Sustainability Student Intern

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is seeking an undergraduate student interested in a dynamic summer internship focused on identifying and implementing organization-wide sustainability solutions. Over 8+ weeks, you'll have the opportunity to be responsible for completing short-term projects and a longer-term independent project.

As a Sustainability Student Intern in the Facility Services department, you will report to the Sustainability Program Manager to determine the focus of the independent project based on the needs of JAX and your experience and interests, and will work with them to develop specific milestones and expectations to assess your progress throughout the summer.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about sustainability and eager to engage in a wide range of duties, including hands-on activities, program planning, research, and partnering with employees across the organization. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, adaptable, collaborative, and enjoys problem-solving.

About Your JAX Internship Experience

Join peers selected from educational institutions across the country for a summer of professional growth and career exploration. As a JAX Intern you will receive a dedicated mentor in your department and connect with your fellow interns through JAX-sponsored activities.

What You'll Contribute

Assessment and Reporting

• Conduct hands-on audits or inventories (e.g., waste audits) and generate concise reports outlining findings.

Sustainability Programming

• Identify, prioritize, and present recommendations to support or enhance sustainability efforts within laboratory operations.
• Support existing sustainability programs like the JAX community garden and JAX Green Teams.
• Assist with developing new sustainability initiatives or employee engagement programs.

Communications and Collaboration

• Support organization-wide sustainability efforts through written communications, presentations, and direct employee engagement.
• Host tabling events and other campus activities to engage with the JAX community.
• Partner with community and municipal organizations as appropriate.
• Receive and synthesize feedback from various stakeholders.
• Meet regularly with the sustainability program manager to discuss internship activities, challenges, and goals.

Research and Planning

• Independently research relevant subjects and case studies to inform program plans, community outreach materials, reports, and proposals.
• Participate in sustainability planning exercises.

What You're Good At

JAX encourages applications from a diverse mix of educational backgrounds and experiences. Preferred qualifications include:

• Must be enrolled in a college or university program
• Have an interest or an educational background in sustainability.
• Experience or commitment to programming that emphasizes sustainability as a broad, interconnected concept and intentionally integrates environmental justice and equity connections.
• Flexible and can transition quickly to different tasks.
• Ability to plan and execute tasks to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with an ability to constructively share and receive feedback.
• Ability to work independently while also being comfortable collaborating with others.
• Recognizes sustainability as a broad, holistic concept.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 40 pounds.
• Proficient with the Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

The hourly pay rate is $17.50-25.00. Hourly rate will be determined based on qualifications and experience.