure, planning compost bin placement, communicating with stakeholders, and physically installing bins and signs (no special skills required). These enhancements in waste infrastructure and education will play a critical role in helping UGA reach its waste diversion goals. Candidates should be highly organized, detail-oriented, dependable, communicative, able to work well in pairs, and willing to work with their hands. 

Campus Compost Intern 

This intern will be part of the small team behind the tricycle-powered UGA Campus Compost Program. The majority of this position's hours are spent doing the physical collection of compost material from 100+ bin locations on campus. Other tasks include communication with program participants, data collection, and compost education at UGA. Candidates must have a passion for composting and engaging with others, be a safe and confident bicyclist, have a valid driver’s license, enjoy working behind the scenes and getting their hands dirty (and smelly), be willing to work outdoors in sub-ideal weather conditions, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs. 

GIS and Sustainability Metrics Intern 

Intern will help to create and compile sustainability metrics, track sustainable change, and communicate stories and strategies using geospatial databases, ArcGIS online, and ESRI tools such as Story Maps, Fields Maps, and Survey 123. This position plays a leadership support role to other intern projects and the UGA Living Lab. Projects will span multiple sustainability program areas to include: recycling, compost and waste reduction systems, Electric Vehicle planning, bike infrastructure, renewable energy and greenhouse gas inventories, campus landscape projects and food systems. Candidates are encouraged to have experience in one or more of the following skills: ArcGIS, data analysis and visualization, dashboards, and data storytelling. 

Shell to Shore Intern  

Shell to Shore is a non-profit oyster shell recycling program in Georgia which reduces landfill waste and supports restoration and revitalization projects on Sapelo Island. Intern will report directly to a Shell to Shore staff member. Responsibilities will include transporting shells from restaurants and events in Athens and helping to expand the capacity of Shell to Shore in Augusta and Atlanta. The intern will help create educational resources and assist in finding new sources of funding to expand the project. Valid driver’s license and ability to lift up to 50 pounds required; excellent written, graphic, and verbal communication skills and an interest in coastal restoration is preferred. 

Circular Materials Management / Zero Waste Intern 

This intern will lead Zero Waste and reuse initiatives including the Water Bottle Reclamation Initiative and the UGA Swap Shop, a free thrift store located in MLC 278. This intern serves as Director of the Swap Shop and manages the team of volunteers and executive positions with the goal of reducing landfill waste, reducing economic barriers, and promoting a culture of reuse. Additional responsibilities may include short-term projects or tasks related to waste reduction efforts on campus, such as supporting our Zero Waste Events program or helping empty our Trash Traps. Intern will work closely with multiple people and departments to carry out these projects. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, a passion for reducing waste, good written and verbal communication skills, an ability to plan and coordinate complicated logistical tasks, and be willing to work hard behind the scenes. 

Strategic Communications Intern 

Intern will work collaboratively to develop engaging on-brand content for social media and other outlets used by the Office of Sustainability. Specific tasks will include creating and following a content calendar; developing collaborative partnerships to expand our reach; interviewing students, faculty, and staff who are making tangible positive change on campus; and creating engaging photos, graphics, and captions for social media. Candidates should be organized, proactive, curious, and passionate about effective storytelling to advance sustainability at UGA. 

Campus as a Living Lab – Zero Waste UGA 

Zero Waste UGA is an interdisciplinary experiential learning initiative to foster a culture of sustainability through waste reduction. Intern will help to facilitate use of the UGA campus as a living laboratory to support teaching, research, service and outreach, student engagement, and operational innovations toward a circular economy. Tasks will include creating educational resources, planning workshops, developing project lists, promoting zero waste activities, and coordinating participation of faculty, staff, and student stakeholders. 

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. 

Green Labs Outreach Intern 

This internship opportunity focuses on program outreach and bringing greater awareness of the Green Labs program and its offerings to the UGA Research Community and beyond. The candidate will serve as the program liaison and outreach intern, creating outreach and educations materials, as well as developing additional communication strategies for the program and objectively quantifying their efficacy.  This is including but not limited to: monitoring and posting online materials, creating infographics, posters and flyers (both digital and print), representing the Green Labs Program at campus events, creating newsletters and engaging in other efforts improving program visibility.  This position will also support every day program activities in order to gain a working knowledge of program initiatives, to better inform outreach efforts. 

Pollinator Project and Arboretum Intern  

This internship offers hands-on experience in pollinator and tree conservation efforts on campus through the Office’s Biodiversity and Landscape Program. The intern will provide organizational, technical, creative, and fieldwork support while working directly with the Campus Pollinator Committee and Campus Arboretum Committee under the co-supervision of the UGA Grounds Department. Key responsibilities include: 1) Observing, mapping, and recording campus trees and pollinator habitats using Geographic Information Systems (GIS); 2) Compiling and publishing the annual Bee Campus USA certification report; 3) Assisting with planting projects, habitat assessments, and landscape maintenance in coordination with UGA Grounds; 4) Expanding and updating the Pollinator and Campus Arboretum websites with relevant content; 5) Planning and executing student engagement initiatives, including the annual UGA Pollinator Census, educational outreach programs, and volunteer events. Candidates with experience in ArcGIS and a foundational knowledge of Georgia’s trees, plants, and pollinator species are highly encouraged to apply. 

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

Internship Program Details