Built Environments Summer Intern

General Deadline: Wednesday, November 1 at 12:00 AM MT.

Applications will not be reviewed until January 2024. Due to the substantial number of applications received, it may take up to 5 weeks from the time we start reviewing to receive a response.

Transform your career with RMI.

Interns arrive as students and leave as early career professionals ready to impact the world! Whether it’s through improving food security in vulnerable regions, brainstorming new ways to increase energy equity for low-income households, or using your creative talent to design inclusive social media templates – mold and shape your career with us.

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply!

Internship Program Overview (Resume and Cover Letter Required – Read Requirements Below)

Interns will get a chance to test drive a career within the Global Energy and Sustainability space. You’ll have your own scope of work with a dedicated team and mentor buddy who will guide you as you get to apply your knowledge and skills to RMI.

If interested in multiple roles, we recommend applicants to apply for a maximum of only two Workday intern jobs.

Timeline

• January – Application Review
• February/March – Interviews
• March – 1st Round Offers
• Two Summer 2024 Start and End Date Options: Tuesday, May 21 – Friday, August 16, or Tuesday, June 4 – Friday, August 30.

No exceptions can be made.

Available Teams And Positions (learn More About Them Here)

Urban Transformation

• Urbanism Initiative – Urban Design and Planning Intern

Our Urban Transformation Team focuses on working with climate-critical cities around the world to simultaneously reduce emissions, enhance urban livability, increase resilience, and advance social equity. The Urban Design and Planning Intern will have the chance to support projects focused on transportation and land use planning, urban nature, and improving urban development and land use internationally. Graduate students in Urban Planning programs are highly encouraged to apply.

Carbon-Free Buildings

• Embodied Carbon – Building Analytics and Research Intern
• Integrated Design and Analysis – Buildings Research Intern

Our Carbon-Free Buildings Program is focused on ending reliance on fossil fuels to power and construct our built environment, bringing buildings to the forefront of a clean energy future. The Building Analytics and Research Intern will have the chance to provide research into carbon storing materials for buildings and assessing the valuation of embodied carbon. The Buildings Research Intern will have the opportunity to research topics and/or conduct reports of insights on large buildings and portfolio decarbonization, with GSA, DoD, NYSERDA and private portfolios.

General Qualifications

• You are passionate about global sustainable energy.
• You have completed classes, projects, labs, or experiences related to geospatial analysis, building science, urban planning, architecture, and/or engineering.
• Some experience with research and writing on topics related to built environments and/or cities.
• Commitment to environmental justice and racial justice.
• Currently enrolled in college, preferably as a junior or senior. We also consider master level graduate students and recent graduates as well.
• You have the permanent, legal right to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor visas for interns.

Preferred Qualifications For These Teams

• You have strong research and writing skills.
• You have experience and interest in building design and land use.
• You’re comfortable with communication and excited to collaborate with peers.
• You enjoy responsibility and take pride in your work.
• You have a track record of participating in student organizations, balancing school and work, or other activities.

Application Requirements

Resume (Required)

We suggest a 1–2-page resume that includes information about your academic background and work experience. Feel free to add additional sections that highlight any leadership roles you’ve held, relevant coursework, academic projects that you’ve completed, conference presentations, or any articles that have been published.

Cover Letter (Required)

Answer the following questions below.

• What does Environmental Equity & Justice mean to you?
• Briefly elaborate on a current trend in sustainable built environments or city development that resonates with you.

Compensation

Interns are paid $20.00/hr. and expected to work between 35-40 hours per week.

Benefits

• 403b retirement options (up to 5% match immediately)      
• Accrued paid time off  
• Mental Health Days
• Fully remote and hybrid work options
• Free coffee, snacks, and laughs in the office
• Free lunch provided to staff in offices (including interns)
• You will experience a fun internship by participating in summer activities including our annual intern retreat that is held in-person!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion   

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.    

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:   

Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.   

Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.   

Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.    

Location

We are a remote-ready organization with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado; and Basalt, Colorado.

About RMI 

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.