Neighborhood Development Research Internship

The U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington, D.C.-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally-responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work, has an opportunity for a practical learning experience for a currently enrolled graduate or undergraduate student through an unpaid internship with its LEED for Neighborhood Development team during the Summer.

The Neighborhood Development Research Internship is an opportunity to gain a strong understanding of the LEED for Neighborhood Development technical criteria as well as other neighborhood-scale evaluation frameworks, such as the EcoDistricts process, and sustainability indicators. Candidates must be able to work in USGBC’s Washington, D.C., office. The ability to work 20-40 hours per week for a 3 month period is preferred. The position is unpaid and ability to receive course credit for the internship is required.

Internship details include:

• Conduct research on sustainability performance metrics
• Complete research on district-scale self assessment tools and resources and best practices of community organizations leading such efforts
• Complete case studies on LEED-ND projects for district-scale case studies on LEED-ND pilot projects that were existing neighborhoods or a review of a small area plan
• Carry out analysis of local government sector plans and their assessment against LEED-ND criteria
• Research local government policy adoptions and update LEED-ND Local Government Guide

Education & trainings requirements/preferences

• Current enrollment in graduate or undergraduate program in Urban Planning, Public Policy, or Environment Science, or a related field required

Experience requirements

• Previous work experience in team/office setting preferred



Other required skills and qualifications

• Commitment to USGBC’s mission
• Strong written and research skills
• Excellent project coordination, organizational, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and work with short deadlines
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability for delivering high quality work
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills