Sustainability Outreach Intern

As a Sustainability Outreach Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings, your primary responsibilities include assisting with mail return tracking, conducting outreach calls to building owners, reviewing and updating the Sustainability Bureau webpage, and organizing digital folders. Additionally, you will be involved in drafting topic pieces and performing research on various issues. This internship is designed to enhance your understanding of sustainability and public engagement in urban environments.

To qualify for the Sustainability Outreach Intern position at the NYC Department of Buildings, candidates must be currently enrolled in a college or a recent graduate as of June of the program year. Fields of study that are advantageous include Sustainability, Public Engagement, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Architecture, or Engineering. This position is specifically intended for students, lasting from June to August each year.

The Sustainability Outreach Intern role at the NYC Department of Buildings is a summer internship lasting up to 13 weeks. Interns will start in June and continue their work until September 5, 2025, expected to work 35 hours per week during this time. This provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience over the summer months.

As a Sustainability Outreach Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings, you'll engage in various research tasks that may involve sustainability issues, best practices in building compliance, as well as public engagement strategies. This research will underpin your contributions to developing materials and addressing technical inquiries from the public and stakeholder groups.

The work environment for a Sustainability Outreach Intern at the NYC Department of Buildings is dynamic and collaborative, focused on fostering inclusivity and innovation. As part of a team dedicated to sustainability, you’ll engage with professionals across various disciplines, participate in meaningful projects, and have opportunities for professional development in a supportive atmosphere.

In responding to this question, emphasize the importance of integrating sustainable practices in urban development and how they can contribute to environmental conservation. Highlight specific methods such as energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and community engagement to illustrate your knowledge.

When answering this question, explain your strategy for outreach, such as utilizing digital platforms, hosting informational sessions, or creating engaging materials. Mention the significance of clear communication and understanding the concerns of building owners to encourage their participation.

Discuss specific research methodologies you have used, such as surveys, case studies, or data analysis. Explain how you would apply these methods in the role of Sustainability Outreach Intern to gather information on sustainable practices and public attitudes, ensuring relevant and impactful results.

Your answer should focus on the various benefits of sustainable building practices, such as reducing energy consumption, improving public health, and enhancing overall city livability. Cite real-world examples or data to strengthen your argument.

Provide a specific example where you simplified complex information for a diverse audience. Emphasize your communication skills and your ability to tailor your message for different stakeholders, which is essential for the role of Sustainability Outreach Intern.

In your answer, express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices within New York City. Mention your alignment with the Department’s mission and how the internship aligns with your career goals in sustainability and public engagement.

Explain your approach to prioritization by highlighting your organizational skills and time management strategies. Discuss how you assess the urgency and importance of tasks to create an effective workflow, which is critical in a fast-paced environment like the NYC Department of Buildings.

Share specific learning objectives you have for the internship, such as developing outreach strategies, understanding the regulatory environment for sustainability, or gaining practical experience in community engagement efforts. This reflects your proactive approach to personal and professional development.

Illustrate your conflict resolution skills by discussing your ability to listen to the building owner's concerns and provide compelling information or alternative solutions to encourage adoption of sustainable practices. Empathy and clear communication are key.

Discuss skills such as effective communication, research abilities, adaptability, and a passion for sustainability. Emphasize how these skills are vital not just for completing tasks but for making a positive impact on the community and the environment through outreach efforts.