Sustainability Associate Intern

Organization
City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center
Organization Summary

The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center seek a motivated, dynamic, and detail-oriented Sustainability Associate Intern to support the Rochester Air Network (RAN) program and other sustainability initiatives. This position will play a key role in coordinating air quality projects, assisting with sustainability data collection and tracking, and engaging the community through outreach and education.

This role is an excellent fit for someone passionate about environmental sustainability and eager to make a tangible impact in the Rochester community. It offers the opportunity to contribute directly to projects that improve air quality, advance sustainable practices, and engage with diverse community stakeholders, all while gaining hands-on experience in program coordination, data analysis, and public outreach.

Posting Date
Closing Date
Location in MN
Southeast
Job type
intern-paid
Salary

$20.00 - $25.00 / Hour

Hours

Temporary position; up to 1,000 hours throughout 2025

Primary Duties

Rochester Air Network (RAN)

  • Program Coordination: Support the coordination of RAN by managing communications with partners (Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County, DMC, etc.), tracking project progress, and keeping documentation of processes and procedures up to date.

  • Air Quality Sensor Management: Oversee installation, calibration, colocation, and data validation of PurpleAir and Vaisala sensors, ensuring accurate and accessible data integration.

  • Public Engagement: Develop marketing materials, support rebranding efforts, and contribute to creating a downtown digital kiosk for real-time air quality information.

  • Communications: Manage updates to the RAN website, collaborate with partners to develop and implement RAN Communications Plan.

  • Data Analysis: Manage GIS data, analyze air quality trends, and produce reports and dashboards to share insights with the community.

Community Outreach & Engagement

  • Represent the City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center at community events, engaging residents on air quality and sustainability topics.

  • Develop and distribute marketing and educational materials, including newsletters, social media content, and event promotions.

  • Plan and execute outreach activities, such as tabling at events, workshops, and presentations. Events include, but are not limited to:

    • EarthFest Expo - Saturday, May 3

    • Med City Meander - Saturday, May 24

    • Rochester Electrified Home and Vehicle Show - Saturday, June 28

    • Forward Concert Series - 6 Wednesday evenings June - August

    • Safe City Nights - 6 Tuesday evenings June - August

Sustainability Data Collection & Reporting

  • Assist with annual sustainability data collection and tracking to measure progress on key environmental goals.

  • Compile and analyze metrics related to energy use, waste reduction, water conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Conduct general sustainability research as needed to support ongoing projects and initiatives.

General Support

  • Provide administrative and logistical support for sustainability programs and projects.

  • Collaborate with City staff and external partners to advance sustainability goals.

  • Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned by the Sustainability Team.

Experience

Qualifications

  • Current enrollment in or completion of a degree program in environmental science, sustainability, public health, geography, or a related field.

  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in outreach or marketing preferred.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, website management, and familiarity with GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS) preferred.

  • Interest in air quality, sustainability, and community engagement.

Key Learning Opportunities

  • Gain hands-on experience in air quality monitoring and data management.

  • Collaborate with leading organizations and experts in environmental health and technology.

  • Contribute to impactful projects that address public health and environmental justice.

Work Environment

This position will require a combination of office work, fieldwork (sensor installation and data collection), and community engagement activities. Some evening and weekend will be required for events.

Summary

With the world-renowned Mayo Clinic at its heart, the Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative is the catalyst to position the city of Rochester, Minnesota as the world’s premier destination for health and wellness; attracting people, investment opportunities, and jobs to America’s City for Health and supporting the economic growth of Minnesota, its bioscience sector, and beyond.

 

The Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA) is the staff that assists the DMC Corporation (DMCC) in planning and executing the DMC Development Plan (a visionary 20-year plan that started in 2015) and adopted strategies for economic development in Rochester, MN. The DMC EDA consists of an experienced team of professionals who execute a comprehensive strategy to steward $585 million of public investment and leverage that investment with the goal of attracting over $5 billion in private investment to the market.

How to Apply

Apply Here: https://secure8.entertimeonline.com/ta/A20.careers?rnd=QAZ&%40rtm=1&JobsSearch=1

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