Summer 2027 Sustainability Internship - Oasis at Death Valley

Internal Career Site•Death Valley, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sustainability Intern will assist the Director of Sustainability with sustainability programs and projects at the Oasis at Death Valley. Work includes supporting management of the resort’s solar array and wastewater treatment plant, maintaining the environmental management system, monitoring environmental initiatives and compliance, and completing data entry and analytics. The role is based at the Oasis at Death Valley in Death Valley National Park, California. The intern must relocate there for the duration of the seasonal program and should be pursuing or have recently graduated with a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Sustainability, or a related program. The stated season dates are May 12–August 8, 2026, or May 19–August 15, 2027. Typical scheduling is 40 hours per week over five days and may include weekends, evenings, and holidays. Pay is $16.90 per hour. The work involves environmental data and compliance, utility tracking and reporting, sustainability inspections and training, and operational projects across resort departments. The position requires working safely in extreme summer heat and may involve nighttime work with limited lighting, driving long distances, and frequent lifting or carrying.

Requirements

Be pursuing or have recently graduated with a degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Biology, or a related program.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey ideas effectively to varied audiences and large groups.
Strong analytical skills in assessing cost effectiveness, cost savings, program effectiveness, and program compliance.
Good organizational skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision and complete assigned tasks in a timely, professional manner.
Interest in learning about Xanterra environmental programs, including the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, to serve as a resource for employees and Park visitors.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability and willingness to work in extreme temperatures.
Ability to work at night with limited lighting.
Ability to drive long distances in a single day, such as 3–4 or more hours.
Frequent walking and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 100 pounds.
Ability to stand for long periods and occasionally walk up flights of stairs.

Nice To Haves

Involvement in developing or promoting an on-campus sustainability initiative or program.
Experience in a sustainability-related club or volunteering for an NGO or nonprofit.
Hospitality industry experience.

Responsibilities

Review and become familiar with Xanterra’s ISO 14001 Environmental Management System programs.
Review, record, and analyze utility data, including usage variances and costs, and identify environmental management challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Prepare monthly dashboards for the Director team.
Potentially complete a Sustainability internal department inspection and help develop and implement corrective or preventative action plans.
Assist with Sustainability training as needed.
Assist with tasks supporting compliance with state, federal, and National Park Service environmental statutes and regulations, including requirements for hazardous materials and waste, universal waste, ozone-depleting substances, asbestos, lead, pesticides, fuel storage and dispensing, and wastewater management.
Learn about and assist with the on-site 2-megawatt photovoltaic array, potentially including direct oversight of third-party contractors.
Learn about and assist with the on-site wastewater treatment plant.
Track utility and sustainability data through Xanterra’s Ecometrix platform, including greenhouse gas emissions, electricity, on-site photovoltaic electricity, propane, gasoline, water, wastewater, waste, universal waste, recycling streams, sustainable cuisine, and single-use-plastics elimination.
Conduct a food waste audit in Food and Beverage outlets.
Work with the retail and logistics team to review existing SKUs and identify products that could be replaced with sustainable products.
Conduct a Dark Sky lighting compliance inventory and property survey.
Review and analyze weekly and monthly reports of online guest comments related to environmental issues.
Work safely and use proper personal protective equipment, mainly gloves and footwear.
Attend Green Team meetings and participate in events during the term of the position.
Develop and maintain positive, productive relationships with department directors and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.