Office of Sustainability

We are looking for enthusiastic and hard-working graduate or undergraduate students who want to be part of the movement to advance sustainability at Washington University. The multi-semester positions require a commitment of 5-10 hours/week during the school year; summer positions are full-time (37.5 hours/week). Associates work collaboratively in groups on projects with oversight from the Office of Sustainability staff.

The Office of Sustainability is seeking a student to support development and implementation of an institutional carbon neutrality strategy. Particular focus will be given to tracking scope 3 emissions, including business travel emissions, commuting emissions, purchased goods and services emissions, emissions associated with generated waste, and carbon offset strategy. In regard to air travel and commuting emissions, the student will build on an existing body of research and develop an accurate estimation model. In regard to carbon offsets, the University is currently in the early stages of exploring a potential carbon offset strategy as both a buyer and a seller. The prospective intern will be involved in all parts of the process, including research, strategy, project verification, and project monitoring. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Gather air travel data and calculate emissions for business travel and student travel to and from the University each semester
• Gather commuting data and calculate emissions for daily travel and from the University
• Analyze carbon offset methodologies, including those published by the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) to understand potential applications for WashU
• Communications – Prepare and present carbon offset material to administration and key stakeholders
• Research and synthesis – Follow current trends in the carbon offset space and develop reports and presentations on relevant topics
• Carbon offset documentation – Complete project related forms and excel models 
• Carbon offset monitoring – Prepare monitoring documentation and submit to verifying body 
• Assess potential carbon offset purchases from a quality and cost perspective, and monitor active projects to ensure quality 

Preferred Skills /Knowledge

• Basic working knowledge of carbon offsets and various scopes of carbon emissions
• Basic understanding of markets, supply/demand, and drivers of cost
• Familiarity with Excel and PowerPoint
• Comfortability seeking and synthesizing information from multiple sources
• Comfortability reaching out to and communicating with a range of stakeholders
• Quantitative analysis

The Office of Sustainability plays a lead role developing renewable energy projects for the University. The Renewable Energy Associate will work closely with staff to explore renewable energy project opportunities including on-site solar PV and solar thermal projects, as well as off-site wind projects. Projects will vary in scale from large-scale projects that generate a lot of energy to smaller-scale projects with a strong research component. Tasks will include: gathering information about and assessing the viability of potential sites, researching options for structuring projects, and interaction with professionals in the field.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to approach challenges creatively and problem solve
• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies, policy, financials, and/or project development
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with University staff and external consultants
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Project management experience preferred

The Office of Sustainability seeks to foster a food system that advances environmental and public health while supporting a strong local economy. The Food Associates facilitate this process in partnership with Office of Sustainability staff, WashU Dining Services, and other campus stakeholders.

The Associate will support a variety of food-related initiatives and assist with tracking report metrics that will improve transparency and accountability in the university food system. Duties may include: organizing events; supporting staff training; conducting peer institution research; promoting participation in the Community Supported Agriculture program, available at Danforth, School of Medicine, and West Campuses; and providing support to the Medical Campus Farmers Market. The associates promote the Office’s efforts through tabling, flyers, social media, and e-newsletter stories.

Skills / Qualifications: 

• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking skills
• Ability to approach challenges creatively and problem solve
• Experience with event planning and creating promotional materials (PowerPoints, graphics, flyers, etc.)
• Commitment to supporting local and sustainable food options
• Knowledge of and interest in the environmental and public health impacts of food choices
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with university staff members
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision

Student Associates will engage in a broad range of research and analysis for implementing the vision and goals for the university’s sustainability-related strategic plan. Specific areas of interest include energy & emissions, alternative transportation, waste, food & dining, and equity/anti-racism. Associates will work collaboratively in groups on projects with oversight from the Office of Sustainability team. In addition, logistical support of working group committees (meeting scheduling, note taking, meeting follow up, etc.) will be required as needed.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of and passion for sustainability issues
• Ability to conduct research to evaluate and synthesize different strategies and ideas
• Systems thinker
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel, design experience with the Adobe Creative Suite is a plus
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with University staff members
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Works well in a group setting

The Communications & Marketing Associate will work with the Office of Sustainability to strengthen communications and marketing of the University’s sustainability initiatives, accomplishments, and upcoming events. The Associate will play a role in managing the ongoing communications needs of the Office of Sustainability. Duties will include coordinating with campus partners to develop content for the website; developing communications materials including flyers, posters, and pamphlets; assisting with the bi-monthly Office of Sustainability newsletter; maintaining and building the Office of Sustainability’s social media communications on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and outreach to students at events.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Design experience with the Adobe Creative Suite
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and time-management skills
• Basic knowledge of and passion for sustainability issues
• Interest in outreach and education
• Basic familiarity with social media
• Experience with marketing strategy is desirable

Washington University is working diligently to reduce the amount of waste we send to the landfill through recycling, composting, reuse, and donations. The Waste Reduction Initiatives Associate plays a critical role moving these efforts forward. We are seeking a data-driven individual who is good at and has experience with problem solving, communications, and data analysis.

Intern position duties will include: managing daily operations for initiatives like the Go Green for the Red reusable period products program, the GreenWare program (reusable dish loan for events), Green Events certifications, and staffing the Circularity Center; conducting waste audits in various campus locations to help determine opportunities for improvement and diagnose problems; organizing and recruiting volunteers; tracking campus-wide waste data; and working on various other waste-related projects as they arise.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Experience planning and running projects
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision; strong entrepreneurial spirit
• Organized and able to multi-task
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience recruiting and training volunteers is a plus
• Ability to conduct research to evaluate different strategies
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel; willingness to learn new technologies
• Foundational knowledge of sustainability, the impact of different waste streams, and how waste sorting operates on campus

The Office of Sustainability supports alternative transportation programs and works to catalyze a campus culture that values commuting options that are sustainable, flexible, and rewarding. The Sustainable Transportation Associate facilitates this process in partnership with Office of Sustainability staff and the Sustainable Transportation Coordinator. Duties include supporting and promoting WashU sustainable transportation programs, planning events that support sustainable transportation on campus, and planning/marketing the bi-annual Active Transportation Month. Active Transportation Month takes place in October and April, and features activities such as the Active Transportation Challenge, bike tune-ups, personal transportation consultations for University members, and other tabling events. The Associate may also conduct peer institution research, community surveys, campus audits and promote sustainable transportation initiatives and events through tabling, flyers, and social media. 

Skills / Qualifications:

• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to approach challenges creatively and problem solve
• Experience with event planning and creating promotional materials (PowerPoints, graphics, flyers, etc.) are a plus
• Experience with and passion for sustainable/active/public transit and biking. Knowledge of and interest in the environmental and health benefits of alternative transportation
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with University staff members
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision

The Green Office Program synthesizes goals within the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Operations into a checklist and educates staff about how to incorporate more sustainable practices into their operations and practices. Through participation, staff transform into new advocates for the university’s sustainability ethic. The program is comprised of a point-based, self-assessment checklist with which offices can assess their current practices, set goals, and be recognized for their achievements. For more information about the program please visit http://sustainability.wustl.edu/community-involvement/green-offices.

The Green Office Associate plays a key role administering, promoting and expanding this important program. Tasks include marketing the program to new offices, meeting with offices to provide an overview of the program, processing completed checklists as they are submitted, sending re-submission reminders to offices, making periodic updates to the checklist, and writing monthly newsletters. This position acts as a liaison between the Office of Sustainability and participating offices and WashU staff. As a liaison, s/he will promote various initiatives and events coordinated by the OOS, like Alternative Transportation Month and Green Mondays. The associate will also play a role planning an annual certification ceremony for newly certified offices.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with University staff members
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Works well in a group setting
• Experience giving presentations and creating promotional materials (PowerPoints, graphics, flyers, etc.)
• Strong communication skills and willingness to “cold call” potential participants.

The Sustainable Buildings Associate will work with the Office of Sustainability and Facilities Planning & Management to further improve how sustainability is integrated into the planning, design and construction of the built environment, landscape, and campus infrastructure.

The Associate will assist with research and building projects such as resiliency planning and developing guidelines, healthy building material research and developing standards, research various green building certification rating systems and develop a priority standard to help implement these certifications, research embodied carbon reduction targets and methods.

Other building specific projects may include but are not limited to creating sustainable project case studies/project profiles, LEED credits research and documentation, construction waste diversion tracking and tracking performance goals.

Duties will include conducting research in various fields, organizing, and documenting findings, creating presentations, attending meetings, and interacting with professionals in the field.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Adobe Suite.
• Proficiency with InDesign, Photoshop is preferred.
• Strong verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision with excellent time management skills.
• Ability to conduct in-depth research to understand new concepts, evaluate different strategies and develop recommendations.
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with University staff and Consultants/Design Team members.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to concisely present concepts/recommendations.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to reach out to peer institutions and industry professionals.
• Familiarity with sustainable design, green building systems, energy efficiency is preferred, or a willingness to learn is required.
• Background in Architecture or construction management is preferred.
• Familiarity with LEED and/or other building certification systems such as WELL, Living Building, Passive House is preferred.

Student Associates will work collaboratively in groups to facilitate campus engagement activities with oversight from the Office of Sustainability team. Programming will span a wide range of topics, both virtual and in-person. Associates will provide logistical and promotional support for events like: Online speakers and panels, the Midwest Climate Summit, bike tune-ups, online sustainability tour, etc. In-person and virtual outreach for students and employees may also be included within the semester’s scope of work.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of and passion for sustainability issues
• Event planning experience
• Ability to prioritize inclusive event hosting principles and think outside of the box, both for programming content and format
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel, design experience with the Adobe Creative Suite is a plus
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Works well in a group setting

The Environmental Justice Associate supports the development of a strong internal and external Environmental Justice network by informing, energizing, and connecting students, faculty, staff and community partners through forming relationships and offering resources. Associates support the newly-formed Environmental Justice Steering Committee; promote EJ courses and curriculum; coordinate events; represent the EJ Initiative through presentations, event attendances and outreach activities; and conduct research to build out the EJ database and resources on the EJ Initiative website. Associates must be highly collaborative and have excellent communications skills.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to approach challenges creatively and problem solve
• Prior experience or coursework providing greater context for EJ issues is highly desirable
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with University staff and community members
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Experience facilitating group discussion
• Demonstration of a strong connection to a variety of student groups is desirable
• Experience with event planning and creating promotional materials (PowerPoints, graphics, flyers, etc.) are a plus.

Student Associate will maintain and update current GIS maps and will develop new ones. Examples of current maps include a map of campus sustainability features and infrastructure (in development), electric vehicle parking spots, and the sustainability tour story map. Significant work is required to recreate historical campus maps to tell the story of changes in the physical campus environment over the past 10 years.

Skills / Qualifications:

• Intermediate ArcGIS competency and confidence with using basic tools for drawing shapes, assigning attributes, and creating maps within ArcGIS
• Successful completion of Introduction to GIS is required and Applications in GIS (or equivalent training) is preferred
• Positive referral by GIS instructor is required; please provide reference name and contact information as part of the application process
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision

The Office of Sustainability plays a key role in the Green Rehab Project – an ongoing multiyear study of energy efficiency in off-campus housing. The Green Rehab Associate will work closely with staff as well as other university stakeholders to advance the research goals of the project. The associate will be responsible for collecting, organizing and analyzing data sets from multiple sources to make conclusions both about building energy performance and the effects of strategies aimed at helping building occupants reduce energy consumption. Additional responsibilities include producing and revising data-driven reports, presentations, and educational materials as well as conducting meetings with various project stakeholders.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Familiarity with building systems, energy efficiency systems and techniques, or a willingness to learn
• Advanced usage of Excel spreadsheets functions
• Excellent verbal and written communication and ability to creatively solve problems
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision.
• Preferred: experience manipulating and analyzing large data sets from multiple sources
• Preferred: coding experience in Python
• Preferred: proficiency in Adobe InDesign

Spend your summer in St. Louis doing a deep-dive in sustainable operations with one of the numerous Office of Sustainability collaborators. Student interns will gain exposure to real-life scenarios in which people are taking a sustainability challenge and figuring out how to operationalize a solution.

Host site selection is underway – the following partners are currently being considered: Dining Services, Student Technology Services, Environmental Health & Safety, the Radiology Department, and Sam Fox School of Art & Design. The goal of the placement is to advance one or more programs, initiatives, research, data collection, reporting, etc. connected to advancing sustainability activities at WashU while providing students with professional experiences.

In addition to working closely with a direct supervisor from within the host department, interns in this program will receive training and mentorship from Office of Sustainability staff and participate in the Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change (ESCC) Internship Program. The ESCC Program includes all students participating within the operational sustainability program, as well as other sustainability-related internships at WashU and within the St. Louis community. Participants are connected to one another through weekly professional development and social activities. The ESCC internship program offers an enriching cohort experience in which students report numerous benefits ranging from the development of soft and hard skills, as well as deepening a foundational network of peers and professional mentors.

The operational sustainability internship program spans June 3 – August 2 with the option to extend to Aug 9 (9-10 weeks). This full-time internship position will take place in person, on campus, with some flexibility for occasional remote work. The deadline to submit an application is March 31.

Successful summer interns will have the opportunity to be considered for placement in part-time internship positions at the Office of Sustainability for the following academic year. 

Skills / Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of and passion for sustainability issues
• Systems thinker
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel; design software experience is a plus
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with University staff members
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Works well in a group setting
• Ability to conduct research to evaluate different strategies
• Interest in outreach and education

Additional skills may be desirable and applicable for specific placements.

To apply, please complete an application and submit a cover letter, resume, and two academic or professional references with contact information.