Sustainability Intern (12-Month Contract)

Obrien Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 67,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Obrien Recruitment in Newlands, Cape Town, on behalf of a prominent hotel group, is offering a Sustainability Graduate Intern 12-month fixed-term contract to gain hands-on experience in environmental management and sustainability within hospitality.

You will work under the Group Sustainability Specialist, capturing data, preparing reports, and supporting Green Teams and awareness initiatives across Head Office and properties.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree (NQF 6–7) in Environmental Science, Management, Sustainability or related field.
• Qualification from an accredited South African educational institution.
• No previous work experience required.
• South African citizen.
• Criminal record checked as per policy.

Responsibilities

• Capturing, monitoring and reporting environmental data.
• Preparing water reports for review and submission.
• Supporting Fair Trade Tourism recertification activities.
• Coordinating hazardous waste and recycling collections.
• Maintaining sustainability and garden records and calendars.
• Supporting Green Teams, training and community initiatives.
• Assisting with environmental communication and awareness activities.
• Supporting the broader "Living Green" sustainability strategy.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Report writing

English proficiency

Organised

Education

Diploma or Degree in Environmental Science/Management/Sustainability

Tools

Microsoft 365

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Sustainability Graduate Intern

12-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Newlands, Cape Town

Ready to turn your passion for sustainability into real-world impact?

Join a highly acclaimed hotel group recognised for its commitment to its people, the broader community and the environment.

We are looking for a passionate Sustainability Graduate Intern to join the team and gain valuable, hands‑on experience in environmental management and sustainability within a dynamic hospitality environment.

Working closely with the Group Sustainability Specialist, you will support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of sustainability initiatives across Head Office and the hotel portfolio.

What you'll be doing

• Capturing, monitoring and reporting environmental data
• Preparing water reports for review and submission
• Supporting Fair Trade Tourism recertification activities
• Coordinating hazardous waste and recycling collections
• Maintaining sustainability and garden records and calendars
• Supporting Green Teams, training and community initiatives
• Assisting with environmental communication and awareness activities
• Supporting the broader "Living Green" sustainability strategy

What we're looking for

• Completed Diploma or Degree (NQF 6–7) in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability, Conservation or a related field
• Qualification obtained from an accredited South African educational institution
• No previous work experience required
• South African citizen
• Satisfactory criminal record, subject to the assessment of the nature, severity, relevance and recency of any offence

Key skills and knowledge

• Intermediate MS 365 skills, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Comfortable working with data and basic data analysis
• Strong report writing and presentation skills
• Basic knowledge of South African environmental legislation, including the National Environmental Management Act and Waste Act
• Understanding of sustainability concepts, including carbon footprint and waste separation
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills
• Organised, detail-oriented and eager to learn

Why this opportunity?

This is more than just an internship. It is an opportunity to gain meaningful, practical experience in sustainability, work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to initiatives that support the environment, communities and the future of responsible hospitality.