Internship, Sustainability / Temporary Aide, part-time - Hybrid

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

Thank you for your interest in working for the State of Colorado. Join us and find meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents, helping to make Colorado a great place to live and work in. Please watch the short video below for tips on applying. 

Apply for a job with the State of Colorado

To learn more about what happens after you apply for a position with the State of Colorado, please watch the short, informative video 

What Happens After You Apply

Colorado for All Philosophy: Colorado for All means working toward a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. It means we support the basic human rights of our neighbors regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.

The Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA) is the foundation for dependable state government, leading with responsiveness, integrity, and teamwork. We provide services to other government agencies and all Coloradans by taking bold initiative toward a government with engaged employees, innovative solutions, and constructive partnerships.

DPA provides a wide range of programs and services, from custodial & maintenance to financial and human resources support, which assist other state agencies in fulfilling their missions.  At DPA, there are countless opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that supports and serves the people of Colorado. The wide variety of positions in DPA allow individuals to learn about state operations and provide for long-term career growth.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and build greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado; it's a chance to combine your expertise with public service. Our professionals strive to support state government and the residents of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more.

Good Government Starts Here!

Why We Want You:

We want your expertise, positive energy, drive to succeed, and love of this great state as we work to elevate the expectations Coloradans have of their government.

What You'll Get From Us:

In return for the skilled work you do, DPA provides a competitive compensation and benefits package to accompany employment opportunities. 

This position is expected to work 20 hours per week from June 2026 through February 2027.

The Colorado Office of Sustainability The Office was established in January 2024 in the Department of Personnel & Administration to work across State government to lead by example on environmentally sustainable government facilities and operations to reduce pollution from State government, create a cleaner Colorado for future generations, and save taxpayers money.

This position 
The Sustainability Intern will provide administrative duties to support the Office of Sustainability.

A summary of the duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Lead a project of student’s interest and based on Director of Sustainability’s approval to support the overarching goals of Colorado’s Office of Sustainability. This project will include a final deliverable and directly impact the Office’s work. Student will work in tandem with the Director of Sustainability to develop the project and deliverable.

Update dashboards and improve data in the State’s utility management system to reflect the State's progress on sustainability goals including increasing Electric Vehicles (EVs), reducing GHG emissions, reducing water use, and reducing energy usage by state agencies. Coordinate with agencies to track cost savings from energy efficiency projects. Support and create detailed analysis particularly for EV charging usage and optimization.

Research, document, and support sustainable practices used by agencies including recycling, commuting, remote work, and water conservation. Make recommendations on implementation statewide.

Research grant funding opportunities, draft applications, and coordinate with agencies to gather necessary documentation.

*A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application, but may be attached. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. Resumes will not be reviewed for minimum qualification screening. If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, your application will also be used as part of the comparative analysis process to identify a top group for further consideration.

This position is advertised in line with the Governor’s executive order (Executive Order 2022 015) focused on skills-based hiring practices that focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to the job and aligns the hiring process accordingly. Skills-based hiring reduces potential barriers for applicants and allows for reduced bias in the hiring process by providing a direct description of skills that are unique to the duties assigned to the position with a recognition that the applicant may have developed these skills through education, training or past experiences.

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. 

Class Code & Classification Description:

P1A1XX

Temporary Aide

Minimum Qualifications: 

Current Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited Master’s or Ph.D. program.

Relevant Fields: Degree paths typically include Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, Environmental Policy, Business Administration (with a sustainability focus), Urban Planning, or Engineering.

The exceptional candidate will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following preferred qualifications:

• Excellent written communication skills

• Data Literacy: Proficiency in data collection, Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables), and data visualization. This role requires knowledge of metrics like carbon footprints, waste diversion rates, or energy usage.
  

• Research Skills: Ability to conduct literature reviews, benchmarking studies, and research to support policy recommendations.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage timelines, coordinate between different stakeholders, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting reports, creating presentations, and translating complex data into clear insights for non-technical audiences.

• Collaboration: Experience working in cross-functional teams (gained through prior internships, research labs, or intensive group projects).

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to tailor both written and verbal communications for a variety of audiences.

• Ability to work collaboratively with program managers, agency staff, and external partners.

• Ability to meet deadlines and contribute to multiple projects at one time.

• Ability to represent the program professionally at public events.

• Ability to learn new software or digital tools.

• An interest in working in public service, public communications, civic engagement, or workforce development.

• Awareness of the nonpartisan nature of state government messaging and sensitivity to accuracy and public trust.

• Any coursework or certificates related to digital media, marketing, communications, or graphic design.

• Volunteer work for nonprofits or student government. 
  

Conditions of Employment:

• A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.

Employment Philosophy: The State of Colorado strives to build and maintain workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans. We are building a Colorado for All through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is committed to non-discriminatory practices in hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Accommodations: The Department of Personnel & Administration is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Heather Siegal [email protected]