Sustainability Intern

Competition 2487

This competition will be used to fill 2 part-time positions with an expected workload of approximately 7 to 14 hours each week.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has an end date of April 30, 2026.

Location -  This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Sustainability Council

Join our amazing team! The Sustainability Council’s mission is to uplift people and the planet. We are doing this by growing a vibrant community engaged in interdisciplinary teaching, learning, research and active citizenship at the University of Alberta. We host speaking events and conferences, develop and promote curricular programs, support research, provide opportunities for student leadership and spark interest in sustainability issues.

The University of Alberta’s Sustainability Council (SC) advances all pillars of sustainability, recognizing their crucial role in building a more sustainable society, locally and globally. Through our programming and positive work culture, we aim to provide access to our programs across the campus community and beyond. The Sustainability Council fosters community and belonging throughout our programming and work, where participants can continue to grow and advance sustainability across disciplines.

Position Summary

The University of Alberta’s Sustainability Council is looking for current University of Alberta students (undergraduate or graduate) to join our team as part-time Sustainability Interns for 2025-26. This competition will be used to fill 2 intern positions, and each Intern would work approximately between 7 hours and 14 hours each week. Based on the job responsibilities, this internship position would be well-suited for students taking no more than 3 or 4 courses per semester. 

Under the direction of the SC Operations Director and SC Staff, the interns will be responsible for supporting the data collection for the University of Alberta’s submission to key sustainability rankings; coordinating and delivering events; and carrying out project-based, communications, and logistical work. The exact portfolio and work plan of the interns will depend on the interns skill sets, interests, and programming needs of the Sustainability Council.

We seek to provide our interns with real-world, varied and meaningful experiences that build relevant qualifications for future careers in sustainability. As a result, interns will gain valuable experience in public/stakeholder engagement, event planning, project management, program evaluation, team leadership, marketing and communications, and research.

Work hours: If successful, you will work for the entire term of employment, with the exception of the winter break. The majority of work will be scheduled Monday to Friday, within the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some evening or weekend shifts, depending on your availability. SC Staff are currently working in a hybrid model, with some in-office days and some work-from-home days. We are flexible on Intern exact hours and work location, except for staff meetings, team meetings, office hours, and event delivery.  You will have an in-office workstation, and intern final schedules are determined collaboratively.

Duties 

• Support the University of Alberta’s submissions to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (THE IR), Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Sustainability Rankings, and the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) by conducting independent research, reviewing past submissions, and collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Assist in the planning, promotion, delivery, and evaluation of events, including but not limited to: Week of Welcome/Orientation, Lecture Series, Open House, Foundations Summit for Sustainability and Leadership, International Week, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Month, and the Celebrate Sustainability Awards.
• Lead or support promotional activities such as postering, classroom presentations, outreach tabling, networking and preparing event materials.
• Contribute to project-based tasks for diverse SC programs/projects/initiatives (could be academic or non-academic).
• Support the SC’s marketing and communications activities by drafting blog and social media posts, creating website content, Canva designs, and assisting with photography and videography.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current University of Alberta student (undergraduate or graduate). 
• Demonstrated experience with data collection, analysis, collation, and processing.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate events, programs, or projects with professionalism and reliability.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to meet competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail.
• A positive and solutions-oriented approach and attitude to all work and deliverables.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Receptive to feedback, self-driven and committed to personal and professional growth.
• High proficiency with spreadsheets (MS Excel, Google Sheets) and documents (MS Word, Google Docs).
• Interest in advancing and learning about sustainability and/or the Sustainable Development Goals, locally and/or globally.

Preferred Qualifications

While the following are not required, they are useful assets for this position:

• Experience developing promotional content and designs.
• Bilingualism (proficient in English and French).
• Previous involvement in campus sustainability, e.g. former volunteer with the Office of Sustainability/Sustainability Council or Sustain SU.
• Knowledge of all Sustainability Council programs.

How to Apply: 

To apply, please submit the following in a single .PDF document: 

• Cover Letter (please discuss how you will balance working approximately 7 to 14 hours each week with your academic workload and all extracurriculars) 
• Resume