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Decarbonization Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Decarbonization Internship information

What is a Decarbonization Internship?

A Decarbonization Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, focused on supporting projects and initiatives that reduce carbon emissions in industries, organizations, or communities. Interns in this role typically assist with research, data analysis, and the implementation of sustainability strategies aimed at achieving net-zero or low-carbon goals. This internship provides hands-on experience in environmental science, engineering, or policy, and helps interns develop skills relevant to the growing field of climate action and sustainable development.

What types of projects do Decarbonization Interns typically work on, and how do they contribute to the team's sustainability goals?

Decarbonization Interns often assist in projects like analyzing energy consumption data, researching low-carbon technologies, and supporting the implementation of emission reduction strategies. They collaborate closely with sustainability managers, engineers, and data analysts to identify areas for improvement and track progress toward carbon neutrality. Interns may also help prepare reports and presentations that communicate findings to stakeholders, providing valuable support to the organization's broader environmental objectives. This hands-on experience enables interns to see the direct impact of their work on real-world sustainability initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Decarbonization Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Decarbonization Intern, you need a solid background in environmental science, engineering, or sustainability, often supported by coursework or experience in climate policy and carbon management. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel or Python), environmental modeling software, and greenhouse gas accounting frameworks is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you stand out by enabling effective collaboration and clear reporting of technical findings. These abilities are crucial for supporting impactful sustainability initiatives and contributing to organizational climate goals.

What is the difference between Decarbonization Internship vs Sustainability Analyst?

AspectDecarbonization InternshipSustainability Analyst
CredentialsRelevant coursework, basic understanding of environmental scienceDegree in environmental science, sustainability, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in renewable energy or environmental firmsFull-time role in corporate, consulting, or government organizations
Industry UsageCommon in renewable energy, environmental NGOs, and consulting firmsWidely used across industries focusing on sustainability and corporate responsibility

The Decarbonization Internship provides hands-on experience in reducing carbon emissions, often suitable for students or early-career individuals. In contrast, a Sustainability Analyst is a full-time professional role focusing on broader sustainability strategies, including decarbonization efforts. While both roles focus on environmental impact, internships are more educational and entry-level, whereas analysts have more responsibilities and require relevant credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Decarbonization jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Decarbonization jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Decarbonization Internship jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Decarbonization Internship job openings:
Energy & Sustainability Researcher for Energy Efficiency Programs - Arlington, VA (2026 Grad)

Energy & Sustainability Researcher for Energy Efficiency Programs - Arlington, VA (2026 Grad)

ICF International, Inc.

Arlington, VA • On-site

$30.53/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Energy & Sustainability Researcher for Energy Efficiency Programs
ICF Office Location: Arlington, Virginia (Crystal City/Hybrid)
Target Start Date: Summer 2026
Please read before applying: This is an early talent position for new grads. Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask that candidates who are not currently based in the DMV area include their anticipated relocation date in their cover letter or resume in order to be considered. Relocation will not be supported. At this time, ICF is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have permanent work authorization in the U.S. This role is a full-time non-exempt role with a target salary of $63,500 ($30.53/hour).
ICF is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated candidate to help clients implement their energy-efficiency decarbonization, and sustainability programs. Successful candidate of this entry-level position will support important program administration and assurance initiatives to facilitate stakeholder engagement, build brand integrity, and assure efficient implementation of an important federal public private partnership to help drive energy efficiency, decarbonization, and building electrification policies.
Key Responsibilities:
• Respond to client and industry stakeholder questions and requests and manage designated program email accounts
• Manage, analyze, and report on high volumes of program data contained in databases, websites, and other lists and contribute suggestions for data gathering mechanisms
• Develop and review high-quality written products, such as reports that analyze industry trends, summarize stakeholder compliance with program requirements, and identify opportunities for energy savings
• Communicate with internal and external subject matter experts and stakeholders via written materials and meetings to promote knowledge sharing, consistency of approach, and cross-collaboration
• Develop and implement compliance and brand integrity strategies, initiatives, and tools in a rapidly changing environment
• Create and edit partner outreach materials such as reporting forms, applications, and targeted stakeholder correspondence
• Facilitate the dissemination of clear, compelling messaging to communicate with a wide variety of audiences about program initiatives, data trends, or implementations progress
• Identify and implement creative opportunities to streamline administrative processes
• Establish and contribute to task schedules to ensure contract deliverable requirements are met on time and within budget
Organize and host meetings with targeted stakeholders to facilitate program engagement
• Collaborate with government clients to facilitate successful and efficient program implementation
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of study such as Environmental Policy, Public Policy, Politics, Marketing, Communications or Business Administration
• Internship(s) in energy efficiency, environmental programs, sustainability, communications, or marketing is strong preferred
Preferred Skills/Experience:
• Methodical/logical thinker with a good ability on grasping bigger picture
• Experience with stakeholder outreach and management
• Experience working with internal or external clients
Additional Skills:
• Verbal and written communication skills that will enable effective interactions with clients, market actors, and program stakeholders
• Demonstrated track record of successful task management
• Demonstrated experience analyzing data
• High level of proficiency in MS Office Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Openness to learning new systems, including but not limited to database systems and mass mailing distribution systems
Professional Skills:
• Extreme attention to detail and superior quality control
• Demonstrated customer service orientation and outstanding level of professionalism
• Excellent problem solving-skills and decision-making capabilities; adept at analyzing situations, identifying existing or potential problems, anticipating potential outcomes, and recommending solutions
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional research and writing skills, including editing and proofreading
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Sound business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information
• Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as outside clients and vendors
• Ability to apply detailed knowledge of organizational procedures to make independent decisions and serve as a credible resource for a senior management team
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$55,424.00 - $94,221.00
Arlington, VA (VA31)