Water Conservation Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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The City of Aspen is looking for a motivated Sustainability Intern to support the Environmental Health and Sustainability Department while gaining hands-on experience in sustainability projects for local government with a strong emphasis on water conservation, and electric vehicle (EV) initiatives.

Job Title: Sustainability Intern
Department: Environmental Health and Sustainability
Classification: Non-exempt, temporary/ part-time (less than 29 hours per week)

Dates:
Internship Duration: Six (6) months
Expected Start: October 2026
Expected End: April 2027
Pay Range: $21.16 - 25.40 per hour

Position summary: This temporary internship offers the opportunity to join the Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) Department, a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative team. The EHS Department works closely with community members, internal stakeholders, and external partners to advance science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets 63% by 2030 and 100% by 2050 while applying an equity-centered approach to climate solutions. The primary goal of this role is to support the team in reducing greenhouse gas emissions locally and regionally and helping ensure Aspen remains a community where both human and environmental health thrive for generations to come.

Supervision Exercised and Received: This position works under the direct supervision of the Sustainability Programs Administrator. This position does not exercise direct supervision over any other position.

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Essential Job Functions:
Key Responsibilities
Assists with water-saving programs by helping residents and businesses understand best practices for reducing water use and supporting long-term resource resilience.
Supports electric vehicle (EV) initiatives by engaging with the community, gathering feedback, and communicating the benefits of EV adoption and expanded charging infrastructure.
Develops outreach materials and assists with public events related to sustainability and EV projects.
Coordinates with partner organizations to promote sustainable transportation options.

Sustainability Programs Support
Supports city sustainability initiatives by organizing, scheduling, reporting, and monitoring various groups such as residents, businesses, workforce professionals, community partners, and program participants.
Ensures high-quality customer service and builds relationships with program participants through clear, prompt, and well-organized communications (in person, phone, and email).

Data Entry, Analysis and Research
Collects and records data to measure success of sustainability programs.
Analyzes data from past programs and efforts.
Performs data entry for greenhouse gas emissions tracking and program tracking.
Researches and compiles best practices and examples from other cities.

Outreach
Prepares materials and supplies for events and meetings.
Staffs outreach events and tabling.
Surveys residents, visitors, and businesses about behaviors and programs.
Works with business owners and employees to help them reduce greenhouse gases.
Works with the Communications Department to create and post content on social media platforms.

Departmental Support
Supports customers and staff by managing follow-up before and after meetings, preparing meeting materials, setting up and picking up food, taking meeting notes, and performing other support tasks.
Collects and executes invoices and other business operations.
Organizes departmental errands and operational needs.
Supports the Communications Department with administrative tasks as needed.
Performs other administrative tasks as assigned.
City Organizational Values
Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation.Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values and mission statement while performing daily work functions.
Other duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives
Gains an understanding of municipal sustainability programs and local government operations by supporting Environmental Health and Sustainability initiatives.
Develops professional project management skills through participation in planning, coordination, implementation, and tracking of sustainability projects.
Builds effective communication and community engagement skills by supporting public education, outreach efforts, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Enhances analytical skills by collecting, managing, and using data to inform sustainability programs and evaluate outcomes.

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Core Competencies: Displays the following key competencies in the overall job performance to include the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Service: Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments.
Partnership: Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together.
Stewardship: Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all.
Innovation: Develops technical expertise to pursue new ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen's unique culture, opportunities and challenges.
Communication: Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication.
Interpersonal: Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization. Maintain a professional, courteous, and service-oriented demeanor at all times.
Technology: Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation.

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Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School diploma is not required for this position. Candidates with a demonstrated interest in sustainability, climate action, water conservation, or electric vehicles are encouraged to apply

Experience: Previous experience is not required. Ideal candidates may have experience in customer service, research, data entry, communications, event support, or community engagement. A strong interest in environmental sustainability and a willingness to learn are essential.

Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient in the following areas: Microsoft Outlook Email, and a basic understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web-based platforms.

Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date.

Preferred Candidate:
Interest in Environmental Health and Sustainability and/or Local Government.
Spanish speaking and interpretation skills.

NOTE: This position requires a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.
NOTE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge, and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above.

Position Type and Work Hours: Temporary, part-time, Monday through Friday, less than 29 hours per week.
Hours and days vary depending on depending on operational needs
Expected Start: October 2026
Expected End: April 2027
Internship Duration: Six (6) months
The initial duration is six (6) months, with the potential to extend for an additional six (6) months contingent upon meeting performance expectations.
Work schedule coordinated with the Sustainability Manager and Sustainability Programs Administrator.

Work Environment:
Indoors: Office environment.
Outdoors/Off-Site: Meetings, trainings, and site visits at a variety of city facilities and areas.

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Physical Demands:
Visual Acuity: Ability to bring objects into focus.
Balancing: Maintaining equilibrium.
Bending: Bending or position oneself to move an object no more than 20 pounds from one level to another.
Carrying: Transporting or moving an object no more than 20 pounds
Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
Climbing: Ascending or descending stationary objects.
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more body parts or other devices.
Gripping/Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with fingers and palm.
Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means.
Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds.
Kneeling: Bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee or knees
Lifting: Moving objects weighing no more than 20 pounds from one level to another.
Pushing/Pulling: Ability to use upper extremities to exert force in order to press, draw, drag or haul objects in a sustained motion.
Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.
Repetitive motions: Making frequent or continuous movements.
Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position.
Standing: Ability to sustain position for a period of time.
Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
Talking: Communicating ideas or exchanging information.
Walking: Ability to move to traverse from one location to another. Physical activities include waking, hiking, and working in natural terrain under variable weather conditions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of Aspen is an Equal Opportunity Employer