Sustainability at the University of Maryland

Sustainability Internships, Volunteer Opportunities and More!

The green industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the US economy with many exciting career opportunities for college graduates. Get your foot in the "green jobs" door by working on sustainability initiatives at the University of Maryland, which is recognized as a national leader in campus sustainability.

Off-Campus Opportunities

Graduate Opportunities

OpportunitiesAbroad

Off-Campus Opportunities

Internship with the White House Concil on Environmental Quality

This internship is for fall 2013. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates Federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. The Council's Chair, Nancy Sutley, serves as the principal environmental policy adviser to the President. 

CEQ is also responsible for ensuring that Federal agencies operate in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The challenge of harmonizing our economic, environmental and social aspirations has put NEPA and CEQ at the forefront of our Nation's efforts to protect the environment.

CEQ interns are given a wide range of assignments including conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, and writing memos on a variety of environmental issues.  Interns have the opportunity to be involved in groundbreaking
projects, working closely with staff from all levels and a variety of backgrounds.  The pace in the office is fast, so accuracy and attention to detail are absolute requirements.  Interns
can expect to begin with the basics and gradually add more specialized projects as they gain experience.

Other essential intern duties include answering phones, routing mail, copying  documents, filing and retrieving information (conventionally or electronically), assembling briefing materials and performing assigned research tasks. 

We strongly prefer candidates who are available to work full-time, but will consider applicants who cannot.  CEQ will work with interns who are attempting to arrange credit with a college or university to help fulfill academic requirements. 

All internship positions are unpaid. The fall application deadline is July 1st. Click here to learn more and to download the application.

 

Urban Gardening Position with VISTA/AmeriCorps

This position is sponsored by Greater Homewood Community Corporation (GHCC) in Baltimore, MD; and the VISTA member will serve with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) in Riverdale, MD.

GHCC serves as the VISTA Project Sponsor to more than 20 nonprofit, government, and community organizations throughout Baltimore City and Maryland. Established in 1969 to help neighborhoods become safer, better places to live, GHCC's mission is to build and strengthen vibrant urban communities.

GHCC will provide support to the University of Maryland and VISTA member throughout the year, including recruitment, training, professional development opportunities, and resources. University of Maryland Extension is part of a county-wide educational system, sponsored jointly by the University of Maryland, Prince George’s County Government, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Prince George’s County, where it is based in Maryland, is the most diverse county in the state, but it is rife with health issues, many of which stem from poor diet. County residents experience higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer than the state average; and, tragically, racial and ethnic differences reveal even greater disparities.

UME provides gardening and nutrition education in order to help people become healthier and more self-sufficient. Key partners for this project are William Wirt Middle School, and the Suburban Washington Resettlement Center, which includes the International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Social Services, and the Ethiopian Community Development Council.

For more information and how to apply, click here.

 

Maryland Energy Administration Summer Intern Program

Join the Maryland Energy Administration as they transform energy for the State of Maryland. Through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund and the Maryland Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), you will have an opportunity to work on the cutting edge of shaping and implementing Maryland’s clean energy policies. They are looking for the best and the brightest interns to join the team that is quickly making Maryland one of the nation’s leaders in Clean Energy.

Successful applicants will ideally be pursuing a degree in environmental policy or engineering or other related curriculums and should possess:

  • Analytical acumen
  • Experience in, and command of, MS Office products (database experience is a plus)
  • Professional demeanor and communication skills
  • Interdisciplinary skill set and ability to meet deadlines
  • Willingness to learn and become a part of a team
  • Passion for energy, policy, sustainability, economic development and the environment

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume by email, with “Clean Energy Intern” in the subject line to MEAjobs@energy.state.md.us. Qualified candidates will receive notification of receipt and only the top candidates will be invited to interview for the position. 

 

Agricultural Worker for Central Maryland Research & Education Center

This will be a full time 40 hours per week for the summer and part time on an if and when needed basis going into the fall.  Major duties will be assisting faculty, researchers and facility staff with the day to day activities of the research presently being conducted.  Minor duties will be general farm maintenance.

Qualifications:

    • Agricultural experience is required.
    • Field research experience is preferred.
    • Knowledge of cropping systems preferably vegetable, field corn, soybean and/or small fruit production is essential.
    • Knowledge and experience with farm equipment is required. Ability to perform maintenance on equipment is preferred. 

    Physical demands of job require that you be able work in summer time conditions (heat) working outside majority of the time.  Must be willing to work a flexible scheduled. If you know of anyone that would be interested or have further questions, they can ahawkins@umd.edu to receive an application.

     

    Graphic Design Internship with Keep America Beautiful

    The primary purpose of this internship includes creating material for the recycling department’s 2013 programs like America Recycles Day, RecycleMania, Recycle-Bowl, Give and Go and Game Day Challenge.  Tasks include:

    • Creating marketing materials, including banners, posters, flyers, letterhead and announcement cards
    • Create collateral material like buttons, magnets, flags
    • Creating graphics and taking/editing photos for website development
    • Making changes to Wordpress and/or Drupal websites

    The position(s) is open to graduate or undergraduate students with a concentration in graphic design, art, media arts or other related fields. Applicants should have:

    • Strong verbal, written and communication skills
    • Good organizational skills and be detail oriented
    • The ability to learn fast and follow directions
    • Creativity
    • Photoshop and Illustrator experience
    • Wordpress and/or Drupal website  experience
    • The ability to use PCs including Microsoft Office applications and be technologically
    • Be punctual

    Employment would begin in June 2013 and would preferably continue through the fall. The student would need to work at least 20 hours a week this summer. The office is located at 1030 15th St NW, Suite 490 West. The orange, blue and red metro lines are easily accessible to the office. Benefits will not be provided.

    Position(s) is open until filled. If interested, please email a resume and portfolio sample to: madams@kab.org. Call 202-688-0604 with questions. In your cover letter please describe what makes you a good fit for this position.

     

    Fund for the Public Interest/Maryland PIRG Campaign Job

    The Fund for the Public Interest is a national non-profit organization that works to build support for non-profit organizations across the country. They run campaigns for the USPIRG, Environment America, and the Human Rights Campaign.

    They’re hiring summer staff to fundraise, build membership for their partner groups, and educate and activate citizens on pressing issues.

    This summer, the Fund is working on campaigns to:

    • Stop subsidizing junk food with USPIRG
    • Fight discrimination with the Human Rights Campaign
    • Protect our rivers, lakes, and streams with Environment America
    • And many more local campaigns!

    Read more and apply online.

     

    Outdoor Education Internships with Arlington Echo

    The Outdoor Education Intern serves as an intern by assisting the instructional staff at the Outdoor Education Centers in implementing plans and programs relating to the lessons, events and activities of the Outdoor Education Centers. Work involves assisting teachers in planning, implementing and evaluating instructional lessons and programs; participating in staff development activities and/or assisting in the preparation of instructional materials. Work is planned and implemented under the direction of the Coordinator of Environmental/Outdoor Education and the professional staff.

    To learn more about this internship, click here.

     

    Save America's Forests Internship

    Save America’s Forests is a nationwide educational and organizing campaign working to change United States policy to protect and restore America’s last wild and natural forests.

    Paid Internships are available for students with a background in ecology, forest protection, and politics. Preference is given to candidates with experience in environmental or legislative organizing.  Applicant must possess excellent writing and typing ability, a desire to learn and improve skills, and a strong personal belief in forest protection. Advanced skills in web design, science writing and research, and/or publishing a strong plus. Fluent Spanish is essential for work on the Amazon project. Both teamwork and independent initiative will be important aspects of this position. Assignments vary, from lobbying Congressional staff and research projects to data base management and membership mailings. Opportunities to meet and assist U.S. forest activists and indigenous forest people from all parts of the United States and overseas. Minimum work commitment: one semester, spring, summer, or fall, with minimum attendance of three days per week.

    Click here for more information.

     

    Environmental Scientists/Engineering Internship

    Our Gaithersburg, Maryland location is currently seeking entry-level Environmental Scientists and Engineers to fill positions in our summer internship program.  These positions require well-organized, self-starting, high-energy individuals with exceptional writing, research, and organizational skills.  Attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple tasks are essential.

    Duties: Assist in the writing, editing, and formatting of environmental planning and reporting documents, support engineering and environmental risk assessment research and data collection, and participate in field investigation/data collection activities.

    Qualifications:

    • Working towards or completion of bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, environmental studies, or a related field
    • Good communication skills
    • Strong technical writing and organizational skills
    • Extensive use and familiarity with standard MS office desktop applications

    Opportunities include a flexible work schedule and on-site Training.

     

    The Wilderness Society Internships

    The Wilderness Society recognizes the importance of nurturing a new generation of individuals who have a commitment to environmental causes and a passion for wilderness preservation.

    The Internship Program is designed with that in mind. It provides rich, challenging learning opportunity for high school and college students or recent graduates to work with professionals in The Society and contribute their talents and ideas to a variety of programs. The program allows interns to expand their knowledge of environmental issues, apply academic knowledge in a real life situation, and learn new skills, which will enhance future career options.

    The Wilderness Society has the following internships:

      Click here for more information.

       

      Summer Institute on Sustainability & Energy

      The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy (SISE) is a two-week intensive workshop and lecture series (August 5-16) geared towards individuals interested in the title subjects: sustainability and energy. This year's theme is sustainable transportation.

      Participants will engage these subjects through interactive and interdisciplinary lectures and panel discussions, collaborative research projects that stress scientific innovation and entrepreneurship, networking opportunities with academics and professionals, and tours of sustainability and energy related sites in the Chicago area. This experience leaves graduates of the Summer Institute with a firm foundation for future careers in sustainability and energy, and inspires them to lead the next generation as thoughtful and informed global citizens.

      Admission into the program is highly competitive. 60-80 participants will be accepted from a pool of national applicants. Those accepted into the program can expect to receive financial support including transportation getting to and from Chicago, lodging during the duration of the program, and most meals.

      To learn more and to apply, click here.

      Graduate Opportunities

      Research Position with Environmental Protection Agency

      Candidates are sought for a summer fellowship based at EPA Office of Research and Development in North Carolina. They are looking for an undergrad/early grad student to work with them as part of the Southeast Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS), examining the
      formation of atmospheric aerosols in the Southeast US (http://soas2013.rutgers.edu).

      This project combines both ambient measurements and atmospheric modeling and hence would provide a variety of experiences for a dedicated participant.

      Here is the website and a description is below. Potential candidates should feel free to contact pinder.rob@epa.gov with any questions. Review of applications will begin on May 10.

       

      Green Corps

      Green Corps is looking for college graduates who are ready to take on the biggest environmental challenges of our day. In Green Corps’ year-long paid program, you’ll get intensive training in the skills you’ll need to make a difference in the world. You’ll get hands-on experience fighting to solve urgent environmental problems — global warming, deforestation, water pollution, factory farming and many others — with groups such as Sierra Club and Food and Water Watch. And, when you graduate from Green Corps, we’ll help you find a career with one of the nation’s leading environmental and social change groups.

      You’ll even get paid: Green Corps organizers earn a salary of $23,750. Organizers also have a chance to opt into our health care program with a pre-tax monthly salary deferral. We offer paid sick days and holidays, two weeks paid vacation and a student loan repayment program for those who qualify.

      This year, we're inviting 35 college graduates to join Green Corps in 2013 -2014. We’re looking for people who are serious about saving the planet, people who have taken initiative on their campus or community, and people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work for change over the long haul. If you think you’re one of those people, visit www.greencorps.org to apply to join the 2013-2014 class of Green Corps’ Field School for Environmental Organizing.

      Green Corps’ year-long program begins in August 2013 with Introductory Classroom Training in Boston, and continues with field placements in multiple locations across the U.S. Candidates must be willing to relocate.

      For more information, visit www.greencorps.org or contact Michelle Kim, michelle@greencorps.org, (301) 448-0837.

      Opportunities Abroad

      The Green Program

      The Green Program challenges students to take their learning abroad in places like Costa Rica and Iceland. Students have the opportunity to make a difference through volunteering and service learning as well as meet industry professionals who bring sustainability across the globe. This summer, the Green Program launches its new program in Iceland.

      Click here for more information.

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