Sustainability Associate/Intern

Position Description

Position Overview

The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center seek a motivated, dynamic, and detail-oriented Sustainability Associate to support a variety of sustainability and strategic development initiatives. The position will play a key role in coordinating air quality projects through the Air Quality Alliance (AQA), in addition to assisting with sustainability data collection and tracking, mode shift programming, and engaging the community through outreach and education. This position will be temporary, up to 1,000 hours throughout 2026. Candidates will work 25-31 hours per week.

How To Apply

Please visit the DMC Career Opportunities page at https://dmc.mn/employment-opportunities/ and click on “Current Career Opportunities”. Submit a resume, cover letter, any relevant work samples (e.g., GIS maps, data reports), and brief answers to the following questions below by Sunday, January 4 at 5:00 p.m. CST. For questions or support, please reach out to laurenjensen@dmceda.org.

• Why are you interested in this position and how does it align with your academic background and career goals?
• Describe any previous experience with project coordination, sustainability initiatives, or community outreach, including tools or platforms you’ve used (e.g., GIS, data analysis, website management).
• Describe any previous experience managing multiple projects while collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders.
  
  

Hiring Timeline

Application Period: November 24 – January 4

Phone Screenings: Week of January 12

Virtual Interviews: Week of January 19, Week of January 26 if needed

Ideal Start Date: Early to Mid-February

This role is an excellent fit for someone passionate about environmental sustainability and eager to make a tangible impact in the Rochester community. It offers the opportunity to contribute directly to projects that improve air quality, advance sustainable practices, and engage with diverse community stakeholders, all while gaining hands-on experience in program coordination, data analysis, and public outreach.

Work Environment

This position will require a combination of office work, fieldwork (sensor installation and data collection), and community engagement activities. Some evening and weekend will be required for events.

Duties And Responsibilities

Air Quality Alliance (AQA)

• Program Coordination: Support the coordination of AQA by managing communications with partners (Olmsted County, DMC), tracking project progress, and keeping documentation of processes and procedures up to date.
• Air Quality Sensor Management: Oversee installation, calibration, colocation, and data validation of PurpleAir and Vaisala sensors, ensuring accurate and accessible data integration.
• Communications & Public Engagement: Develop marketing materials, manage updates to the AQA website, and collaborate with partners to develop and implement the AQA Communications Plan.
• Data Analysis: Manage GIS data, analyze air quality trends, and produce reports and dashboards to share insights with the community.
  
  

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Represent the City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center at community events, engaging residents on air quality and sustainability topics.
• Develop and distribute marketing and educational materials, including newsletters, social media content, and event promotions.
• Plan and execute outreach activities, such as tabling at events, workshops, and presentations.
  
  

Sustainability Data Collection & Reporting

• Assist with annual sustainability data collection and tracking to measure progress on key environmental goals.
• Compile and analyze metrics related to energy use, waste reduction, water conservation, transportation and communitywide greenhouse gas emissions.
• Conduct general sustainability research as needed to support ongoing projects and initiatives.
  
  

General Support

• Provide administrative and logistical support for sustainability programs and projects.
• Collaborate with City staff and external partners to advance sustainability goals.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned by the Sustainability Team.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or completion of a degree program in environmental science, sustainability, public health, geography, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in outreach or marketing preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, website management, and familiarity with GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS) preferred.
• Interest in air quality, sustainability, and community engagement.
  
  

Additional Information

Key Learning Opportunities

• Gain hands-on experience in air quality monitoring and data management.
• Collaborate with leading organizations and experts in environmental health and technology.
• Contribute to impactful projects that address public health and environmental justice.