Are you a student interested in making a difference and gaining professional development experience? The following paid opportunities are available to all Wake Forest University students. Unless otherwise indicated, all internships are slated to begin on January 13, 2024. See individual descriptions for the duration of each position. Most positions are eligible for renewal in subsequent semesters based on availability and performance. 

Time Commitment: Interns should expect to work approximately 5-6 hours per week on average, though some weeks may be slightly heavier and others lighter. See position descriptions for any internships that may require a larger time commitment. New interns will also be required to participate in an abbreviated orientation program at the start of the spring semester.

Eligibility: Unless otherwise indicated, all current Wake Forest students are eligible to apply, including those who qualify for federal work study. Positions may not be completed while studying away from campus.

Compensation: All positions pay $11/hour as a base rate. After every two semesters (consecutive or not) as a sustainability intern, students are eligible for a $1/hour increase. Eligibility is dependent upon performance. Through the Office of Sustainability internship program, all students also gain professional development experience through curated programming and one-on-one mentorship. 

Academic Credit: Some internships may be pursued for academic credit in lieu of or in addition to monetary compensation. Arrangements must be made in advance between the student and the relevant academic department or program in accordance with their policies. As an administrative office, the Office of Sustainability is unable to grant permission for academic credit directly. 

How to Apply: To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, any required supplemental materials, and the names and contact information for two professional references via this form. You may apply for multiple positions, but you must submit a separate application form for each. Applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, November 24, 2024. Please direct any questions to cohenbj@wfu.edu. 

The Office of Sustainability encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. 

In your cover letter, please include the following:

• the position for which you are applying;
• relevant work and/or volunteer experience;
• relevant coursework; 
• a brief description of why you want to pursue the position; 
• skills you would bring to the internship; and 
• what you hope to gain from the experience. 

Available Internships

Campus Garden Internship

This position will run for the entirety of the Spring 2025 semester.

The Wake Forest Campus Garden, located at 1141 Polo Road, is a learning space that engages participants in sustainable agricultural practices. Previous experience working in the Campus Garden and/or in sustainable/regenerative agriculture is not required, but an interest and willingness to learn is! Garden interns should be prepared to work outdoors in potentially inclement (though not unsafe) weather. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• developing proficiency in sustainable agriculture concepts and techniques
• working both individually and as a team with other Campus Garden interns
• leading regularly scheduled volunteer sessions in the Campus Garden and occasional garden tours
• garden maintenance and cultivation, at the direction of Office of Sustainability staff
• organizing and supporting the Connect & Cultivate volunteer team so that they can lead weekday volunteer sessions
• potential planting and/or invasive removal in other garden spaces on campus, such as the Tohi Garden; and
• collaborating with other sustainability interns as needed on the development and execution of events in the garden spaces.

Earth Month Programming Internship

This position will run for the entirety of the Spring 2025 semester.

The Earth Month Intern will assist the Office of Sustainability with the coordination, promotion, and execution of signature Earth Month events. Previous event planning and/or graphic design experience is preferred. Strong communication and organizational skills are a must. Events that the Earth Month intern will work on may include but are not limited to the following.

• Spring Equinox Celebration: This annual outdoor “festival” hosted at the Campus Garden celebrates the start of spring and kicks off Earth Month each year, inviting student organizations, offices, and community members to engage with attendees through a variety of activities. There’s food, live music, furry/feathered friends, and fun!  
• Champions of Change: This annual awards ceremony celebrates select students, faculty, and staff who are leading sustainable change in their respective areas. 
• Earth Talks: This annual event showcases a series of short, student-led presentations focused on a wide variety of sustainability topics.
• Arbor Day Celebration: This combined service event and celebration of our campus trees is hosted in partnership with Residence Life & Housing and the Facilities & Campus Services Landscaping Services team, along with coordination with the Chaplain’s Office.