Sustainability Intern

Sustainability Intern

Launch your career and gain valuable experience in local government as the City of Durango's Sustainability Intern. In this role, you'll work closely with our Sustainability Program Manager, assisting with community outreach, water conservation initiatives, sustainability programs, data analysis, and public engagement efforts. You will network with experts, build your resume, and help build a sustainable future for Durango. This position is expected to work 10-15 hours per week for four months, with flexibility to accommodate class schedules, workload, and the needs of the selected candidate. The internship may be extended based on program needs and the intern's availability.

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here. At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city's mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city's vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city's strategic plan. As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

Essential Job Duties

What You'll Do in This Role:

• Support community outreach programs focused on sustainability, water conservation, and drought response.
• Assist with reviewing applications and processing information for sustainability programs and rebates.
• Help collect, organize, and analyze sustainability-related data, including water use information.
• Update website content and online resources to keep information accurate and accessible.
• Create promotional and educational materials using Canva or similar design tools.
• Represent the Sustainability Division at community events, workshops, and outreach activities.
• Collaborate with staff across multiple city departments on sustainability initiatives.
• Assist with special projects and administrative tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate program or recent graduation from a college or university.

Skills We Value:

• Knowledge of or interest in sustainability, environmental issues, or public policy.
• Experience or coursework involving research, data analysis, or report preparation.
• Familiarity with Canva or similar tools for creating digital content and promotional materials.
• Interest in community outreach and public engagement.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish, both verbally and in writing.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Enjoy learning and taking initiative on new projects.
• Are comfortable working with data, technology, and administrative tasks.
• Communicate professionally with coworkers and community members.
• Have an interest in sustainability and public service.
• Can occasionally attend community events that may take place during evenings or weekends.

Supplemental Information

What We Can Offer You:

• The opportunity to build your network within the community and connect with others passionate about sustainability.
• Hands-on experience in the field of sustainability and local government operations.
• A flexible work schedule.
• A chance to directly contribute to the City of Durango's sustainability goals.
• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area
• Free Transit pass
• Eligibility to participate in the City's Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards

Belong at the City of Durango:

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

City of Durango's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement