Intern- Sustainability Analyst

About the Role

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a highly motivated Sustainability Analyst Intern to support the Environmental Services Department’s Sustainability Team. This internship is ideal for a student or recent graduate interested in climate action, greenhouse gas accounting, sustainability planning, and local government operations. The primary focus of this position is supporting the City’s first municipal greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory by coordinating data collection from departments and municipal facilities, organizing and analyzing emissions-related data, and utilizing ICLEI’s ClearPath 2.0 software to develop the City’s municipal GHG inventory.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with City departments and facility staff to collect operational and facility data required for calculating the City’s first municipal greenhouse gas inventory.
• Respond to phone and written requests for information.
• Collect, organize, verify, and maintain utility, fleet, fuel, wastewater, waste, and facility data from City-owned operations, including the Water Pollution Control Plant, Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and Transfer (SMaRT) Station, municipal buildings and facilities, fleet operations, and other applicable municipal assets.
• Utilize the City’s ICLEI membership and ClearPath 2.0 platform to assist in preparing the municipal greenhouse gas inventory.
• Import and organize the City’s completed 2024 community-wide greenhouse gas inventory into ICLEI ClearPath 2.0.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on inventory datasets and document assumptions, methodologies, and data sources.
• Conduct technical and policy research supporting implementation of the City’s Climate Action Playbook (CAP).
• Analyze data and prepare spreadsheets, dashboards, charts, maps, tables, and summary reports.
• Assist with technical support on sustainability projects and departmental initiatives.
• Support staff at community outreach events including Earth Day, Farmers’ Market, community meetings, and similar public events.
• Assist with developing educational materials and social media content promoting building electrification, transportation decarbonization, energy efficiency, and CAP initiatives.
• Create outreach graphics using Canva or similar software (training may be provided).
• Present findings and provide updates to the Sustainability Team.
• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with City staff, partner agencies, and members of the public.

Working Conditions

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven, and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard and certain tools. The position also requires near and far vision when reading written work-related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag, carry, and push equipment, tools, and supplies up to 50 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in, or recent completion of, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Climate Science, Urban Planning, Geography, Public Policy, Data Analytics, or a closely related field.
• Experience with data analysis, research, or sustainability projects through coursework, internships, or employment.
• Proficient computer skills with basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge

• Ability to write and communicate concisely and effectively.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and the ability to build positive, professional relationships with a diverse range of customers and community members.
• Understanding of Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.
• Good organizational skills, detail-oriented, and data tracking and reporting.
• Basic research, data collection, and data analysis techniques.

Ability

• Positive work attitude, reliable, and responsible.
• Learn policies and regulations related to the assigned program.
• Organize and analyze large datasets with a high degree of accuracy.
• Learn greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and ICLEI ClearPath software.
• Coordinate with multiple City departments to gather information.
• Prepare clear reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully with both written and oral instructions.
• Establish, maintain, and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Work independently as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Represent the City professionally at meetings and outreach events.
• Adapt to changing priorities and special projects.

Willingness

• Work weekends and attend night meetings when needed.

Licenses/Certificates

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California class C driver’s license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Desirable Qualifications

• Fluency in one or more languages other than English.
• Public sector work experience.
• Proficient with GIS, Power BI, and other data management systems.
• Knowledge of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ICLEI ClearPath (or willingness to learn).
• Familiarity with greenhouse gas inventories, emissions accounting, or climate action planning.
• Familiarity with data visualization or sustainability reporting tools.
• Experience with ICLEI ClearPath software or conducting GHG inventories.
• Experience with Canva or other graphic design software for outreach materials.