Sustainability and Energy Intern

City of Dubuque; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Dubuque is seeking a Sustainability Intern to support the Sustainability Office in implementing the community’s sustainability plan. You will help manage data related to energy, facilities, and efficiency projects while collaborating across City departments to advance equitable, climate-friendly outcomes.

The internship emphasizes research, data collection, and practical field work that supports building operations, energy management, and community engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Current college or university student pursuing a degree in sustainability, environmental science, environmental studies, energy, engineering, architecture, building science, data analytics, or related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, spreadsheets, databases, or data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, organizing, maintaining, and verifying energy, utility, building, and facility data.
• Enter and update information in databases, spreadsheets, energy management platforms, and other data management systems.
• Research and maintain information related to municipal buildings, including building characteristics, systems, occupancy, operating conditions, and other facility information.
• Communicate with City departments, facility managers, administrative staff, and other employees to gather and verify information.
• Assist with benchmarking and tracking energy and building performance over time.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Data analysis

Detail-oriented

Education

Sustainability student

Tools

Excel

Databases

Job description

Position Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY: The Sustainability Intern plays a crucial role in supporting the Sustainability Office and implementing the community’s sustainability plan that balances environmental and ecological integrity with economic prosperity and social/cultural vibrancy; addresses organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans; and performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION BACKGROUND: The City of Dubuque has committed to creating an equitable community of choice for all residents and businesses and recognizes its role in advancing racial equity and social justice through its daily operations. Additionally, the City Council has named Sustainability as one of its priorities each year since 2006. In 2020, the City updated the 50% by 2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CAP) and City Council approved funding of a community engagement effort related to the CAP. The intern will help to ensure equitable community engagement and general support of sustainability initiatives.

The Intern will have the opportunity to use data collection, best practices research, community engagement, event planning, creativity, and review of historical practices to place under-represented communities and sustainability initiatives at the forefront of the work.

TEAM DESCRIPTION: The Office of Sustainability was established in 2006 as part of the City Manager’s Office at the direction of City Council. The Office guides the city’s efforts to make our community a better place to live. The Office of Sustainability engages City leadership and collaborates across City departments and with the community to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, supports the Resilient Community Advisory Commission and facilitates other community-led sustainability projects. The Sustainability Intern will be part of the City Manager’s Office and will work closely with the Director of Sustainability, the Climate Action Coordinator, as well as other departments and residents.

Job Duties

The intern will support the City’s sustainability, energy management, and building operations initiatives while gaining practical experience in data management, field research, analysis, and cross-departmental collaboration within a local government environment.

• Assist with collecting, organizing, maintaining, and verifying energy, utility, building, and facility data.
• Enter and update information in databases, spreadsheets, energy management platforms, and other data management systems.
• Research and maintain information related to municipal buildings, including building characteristics, systems, occupancy, operating conditions, and other facility information.
• Review existing records and identify missing, outdated, or inconsistent information.
• Communicate with City departments, facility managers, administrative staff, and other employees to gather and verify information.
• Conduct site visits to municipal facilities to collect and verify building and facility information.
• Perform basic visual observations of building systems, equipment, and facility characteristics.
• Document field observations using spreadsheets, forms, photographs, or other approved data collection tools.
• Compare information collected in the field with existing records and identify discrepancies or information requiring follow-up.
• Assist with analyzing energy use, utility consumption, building performance, and other facility-related data.
• Assist with benchmarking and tracking energy and building performance over time.
• Identify trends, unusual changes, or other information that may warrant additional review.
• Prepare basic tables, charts, summaries, reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate findings.
• Assist with research and evaluation of sustainability, energy efficiency, building operations, and related initiatives.
• Support the identification and evaluation of potential energy efficiency and sustainability opportunities.
• Maintain organized records, documentation, and tracking systems related to assigned projects and activities.
• Coordinate and follow up on information requests and outstanding data needs in a professional and organized manner.
• Work collaboratively with City staff and other stakeholders on sustainability, energy management, building operations, and related projects.
• Assist with special projects, research, presentations, reports, and informational materials.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computer Skills: Skill in computer technology, including Microsoft Office and Google products.
• Dependability & Reliability: Detail-oriented and able to accurately meet and communicate about deadlines, o rganized, analytical and highly motivated.
• Administrative Skill: Commitment to provide high-level administrative support in a fast-paced environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Diplomatic, comfortable interacting with commissioners, city staff and residents.
• Mission Driven: Mission-driven with a passion for fostering social, economic, or environmental change.
• Sustainability: Interest in sustainability in local government.
• Initiative: Ability to work independently with initiative.
• Writing Expression and Speech Clarity: Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving: Ability to quickly learn organizational policies, procedures and structures that influence the decision-making process; proactively able to identify potential issues and brainstorm solutions.
• Judgment and Decision Making: Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
• Deductive and Inductive Reasoning: Using rules to solve problems, making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.

Qualifications

• Current college or university student pursuing a degree n sustainability, environmental science, environmental studies, energy, engineering, architecture, building science, data analytics, or related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, spreadsheets, databases, or data analysis.
• Interest in energy efficiency, climate action, sustainable buildings, or municipal operations.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY STATUS: None

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

Our Commitment to You The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.