College Student Intern – Sustainability

The College Student Intern in Sustainability provides entry-level support for the City’s sustainability, resiliency, and environmental programs. Working under the direction of the Sustainability Manager, this position assists with the development, implementation, coordination, and reporting of the City’s sustainability initiatives, policies, and procedures, and performs related work as assigned.

Program Term

The Office of Sustainability will accept undergraduate college students for any academic semester, and applicants with the ability to remain in the position (in-person) over academic breaks are preferred. If deemed beneficial to the Office of Sustainability and the intern, the position may be extended multiple semesters until the intern receives their undergraduate degree.

Available Positions

The Office of Sustainability hosts one (1) Intern at any given time.

Department Description

The Office of Sustainability is dedicated to advancing Boca Raton’s role as a leader in environmental stewardship and community resilience. The City Council actively supports initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, enhance tree canopy, and embed sustainability into all City operations.

Sustainability is integrated across many facets of Boca Raton’s planning, infrastructure, and outreach efforts. The Office coordinates and advances key initiatives such as the City’s Sustainability Action Plan, climate vulnerability assessments, adaptation and resilience strategies, renewable energy adoption (e.g. solar programs), water conservation measures, waste reduction, sustainable landscaping, tree canopy management, and promotion of green building, transportation alternatives, and public engagement.

Through partnerships with City departments, community groups, and residents, the Office of Sustainability ensures that sustainable practices guide decision-making, public education, and long-term planning. The College Student Internship offers students the opportunity to support these efforts and gain hands-on experience in real-world sustainability projects.

• Assisting with the development of a community-wide greenhouse gas inventory and Resilience Adaptation and Action Plan, and updates to the City’s Sustainability Action Plan.
• Managing various aspects of the City’s Blue Flag Beach program (i.e., attending monthly program meetings, participating in and reporting on educational activities, water quality reporting, and assisting with organization of annual flag raising event).
• Organizing and independently running some events associated with the City’s Earth Month programming.
• Interact with and educate the public about sustainability initiatives. This includes attending and providing oversight or support at community outreach activities, some of which fall on evenings and weekends. Activities may include tree giveaways, community planting and restorations events, lectures, coastal cleanups, documentary screenings, recycling events, and BioBlitzes.
• Assisting with the preparation of the quarterly Sustainability Matters newsletter, which may involve writing certain sections.
• Preparing outreach materials that promote sustainability and the City’s sustainability programs (i.e., content for flyers, pamphlets, social media posts).
• Providing support for development and roll-out of energy reduction programs.
• Responding to resident queries regarding sustainability programs and initiatives.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Standard modern office practices and procedures.
• Principles and best practices of sustainability, resilience, and environmental programs.
• Core ways to gather and work with sustainability data, such as tracking energy, water, waste, or emissions information.
• Effective approaches to share sustainability information with the public, including through events, presentations, newsletters, and social media.
  
  

Skilled In

• Communication – both oral and written, especially as related to providing detailed communications.
• Critical thinking – using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, to a moderate degree of proficiency.
• Writing Composition - write professional and effective letters, memos, emails, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  
  

Ability To

• Work independently with minimum supervision.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with associates and supervisors.
• Multi-task – efficiently organizing tasks, prioritizing responsibilities, and allocating time for duties.
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner
• Manage tasks and deadlines in an organized and professional manner.
• Adapt to changing priorities and exhibit flexibility.
• Remain informed on sustainability industry trends
• Have a strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret data and research
• Participate in outreach events to City residents of all ages
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings as needed.
• Work outdoors comfortably in South Florida’s hot, humid, and variable weather conditions
• Maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained through the Internship Program.
  
  

Requirements

Candidates seeking to be considered for an Internship in the Office of Sustainability must meet or comply with the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled in, or entering, junior year or higher at an accredited college or university as a part-time or full-time student.
• Working toward a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, biology, marine science, geoscience, urban planning with an emphasis on sustainability and resilience, or a closely related field.
• Completion of basic undergraduate-level coursework in environmental science, sustainability, biology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Availability to work a minimum of 12 hours per week, not to exceed 20 hours per week, generally between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the ability to support periodic weekend and evening outreach events.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of junior year of undergraduate studies by the start of the internship, with anticipated graduation within one to two years.
  
  

Special Requirements

The following must be attached and submitted with the application.

• 500-Word Essay with application - "Why I want to Intern at the City of Boca Raton" including details about your education, experience, or interest in sustainability.
• Unofficial transcript from state accredited college or university in which you are currently enrolled.
  
  

Post Offer Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Educational Verification
• Motor Vehicle Report