Summer Intern, Sycamore & Oak: Climate & Sustainability

Emerson Collective • Internship • Washington • 1m ago

Overview

Emerson Collective (EC) is a company of investors, changemakers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers working to make a lasting mark on the world.

Emerson Collective’s summer internship programplaces rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors - and, for select opportunities, undergraduate students graduating in 2026 - in paid internship opportunities across Emerson Collective and our longstanding nonprofit partners XQ Institute, E Pluribus Unum, and Chicago CRED.

We’re looking for college students who think big, embrace challenges, and thrive in collaboration.

The internship is onsite, 40 hours per week, from June 15 through August 7, 2026. A mandatory paid virtual onboarding and orientation will take place June 10–12. See below for more details.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Opportunity

The Sycamore & Oak team brings together community leaders, developers, and designers to create regenerative, mass timber projects that unite sustainability, local ownership, and lasting economic opportunity.

As the Climate and Sustainability intern, you'll join the team exploring innovative climate solutions, including sustainable building and environmental resilience. You’ll contribute to workstreams such as the Mass Timber Market and other projects advancing the East Coast’s sustainable building supply chain. You’ll conduct research, analyze data, and synthesize insights that help shape real-world environmental impact. Ideal candidates are curious, analytical, and motivated by the opportunity to connect research and strategy with climate action.

Role and Responsibilities

- Research, analyze, and present data findings on sustainable material markets, including timber and other emerging climate solutions.
- Assist in drafting and refining technical reports and synthesis documents for grants or stakeholder presentations.
- Conduct literature reviews and summarize key findings on policy, markets, or environmental innovation.
- Support team convenings with visuals, written analysis, and strategic insights.
- Collaborate across EC teams to connect climate research with social and community outcomes.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

- Rising undergraduate sophomore, junior, or senior, preferably pursuing a degree in environmental science, sustainability, public policy, economics, or a related field.
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize technical information clearly.
- Demonstrated interest in climate action, sustainability, or environmental innovation and passion for EC’s work.
- Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
- Creative and resourceful when solving problems or developing new approaches.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, thriving in dynamic environments.
- Intellectual curiosity, the ability to respond to new ideas and projects with enthusiasm, and a sense of possibility.
- High standards for accuracy, quality, and integrity, and the ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality

Internship Details

Compensation

- All interns are paid $25 per hour and can expect to work 40 hours per week from June 15 to August 7 (eight weeks).

- Interns will also be paid $25 per hour for onboarding and orientation sessions taking place June 10–12.

- All interns receive a lunch allowance and a commuter allowance, and may also receive travel and housing allowances as needed.

Key Dates

- November 18 – January 6: Internship applications accepted; interviews begin on a rolling basis

Applications must be submitted by 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 6.

(Please note that not all applicants will be selected for interviews.)

- January 12 – March 7: Interviews continue and offers extended

- June 10–12: Mandatory virtual onboarding and orientation

- June 15: Internship program begins

- August 7: Internship program concludes

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.