Student Positions

Apply for Student Positions

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year have been filled. New positions are typically posted every January but a vacancy may be available at any point in the academic year. Inquire about available opportunities through the Sustainable Stanford Contact Form.

Sustainability Internships

The Sustainable Stanford Internship Program offers full-time Stanford undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience driving sustainability on campus. Interns work with various units, such as the Office of Sustainability, Facilities Energy Management, Business Affairs, and Residential & Dining Enterprises, to design and implement impactful sustainability projects that deliver real results.

This year-long program allows interns to lead or contribute to transformative initiatives, equipping them with valuable skills in project management and sustainability implementation. Beyond their projects, interns gain exposure to diverse sustainability career paths, connect with a network of subject matter experts, and develop leadership skills to create tangible change.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Implement and support sustainability projects that require collaboration across Stanford’s schools, departments, and offices.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with faculty, staff, and students, consulting with advisors to gather input, foster support, and guide project success.
• Research and Analysis: Conduct research and data analysis to inform strategies, track progress, and measure the outcomes of sustainability initiatives.
• Education and Outreach: Create educational materials and support events to promote sustainability practices and engage the campus community.

Key Details

• Commitment: 3 – 8 hours per week during the 2024 – 2025 academic year (September to June)
• Compensation: Starting at $19.00/hour
• Eligibility: Open to Stanford undergraduate and graduate students with a strong interest in sustainability and project management

Sustainable Community Internships

The new Sustainable Community Internship Program, part of Sustainable Stanford Internships, is a peer-to-peer engagement program where Sustainable Community Interns inspire their fellow students to engage, explore, and participate in sustainability efforts. Sustainable Community Interns connect peers with opportunities to advance sustainability in academics, research, career development, and campus life while serving as mentors, role models, and advocates for environmental action.

As part of a dedicated cohort, Sustainable Community Interns benefit from being part of a supportive community of like-minded students committed to making a difference. This year-long program, from fall through the end of the spring quarter, equips participants with leadership, outreach, and professional skills while they contribute to Stanford’s sustainability goals, inspire lasting change, and prepare for impactful careers. 

Responsibilities

Sustainable Community Interns play a vital role in creating a sustainable campus culture by:

• Advising and Mentoring: Offering guidance through office hours, tabling events, and peer consultations to connect students with sustainability opportunities
• Leading by Example: Actively demonstrating sustainability practices and engaging with the campus community through visible actions such as waste sorting or participation in sustainability events
• Advocacy: Organizing outreach initiatives, from residence hall presentations to social media campaigns, to raise awareness of sustainability programs and initiatives
• Promoting Key Opportunities: Highlighting academic programs, workshops, research opportunities, career events, and campus initiatives like energy conservation and waste reduction

Key Details

• Commitment: 3 – 5 hours per week during the 2024 – 2025 academic year (September to June)
• Compensation: $20/hour
• Eligibility: Open to Stanford undergraduate and graduate students with strong communication skills and a passion for sustainability

Sustainability Fellowships

The Sustainable Stanford Fellowship Program provides Stanford undergraduate and graduate students advanced opportunities to lead complex, cross-disciplinary sustainability projects that drive real impact towards Stanford’s operational goals. These multi-stakeholder initiatives offer Fellows enhanced leadership and project and change management experiences.

In partnership with the LBRE Office of Sustainability, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and the Bill Lane Center for the American West, the program collaborates across Stanford’s schools, departments, and operational units. Fellows tackle pre-vetted projects in areas such as zero waste, climate action, behavior change, Scope 3 emissions, food systems, and more. Fellows develop critical skills while contributing to transformative sustainability solutions.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Plan, execute, and manage sustainability projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with operational objectives
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, students, and advisory boards to foster input and expertise for project success
• Research and Analysis: Conduct research, gather data, and analyze metrics to inform strategies and measure progress toward sustainability goals
• Education and Outreach: Develop and deliver educational materials, outreach programs, and events to promote sustainability practices, engage stakeholders, and share project outcomes
• Reporting and Evaluation: Document project outcomes and present findings to leadership and stakeholders through detailed reports and an end-of-year symposium

Key Details

• Commitment: 10 hours per week during the 2024 – 2025 academic year (September to June). Some fellows may continue during the summer as agreed upon by their mentor
• Compensation: $20–$25/hour
• Eligibility: Open to full-time Stanford undergraduate and graduate students with excellent communication skills, time management abilities, and a passion for sustainability