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Rich Earth Institute

Research Intern

Brattleboro, VT · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Environmental Engineering & Sustainable Fertilizer Research Eligibility: Must be a Vermont resident ... The intern will contribute to the development of a biological nitrification reactor (inspired by ...

Posted today

Fujitsu

Research Intern - FRA

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

We believe that digital transformation is essential to creating a more sustainable future. That ... Research Intern Fujitsu Research America's Physical AI team invites applications for research ...

Fujitsu

Research Intern - FRA

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

We believe that digital transformation is essential to creating a more sustainable future. That ... Research Intern Fujitsu Research America's Physical AI team invites applications for research ...

Saint-Gobain

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... true sustainable construction, participating in medical breakthroughs, or advancing aerospace ... As an intern at Saint-Gobain Research North America, you will be directly involved in R&D projects ...

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How much do sustainability research intern jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average monthly pay for sustainability research intern in the United States is $6,439.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,416.67 and $7,666.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sustainability research intern do?

A Sustainability Research Intern supports organizations by collecting, analyzing, and reporting data related to environmental and social sustainability initiatives. Their tasks often include conducting literature reviews, assisting with sustainability assessments, and preparing reports or presentations on findings. Interns may also help develop strategies for improving sustainable practices within a company or community. This role provides hands-on experience in sustainability research and often involves collaboration with professionals from various fields.

What types of projects can a sustainability research intern expect to work on, and how do these projects contribute to the organization's goals?

As a Sustainability Research Intern, you can expect to engage in projects such as data collection on environmental impact, conducting literature reviews on sustainable practices, and assisting with the development of sustainability reports. These projects often involve collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as operations, communications, and policy. Your work directly supports the organization's sustainability initiatives by providing critical insights and recommendations that inform decision-making and help achieve environmental goals. This hands-on experience also offers valuable exposure to industry-standard research methodologies and project management processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sustainability research intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sustainability Research Intern, you need a solid academic background in environmental science, sustainability studies, or a related field, along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with data analysis tools like Excel, GIS software, and literature review platforms is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset help interns stand out in project-based, multidisciplinary environments. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate research, supporting sustainability initiatives, and effectively communicating findings to stakeholders.
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Infographic showing various Sustainability Research Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,274 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Research Intern

Brattleboro, VT • On-site

Rich Earth Institute
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Rich Earth Instituteexternal

$15 - $18/hr

Other

Posted 12 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

Rich Earth Institute Internship: Environmental Engineering & Sustainable Fertilizer Research


Eligibility: Must be a Vermont resident to qualify for this position. 


Compensation: $15-18/hour Depending on Experience


Duration: This is a part-time position with a flexible work schedule; approximately 40 weeks (at 8 hours/week); open until filled 


About the Rich Earth Institute

Nutrient pollution from wastewater is one of the leading causes of harmful algal blooms, which impair water quality in nearly 70% of U.S. waterways. At the same time, manufacturing synthetic fertilizers is energy-intensive, relies on finite resources, and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.


The Rich Earth Institute is developing solutions to both challenges by recovering nutrients from human urine and returning them to agriculture as fertilizer. Urine contains all the nutrients plants need to grow,  and although it represents only about 1% of household wastewater by volume, urine is the source of most of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium found in wastewater.


Founded in 2012 and based in Brattleboro, Vermont, the Rich Earth Institute operates the first community-scale Urine Nutrient Reclamation Program in the United States. The Institute collects and recycles approximately 13,000 gallons of source-separated human urine each year, transforming it into fertilizer for farms in southern Vermont. Through research, education, and technological innovation, Rich Earth is advancing the safe and sustainable recovery of nutrients from human waste. 


Internship Overview:

The Rich Earth Institute is seeking a motivated intern interested in environmental engineering, biological systems, or sustainable agriculture to support applied research on an innovative nutrient recovery technology.

The intern will contribute to the development of a biological nitrification reactor (inspired by the low-tech "pitribon" reactor) for converting nitrogen-rich waste streams (including source-separated human urine and liquid dairy manure digestate) into a stable, odorless, high-quality liquid fertilizer. It is a trickling nitrification reactor that uses biochar as a medium for beneficial nitrifying bacteria.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in laboratory research, environmental engineering, and experimental design while contributing to technologies that support sustainable agriculture, water quality, and circular nutrient management.

Relevant fields: Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Environmental Science, Biology, Microbiology

Responsibilities:

  • Collect reactor influent and effluent samples for physical and chemical analysis
  • Perform laboratory testing using standardized analytical methods and test kits
  • Operate laboratory equipment, including pH and electrical conductivity sensors
  • Assist with experiments optimizing operating parameters such as temperature, air and urine flow rates 
  • Record, organize, and analyze experimental data for future grant proposals and research publications
  • Help conduct mass balance analyses and evaluate reactor performance
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute to ongoing experimental design and troubleshooting


Preferred qualifications include:

  • Coursework or experience in chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, engineering, or a related field
  • Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and safety protocols 
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental methods accurately
  • Experience collecting and organizing data; proficiency with Excel
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Curiosity, initiative, and enthusiasm for applied environmental research


To Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter describing your interest and experience to Jamina@richearthinstitute.org 



Apply