Internship, Environmental Analysis and Sustainability (Summer 2026) at the City of Lexington (W&L CBL)
This is a summer 2026 internship opportunity based in Lexington. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and positions are open until filled or May 22, 2026. To apply, attach a resume and cover letter here in Handshake.
Position – Environmental Analysis and Sustainability Intern
- Location: Lexington, VA
- Duration: June 8, 2026 - July 24, 2026 (7 weeks)
- Hours: Approximately 30 hours per week
About The City of Lexington
The City of Lexington was chartered as an independent city in 1966, and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Learn more about the City of Lexington here: https://www.lexingtonva.gov/.
Internship Overview
This internship offers a valuable opportunity for a student to actively support The City of Lexington’s environmental efforts while gaining hands-on practical skills in sustainability and analysis. Through the Carbon Footprint Auditing project, the intern will play a meaningful role in helping the city better understand and reduce its overall environmental impact.
The intern will assist in the collection, organization, and analysis of data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities to reduce gas emissions and electricity consumption across city facilities and their vehicle fleet. Working closely with town leadership, including the City Manager and Finance Director, the intern will learn how municipalities are managed and how local governments are run. Additional mentorship will be provided by W&L’s Director of Sustainability, offering guidance on best practices in data analysis and assessment.
Key responsibilities of the intern will include:
- Reviewing and analyzing electricity and natural gas consumption data for municipal buildings and vehicle fleets, including relevant financial and utility records.
- Conducting data analysis using appropriate software tools to evaluate energy use and emissions patterns.
- Identifying usage spikes, inefficiencies, and gaps in existing data or knowledge.
- Researching and evaluating potential strategies for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Preparing clear and actionable reports that summarize findings, provide recommendations for next steps, and support efforts to engage community members in reducing their own carbon footprints.
Through this internship, the student will develop practical skills in data analysis, sustainability planning, and public-sector collaboration, while contributing to meaningful environmental progress within the community.
Qualifications
- Essential Skills: Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable speaking with new people, knowledge of database management software (excel, spreadsheets), experience in data analysis and information gathering, strong problem-solving skills, comfortable traveling to new locations, ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.
- Desired Skills: Interest in environmental sustainability, experience with quantitative datasets or accounting, statistical and analytical skills, ability to independently travel to and from locations, flexibility and adaptability.
Internship Structure
This internship is part of the Office of Community-Based Learning’s (CBL) internship program. As an intern, you will receive ongoing support from CBL staff and your on-site supervisor. You will also participate in weekly cohort meetings for training and reflection.
Students are encouraged to apply for summer funding through the Career and Professional Development Office (applications due January, March, and April) and the Johnson Opportunity Grant (applications due January or March). Please note that funding is limited and not guaranteed. Subsequent need-based funding is available through the Community-Based Learning office upon request. This internship qualifies for EXP credit (CPD 451) through the CPD office. Sign up for the CPD Canvas Course (go.wlu.edu/Canvas) to receive alerts regarding summer funding and course credit.
For questions, please email Bethany Ozorak, Associate Director of Community-Based Learning (bozorak@wlu.edu) or Prof. Sascha Goluboff, Director of Community-Based Learning (goluboffs@wlu.edu).