The Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change (ESCC) Internship Program is a multi-stakeholder program that places students in research and project teams, while simultaneously providing professional development and enrichment training.
This page only lists the internship positions currently open for which we are accepting applications. Application deadlines are specified below for each employer. As students leave to graduate or study abroad, we usually have a few new openings each semester.
For more information on each of the internship employers, visit this page. For any questions, email Michelle Patterson, Internship & Business Coordinator, at mpatterson@wustl.edu. We are looking forward to reviewing your application!
Positions for Spring 2026
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 and will engage in a broad range of projects including communications and design, renewable energy, alternative transportation, waste diversion, sustainable food and dining, green buildings, green offices program, etc.
Program Description
The Green Labs Program synthesizes goals within the Sustainable Operations Strategic Plan into a checklist and educates lab staff about how to incorporate more sustainable practices into their operations and practices. Through participation in the program, staff transform into new advocates for the university’s sustainability ethic.
Position Description
The intern will play a key role in administering, promoting, and expanding the Green Labs Program. The intern will routinely communicate with labs that are in the process of certifying with the Green Labs Program and prospective labs by providing resources to encourage lab practices.
Responsibilities
- Conducting outreach and marketing the program to new labs
- Processing completed checklists and sending reminders
- Assisting lab members through Green Lab certification process
- Making periodic updates to the checklist
- Writing quarterly newsletters
- Point person for communications between labs and Green Labs Program staff
- Promoting various initiatives and events, such as Green Labs Tours or Lab Supply Swap
- Assisting in planning an annual certification ceremony for newly certified labs
- Recruiting and training volunteers to support Lab Supply Swap
Preferred Skills/Qualifications
- Ability to commute to the WashU Medicine campus for meetings and events
- Proficiency with Microsoft 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.)
- Experience in environmental education, sustainability, and/or lab energy efficiency
- Experience with outreach, volunteer recruitment & management, and/or event planning
- Experience working in a research lab or medical facility
- Strong communication skills and willingness to “cold call” potential participants
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and comfortable with public speaking
***Students are expected to work 5-10 hours per week and at least 3 hours needs to be in person. To apply send resume and cover letter to Heather Craig at hcraig@wustl.edu. Applications are due by January 31st.***
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 https://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.
***Application will be accepted until position is filled. Click here to apply. ***
Environmental Studies Impact Internships
Environmental Studies understands that our students don’t only want to learn about environmental issues in class. They also want to apply their knowledge & skills on the ground, and make a positive impact in our community. Our Impact Internships embed students within St. Louis organizations, engaging with the environmental issues that impact people’s lives every day. To become an Impact Intern, students may apply to available internships with Environmental Studies’ existing partner organizations (listed below), or seek environmental internships in the St. Louis region of their own choosing.
Contact Casey Ringenberg at c.ringenberg@wustl.edu with any questions.
Description of the Organization: Cabanne District CDC is shaping the future of community development through STEM, AI, and smart infrastructure. Our mission is to create technology driven, self sustaining communities that lead in innovation, economic growth, and modern infrastructure. By integrating advanced technology, data driven solutions, and forward thinking design, we are building a foundation for thriving neighborhoods positioned for success in the Fourth Industrial Age. We also cultivate the next generation of innovators by providing STEM and AI learning opportunities for youth, empowering them to lead, create, and drive technological advancements in their communities.
About the Internship: This internship offers students an innovative opportunity to explore how technology, community planning, and environmental resilience intersect. Interns will examine pathways for developing grid resilient neighborhoods and business districts that integrate Data Centers, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics Centers, and adjacent housing and commercial areas. The goal is to design and analyze strategies that make these developments sustainable, energy efficient, and community aligned.
Start & End Date: February 2026 to May 2026.
Key Focus Areas:
- Research and assess methods to enhance grid resilience through renewable energy, smart grid systems, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Explore how AI and advanced technologies can optimize maintenance, reduce costs, and strengthen operational sustainability for local developments.
- Develop concepts for low impact, low noise industrial and residential integration that meets both environmental and community standards.
- Assist in creating a Development Brief that outlines a regional model for sustainable, tech driven growth.
- Support the creation of an AI Action Plan aimed at fostering communal and business benefits while ensuring environmental responsibility.
Learning Objectives:
Interns will gain hands on experience in:
- Environmental and industrial systems planning.
- Application of AI in sustainable development.
- Data visualization and economic resilience modeling.
- Stakeholder engagement and community design strategy.
Qualifications:
- Current undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Interest in grid infrastructure, renewable energy, AI applications, and equitable community development.
- Strong analytical, writing, and collaborative skills.
Duration and Hours: 10–12 weeks (Flexible schedule; approximately 10–15 hours per week)
Application Instructions:
Prospective interns should complete their application using this form: Impact Internship Application Form Spring 2026. A resume is required. Additional materials, such as references or a writing/design sample, may be requested after the application review.
Deadline: January 30, 2026, rolling.
Description of the Organization: The City of Clayton is recognized throughout the metropolitan area for an outstanding quality of life combining a bustling downtown with quiet, secure residential neighborhoods. Just west of the Washington University Danforth Campus, and the City of St. Louis, Clayton is the seat of St. Louis County. While 81% of Clayton’s land is dedicated to residential or park use, the City’s Central Business District combines 7,000,000 square feet of office space with the vitality of 1,000,000 square feet of retail space. For more information see: https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/about-clayton. The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) advises the Mayor, City Council and City Manager with respect to the development and support of ecologically sound and sustainable programs and practices within Clayton’s municipal government, the community and metropolitan St. Louis Region.
Start & End Date: January 2026 to May 2026 with the possibility of extending into the summer of 2026.
Hours & Schedule: Hybrid work, flexible. PART-TIME during the Spring semester of 2026. Specific hourly schedules are determined by each intern and their supervisor. It is hoped that the intern will attend monthly planning meetings (first Tuesday of the month between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.) and the SAC meetings (third Tuesday of the month between 4:30 and 5:30pm) in person at Clayton City Hall.
Brief Description of Internship Deliverable: Intern will focus on projects within the Strategic Plan for the Sustainability Advisory Committee including but not limited to:
- Assist with Building Benchmarking program implementation (required as of 2026 for buildings over 100K sq. feet);
- Advocacy for and implementation of an arboretum status for Oak Knoll Park,
- Advocacy, data collection and program support for a Dark Sky designation for Oak Knoll Park (initial application filed);
- Work on program development and support for SAC endorsed projects including Bird City designation; Honeysuckle Sweep initiative; Green Dining Alliance Participation; Lights Out Heartland; Idling Signage; spring recycling event; holiday light recycling program planning, enhanced SolSmart Designation and other projects as assigned; and
- Update annual communication materials including the SAC dashboard, achievement one pager and report to City Council.
Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverable: Sustainability Action Intern will work on the projects outlined above, as capacity and project progress allow as well:
- Regularly attend SAC meetings and participate in the engagement process.
- Attend meetings of organizations supporting sustainability initiatives within the St. Louis area.
- Assist with data collection, interpretation, and applications in connection with each of the assigned Program tasks as well as crafting presentation materials.
Required Qualifications:
- Interest in how city/local governments can positively influence sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Undergraduate environmental sciences majors are preferred. Business or engineering undergraduate or graduate students will also be considered.
- Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and organization/attention to detail.
- Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software.
- Experience with data analysis using Excel or other software.
- Ability to work professionally in virtual setting using zoom technology as a communication tool.
- Ability to work independently, with regular oversight check-ins.
Application Instructions:
Prospective interns should complete their application using this form: Impact Internship Application Form Spring 2026. A resume is required. Additional materials, such as references or a writing/design sample, may be requested after the application review.
Deadline: January 30, 2026, rolling.
Description of the Organization:
The City of St. Louis Office of Sustainability works to support economic, social, and ecological vitality for current and future residents by advancing sustainable practices throughout the city. It guides sustainability efforts that leverage the city’s existing infrastructure, historic assets, and community strengths to reduce environmental impact, improve quality of life, and build resilience. Core priorities include promoting sustainable transportation and land use, encouraging energy efficiency and green building practices, supporting neighborhood-level sustainability initiatives, and developing broader frameworks like the city’s Sustainability Plan and climate action efforts. The Office also highlights partnerships, resident engagement, and ongoing projects to expand sustainable programs and celebrate local achievements in sustainability.
Start & End Date:
Early March 2026 through May 6.
Hours & Schedule:
Hybrid work environment. PART-TIME during the Spring 2026 semester. Specific hours will be determined by the intern and supervisor based on project needs and availability.
Brief Description of Internship Deliverable:
The intern will lead updates to the City of St. Louis Sustainability Toolkit, one of the most frequently visited pages on the City’s website. The Toolkit provides residents with guidance on how to make their homes and neighborhoods more sustainable. Deliverables will include updated, well-organized, and user-friendly content informed by research on best practices for residential and neighborhood sustainability. Final materials may be implemented directly on the website or delivered as a well-designed PDF, depending on intern comfort level with website editing.
Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverable:
The Sustainability Intern will support the Office of Sustainability by completing the following tasks:
- Conduct research on best practices for residential and neighborhood sustainability, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and community-level actions.
- Review and assess existing Sustainability Toolkit content for clarity, accuracy, accessibility, and usability.
- Draft updated content that is resident-friendly, visually engaging, and easy to navigate in alignment with the 2025 Sustainability & Climate Plan.
- Collaborate with Office of Sustainability staff to align content with City goals and messaging.
- Design a polished PDF version of the Toolkit and create a report for updating the accompanying web version
- Participate in regular check-ins with the supervisor to review progress and incorporate feedback.
Required Qualifications:
- Interest in sustainability, environmental justice, or community-based climate action.
- Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to conduct independent research and synthesize information clearly for a public audience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Background or coursework in communications, digital design, environmental studies, sustainability, urban studies, or a related major or minor.
- General web design skills and a strong sense of usability and audience-centered design (no advanced web development experience required).
- Design experience (Canva, Adobe, or similar tools).
- Proficiency with Google Suite (Docs, Drive, etc.).
- Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment with regular supervision and feedback.
Application Instructions:
Prospective interns should complete their application using this form: Impact Internship Application Form Spring 2026. A resume is required. Additional materials, such as references or a writing/design sample, may be requested after the application review.
Deadline: January 30, 2026, rolling.
Brief Description of Organization: The City of St. Louis was the first jurisdiction in the Midwest and 4th in the nation to pass its Building Energy Awareness Ordinance, its benchmarking law in the year 2017. It requires large buildings over 50,00 square feet to submit energy and water usage to the City’s Office of Building Performance on an annual basis. In 2020, the city adopted the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) ordinance, following similar policies in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Washington State. This policy outlines BEPS energy targets by building type, which building owners are required to meet. Benchmarking and BEPS policies are aimed to accelerate energy efficiency in the buildings to achieve a city-wide Sustainability plan to decarbonize by the year 2050. The year 2024 was the last year of the first BEPS cycle for most of the buildings, where their benchmarking data shows BEPS compliance for 1st cycle.The city continues to be a front-runner in energy efficiency and participates in the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge to improve energy efficiency in municipal buildings.
Start & End Date: February 23, 2026 (Flexible start date), to May 6, 2026 with the possibility of extending into Summer/Fall 2026.
Hours & Schedule: Hybrid work, Flexible. But only PART-TIME (125 total hours) during the Spring of 2026. Specific hourly schedules are determined by each intern and their supervisor. Initial orientation will be at City Hall, 1200 Market St., Room 422.
Brief Description of Internship Deliverable:
Interns will initially focus on updating the City’s energy benchmarking project as part of the White House’s Better Buildings Challenge through the Office Building Performance and participate in city’s staff meetings. Once this work is complete, the interns may assist the City of St. Louis with the following: reviewing and updating communication materials and procedures, and making suggestions to improve user experience, participating in fieldwork and analyzing buildings energy efficiency performance.
Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverable Sustainability Action Intern will sequentially work on the type of projects outlined below, as capacity and project progress allow:
- Benchmark City buildings through EPA’s website Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM):
- Research and compile essential building attributes (type, gross floor area, utilities, and operations).
- Finalize the list of buildings and create profiles, accurately recording utility data in ESPM.
- Analyze and evaluate building energy efficiency performance.
- Program and Professional Development:
- Acquire in-depth knowledge of the Benchmarking and Building Energy Performance Program.
- Shadow Office of Building Performance staff during key meetings with building owners, stakeholders, and other government agencies.
Required Qualifications:
- Appropriate for environmental sciences, business or engineering undergraduate or graduate student
- Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software)
- Experience with some data analysis using Excel
Preferred Qualifications:
- Appropriate for environmental sciences, business or engineering undergraduate or graduate student
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills and organization/attention to detail
- Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software)
- Experience with data analysis using Excel or other software.
- Ability to work professionally in a virtual setting using Zoom or Google Meet technology as a communication tool.
Application Instructions:
Prospective interns should complete their application using this form: Impact Internship Application Form Spring 2026. A resume is required. Additional materials, such as references or a writing/design sample, may be requested after the application review.
Deadline: January 30, 2026, rolling.
Position Summary:
This position will provide the opportunity to work with Ujima, learn more about philanthropy, and become more involved in the St. Louis community. Food justice, environmental stewardship and youth empowerment are Ujima’s foundations. As a non-profit, pay-what-you-can service provider, they provide equitable access to food, education, and employment to marginalized communities. Ujima cultivates community through food justice, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment.
The intern will provide support to George Washington Carver Farms (Ujima’s urban farm), produce donations, The Sunflower Institute monthly meetups and special events, general outdoor education workshops, neighborhood clean up efforts and additional programming support. An ideal candidate has some level of experience or interest in grassroots and community philanthropy, urban agriculture, community engagement, social media management, fundraising, and/or data entry. Reliable access to transportation is essential because we will meet at multiple sites throughout the year.
Core Responsibilities
TSI & Planning Projects
- Support with planning and coordinating monthly meet ups
- Communication with TSI alumni (meetup reminders, waiver signing as needed, field trip and camping trip updates)
- Get feedback from alumni to create more streamlined communication
- How to videos: garden tools, inviting people to events, putting up a tent, preparing for a camping trip/float trip, etc.
- Ensure implementation of policies and practices during The Sunflower Institute
Outdoor Education
- Support staff with coordination and execution of field trips, tours, service learning, and outdoor education activities
- Collect data from events and create reports as needed
- Attend Community outreach events and workshops to raise awareness about outdoor education activities
Neighborhood Clean Up Events
- Support staff with neighborhood clean up efforts and other special events
- Communicate with collaborating community partners earthday365 and The Mission Continues
- Collect data from events and create reports as needed
Newsletter/Social Media
- Support staff with planning, content creation and managing social media for Ujima’s Facebook and Instagram accounts
- Support staff with content creation for monthly newsletter
- Collect testimonials from TSI alumni, board members, staff and other Ujima stakeholders to be packaged into content for social media and/or the newsletter
Leadership Team Retreat
Locations: GWC Farms & TBD
- Support staff and board with planning of retreat
- Communication and preparation support with retreat facilitators
- Support with session note taking
TSI Staff Retreat (TBD)
Location: (TBD)
- Support staff and board with planning and execution of spring board retreat
- Communication and preparation support with retreat facilitators
- Support with session note taking
Fundraising Events
- Give STL Day, Black Philanthropy Month, Giving Tuesday, Ujima Day
- Supporting staff and board with the planning, setup/clean up, and execution of Ujima fundraising efforts/events
- Send out Event reminders, event agenda and logistics to TSI alumni
- Track event attendance and add to Ujima event spreadsheet
Qualifications:
- Must be ok with working outdoors or at our urban farm
- Demonstrated success working independently and remotely
- Strong writing, organization, and time management skills
- Familiarity with social media and/or newsletters
- Commitment to racial equity and youth-centered community development
Application Instructions:
Prospective interns should complete their application using this form: Impact Internship Application Form Spring 2026. A resume is required. Additional materials, such as references or a writing/design sample, may be requested after the application review.Deadline: January 30, 2026, rolling.
Positions for Summer 2026
For the summer 2026 service term, Washington University in St. Louis, Office of Sustainability will host a team of Campus Compact EnviroCorps (CCEC) members, with each team member engaging in one of the following focus areas: 1) Energy, 2) Urban Trees, and 3) Circularity & Solid Waste Pollution Prevention.
Members will support one another as part of a larger team while specializing in a specific focus area. CCEC is the first nationwide AmeriCorps program dedicated to strengthening campus-based, community-led environmental stewardship efforts.
Click here for more information on how to apply. Application deadline is January 31st.