Sustainability Intern

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company in Richmond is seeking a Summer 2027 Sustainability/ESG Intern to join the Operations team at the headquarters. This on-site internship runs May through September 2027, paying $22 per hour and offering exposure to global ESG initiatives.

You will assist with data management, reporting, and benchmarking, while developing skills in environmental disclosure, data analytics, and corporate sustainability.

Qualifications

• Preference given to students entering their Senior year pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences, Data Analytics, Sustainability, Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to Universal’s U.S.-based operations.

Responsibilities

• ESG data management, analysis, and reporting for global operations.
• Organize and manage the global sustainability project tracker communications.
• Benchmark peer and customer sustainability trends and report findings.
• Capture meeting notes from sustainability check-ins with global teams.
• Assist with development of the annual sustainability report.
• Desk-based and internet research on ESG topics.
• Provide general support for operational and sustainability needs.

Skills

ESG data analysis

Data analytics

Excel

PowerPoint

SharePoint

Microsoft Teams

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Undergraduate student in Environmental Sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position: Summer 2027 Sustainability/ESG Internship

Location/Department: Richmond Headquarters/Operations

Status: $22 per hour/Full-time Hourly

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5:00 pm (on-site)

Duration: May – September 2027 (dates to be determined)

Our Company

The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next‑generation nicotine solutions, recycled by‑products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long‑term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary

As a Sustainability/ESG Intern at Universal, you will report to and take direction from the Sustainability Manager.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• ESG data management, analysis, and reporting for global operations in cooperation with other departments
• Organize and manage communications for the global sustainability project tracker, interfacing regularly with global teams to ensure ongoing trends and progress are visible to the corporate team
• Conduct regular benchmarking of peer and customer sustainability trends and report findings to the Corporate Sustainability and Operations Team
• Capture meeting notes and key outcomes from regular corporate sustainability check‑ins with global teams across five continents and multiple time zones
• Assist with the development of the Company’s annual sustainability report
• Desk‑based and internet research related to ESG and sustainability topics
• Provide general support for operational and sustainability needs
• Preference given to students entering their Senior year who are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences, Data Analytics, Sustainability, Engineering, or other related disciplines.
• Interest in developing an understanding or applying previous knowledge towards the topics of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility, international business, and/or environmental disclosure.
• High level of commitment to developing excellence in technical and/or business skills and motivation to learn about Universal’s Tobacco and Ingredients business segments and how each approaches sustainability.
• Willingness to travel to at least one of Universal’s U.S.-based operations for a site visit and tour during the summer, as well as several day trips to participate in hands‑on agronomy activities alongside our field teams.
• A self-starter with excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills and the flexibility to adapt to shifting day‑to‑day priorities.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience with SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.