Sustainability Program Assistant

Internship Posting:

Sustainability Program Assistant

The City of Eugene Sustainability Program works across the City organization and the community to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The program works to:

• Track implementation of the Climate Action Plan 2.0
• Support climate work across the organization
• Collaborate with external partners in climate action planning
• Listen, reflect and improve systems to achieve equitable outcomes
• Communicate Eugene’s climate story to City Council, the organization and the community 
• Engage the community in the development of programs and policies

Internship Description 

The Sustainability Program is hiring an intern to serve as a temporary program assistant to provide assistance on policies and programs related to sustainability, with a focus on initiatives related to energy efficiency in homes and buildings. Primary tasks will include special projects related to developing communication materials related to home energy assessments, helping to launch a do-it-yourself energy audit toolkit, and analyzing building permit data. 

The Program Assistant will also contribute to general program support, by assisting with event logistics, taking meeting minutes, preparing relevant documents, researching policy approaches in other municipalities, and engaging with community members. 

This internship offers opportunities for skill development in public policy, community engagement and project management within a collaborative team environment.

This position can be tailored to meet career development goals and internship credit requirements if applicable and desired. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop messaging and communication tools.
• Help design and launch a small pilot project.
• Analyze data to assess trends and inform future policy directions.
• Conduct research and analysis of related policy initiatives in other municipalities.
• Provide logistical support for events and meetings.
• Assist in the development of policy recommendations and project management tasks.
• Assist with preparing communication materials for staff, partners, members of the public, and decision makers.

Applicants with a background and/or interest in climate change, environmental justice, public policy, planning, community development, project/program management or a related field are encouraged to apply. However, the ideal candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet the qualifications and demonstrate the abilities required to perform the job.

Evidence has shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. If you identify with one of these groups and you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in a related field.
• Experience communicating technical, complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to establish good working relationships with co-workers and community partners.
• Ability to learn new technology and software tools.
• Ability to learn office processes, policies, and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of work experience
• Completed or currently pursuing graduate studies in a related field.
• Experience working with diverse and/or marginalized communities.

Hours, Compensation and Work Environment

• This position requires 18-20 hours per week, beginning mid to end of August. The initial position will last through December and may be extended by mutual agreement and business need. 
• This position will be paid $20-22/hour.
• A computer will be provided by the City of Eugene. 
• The position reports for work in-person, both in the office in downtown Eugene and in the field at community engagement events and public meetings. Opportunity for a hybrid schedule may be available. 
• Motor vehicle parking is not provided, but interns will have access to a locked bike room. The office is located across the street from the Lane Transit District Downtown Station and there is a PeaceHealth Rides bike station on-site.
• Some evenings and weekends may be requested.
• All activities will be carried out in a professional and welcoming public-sector team environment. 

Application Instructions

If you are interested in applying, please submit a cover letter, resume, AND professional writing sample (ex. memo, briefing, report, news article, etc.; no more than 3-5 pages). Submit all application materials to Danielle Klinkebiel at dklinkebiel@eugene-or.gov. We will begin reviewing applications on Monday, July 20th, 2026.