Summer 2026 Sustainability Intern - Oasis at Death Valley

Xanterra Travel Collection•Furnace Creek, CA

2d•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 may involve the resort’s solar array and wastewater treatment plant, environmental management system, environmental initiatives and compliance, and sustainability data entry and analysis. The position is seasonal and based at Death Valley National Park in California. Interns must relocate there for the duration of the program and be pursuing or have recently graduated with a degree in a relevant field. The typical schedule is 40 hours per week, five days per week, and may include weekends, evenings, and holidays. The position pays $16.90 per hour. The listed season dates are May 12–August 8, 2026, or May 19–August 15, 2027.

Requirements

Be currently 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 tasks in a timely, professional manner.
Interest in learning about Xanterra environmental programs, including its ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, to serve as a resource for employees and park visitors.
Must hold a valid driver’s license.
Must relocate to Death Valley National Park in California for the duration of the program.
Ability and willingness to work in extreme temperatures and at night with limited lighting.
Ability to drive long distances in a single day, such as 3–4 or more hours.
Frequently walk and lift or carry up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 100 pounds.
Ability to stand for long periods, occasionally walk up flights of stairs, and perform the listed physical activities, including sitting, handling, reaching, squatting, or kneeling.

Nice To Haves

Involvement in developing or promoting an on-campus sustainability initiative or program.
Experience working 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 for usage variances and costs; identify environmental management challenges and opportunities; and prepare monthly dashboards for the Director team.
Potentially complete a Sustainability internal department inspection and assist with developing and implementing corrective or preventative action plans.
Assist with Sustainability training as needed.
Assist with tasks supporting legal 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 use 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 to avoid injuries and accidents and use proper personal protective equipment, mainly gloves and footwear.
Attend Green Team meetings and participate in events during the position term.
Develop and maintain positive, productive relationships with Xanterra department directors and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.