Intern - Sustainability Analyst

City of Sunnyvale; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a Sustainability Analyst Intern to support the Environmental Services Department's Sustainability Team. The role focuses on real-world climate action, greenhouse gas accounting, and local government operations with flexible hours ranging from 16 to 25 per week.

You will coordinate data across departments, analyze emissions data, and help import inventories into ICLEI ClearPath 2.0, while contributing to CAP implementation and public outreach materials.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in, or recent completion of, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with data analysis, research, or sustainability projects.
• Proficient computer skills with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate data collection for the City's first municipal GHG inventory and assist with CAP implementation.
• Organize, verify, and maintain utility, fleet, fuel, wastewater, waste, and facility data.
• Use ICLEI ClearPath 2.0 to prepare municipal and community inventories and reports.
• Prepare spreadsheets, dashboards, charts, maps, and summary reports.
• Support outreach events and create outreach graphics using Canva.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science/Environmental Engineering/Sustainability/Climate Science/Urban Planning/Public Policy/Data Analytics

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

OneDrive

SharePoint

Power BI

Canva

Job description

INTERN - SUSTAINABILITY ANALYST

CASUAL STAFF - REGULATORY PROGRAMS DIVISION

The final filing date is Monday, October 19, 2026, by 5:00 pm or after receiving 50 qualified applications, whichever is first.

Note Casual non-benefited employees are limited to working no more than twenty-five (25) hours per week and no more than 900 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

THE POSITION

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a highly motivated Sustainability Analyst Intern to support the Environmental Services Department's Sustainability Team. This internship is ideal for a student or recent graduate interested in climate action, greenhouse gas accounting, sustainability planning, and local government operations.

The primary focus of this position is supporting the City's first municipal greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory by coordinating data collection from departments and municipal facilities, organizing and analyzing emissions-related data, and utilizing ICLEI's ClearPath 2.0 software to develop the City's municipal GHG inventory. The intern will also assist with importing the City's 2024 community-wide GHG inventory into ClearPath 2.0 to support future climate planning and reporting.

Additional responsibilities include technical research, Climate Action Playbook (CAP) implementation support, and other sustainability projects as assigned. The work schedule for this position is flexible. The work schedule can range from 16 hours to a maximum of 25 hours per week. Position will work up to 900 hours per fiscal year (between July – June). Some weekend and evening work is anticipated.

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Coordinate with City departments and facility staff to collect operational and facility data required for calculating the City's first municipal greenhouse gas inventory (CAP Move 2.C).
• Respond to phone and written requests for information.
• Collect, organize, verify, and maintain utility, fleet, fuel, wastewater, waste, and facility data from City-owned operations, including, but not limited to:
• Water Pollution Control Plant
• Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and Transfer (SMaRT) Station
• Municipal buildings and facilities
• Fleet operations and other applicable municipal assets
• Utilize the City's ICLEI membership and ClearPath 2.0 platform to assist in preparing the municipal greenhouse gas inventory.
• Import and organize the City's completed 2024 community-wide greenhouse gas inventory into ICLEI ClearPath 2.0 (CAP Move 5.I).
• Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on inventory datasets and document assumptions, methodologies, and data sources.
• Conduct technical and policy research supporting implementation of the City's CAP.
• Analyze data and prepare spreadsheets, dashboards, charts, maps, tables, and summary reports.
• Assist with technical support on sustainability projects and departmental initiatives.
• Support staff at community outreach events including Earth Day, Farmers' Market, community meetings, and similar public events.
• Assist with developing educational materials and social media content promoting building electrification, transportation decarbonization, energy efficiency, and CAP initiatives.
• Create outreach graphics using Canva or similar software (training may be provided).
• Present findings and provide updates to the Sustainability Team.
• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with City staff, partner agencies, and members of the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven, and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and certain tools. The position also requires near and far vision when reading written work'related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag, carry, and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 50 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

• Current enrollment in, or recent completion of, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Climate Science, Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, Data Analytics, or a closely related field.
• Experience with data analysis, research, or sustainability projects through coursework, internships, or employment.
• Proficient computer skills with basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge of:

• Ability to write and communicate concisely and effectively.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and the ability to build positive, professional relationships with a diverse range of customers and community members.
• Understanding Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Teams.
• Good organizational skills, detail-oriented and data tracking and reporting.
• Basic research, data collection and data analysis techniques.

Ability To:

• Positive work attitude, reliable and responsible.
• Learn policies and regulations related to the assigned program.
• Organize and analyze large datasets with a high degree of accuracy.
• Learn greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and ICLEI ClearPath software.
• Coordinate with multiple City departments to gather information.
• Prepare clear reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Understand, follow and communicate clearly, concisely and tactfully with both written and oral instructions.
• Establish, maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Work independently as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Represent the City professionally at meetings and outreach events.
• Adapt to changing priorities and special projects.

Willingness To:

• Work weekends and attend night meetings when needed.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California class C driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Desirable Qualifications

• Fluency in one or more languages other than English.
• Public sector work experience.
• Proficient with GIS, Power BI, and other data management systems.
• Knowledge of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ICLEI ClearPath (or willingness to learn).
• Familiarity with greenhouse gas inventories, emissions accounting, or climate action planning.
• Familiarity with data visualization, or sustainability reporting tools.
• Experience with ICLEI ClearPath software or conducting GHG inventories.
• Experience with Canva or other graphic design software for outreach materials.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail].