Sustainability Internship - Washington, D.C.

About Us: Steven Winter Associates (SWA) offers research, consulting, and advisory services to improve commercial, residential, and multifamily buildings. Specializing in energy, sustainability, accessibility, and certification, we’ve led the way in high-performance building practices since 1972. For more, visit www.swinter.com.

About the Role: Our Sustainable Building Services team (SBS) is looking for a motivated, organized and dedicated intern to learn and grow with us in our D.C. office. The ideal candidate should be passionate, and knowledgeable about high-performance building fundamentals and interested in hands-on experience during design and construction. The intern will contribute to tasks requiring both technical and interpersonal skills.

This is an hourly, paid internship (<2 years’ experience). The proposed hourly range for this position is $20.00 to $20.00 based on a 40-hour work schedule.

How to Apply:

• This internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates; Undergraduate applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or university and be graduating in the Spring/Summer semester of 2025 or by Spring/Summer of 2026.
• To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter and resume directed to Steven Winter Associates Recruiting.
• Applications will be accepted through February 7, 2025.
• If you have 75% of the required skills and experience with a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply.
• Steven Winter Associates is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, SWA will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with design teams throughout the design and construction phases.
• Prepare documentation for green building programs (Passive House, LEED, NGBS).
• Review project specs and design drawings for certification compliance.
• Conduct green building program calculations and log submittals for program compliance.
• Perform area takeoffs using AutoCAD, Adobe Acrobat, or similar tools.
• Research sustainable products and technologies.
• Assist with field inspections (air leakage, duct leakage, exhaust, ventilation) in the D.C. metro area.
• Communicate testing and inspection requirements to the construction team.
• Update testing spreadsheets and report templates with results.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing or completed bachelor’s degree in architecture, architecture technology, sustainable design, engineering, construction management or a related discipline.
• 0-2 years of related work experience.
• Attention to detail with excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to multitask and manage time efficiently.
• Meet deadlines and adapt to changing deadlines.
• Focused and motivated.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, maturity, credibility, confidence, and integrity.
• Able to work collaboratively as well as autonomously across staff and client project teams.

Preferred Knowledge:

• Demonstrated understanding of construction drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with built environment and awareness of sustainable building practices.
• Familiarity with LEED, NGBS, ENERGY STAR, Fitwel, and/or WELL rating systems as applied to residential buildings.

Required Dates – Qualified candidates MUST be available for a full-time (40 hour) work week from Monday, May 19th^, 2025, through August 8^th, 2025, for 12 weeks from 9am - 5pm EST.

Office Location – Washington, D.C.

Physical Demands: This role requires frequent sitting, walking, typing, handling, reaching, and talking or hearing. Occasional standing is required. In the field, the employee may lift up to 40 pounds, climb stairs, and work in typical construction site conditions. Vision requirements include close, distance, and color vision, with the ability to adjust focus.

Travel Required: Frequent local visits throughout DC metro will be necessary (40-60%). **A valid U.S. driver's license is required.

Working Environment: Approximately 50% of the duties will be performed in an office environment. The remainder of the duties will be performed in the field (or virtually) dependent on inspections happening during this time.

SWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): SWA is a workplace where we are aware and welcoming of the ways in which we are all diverse as evidenced by a culture of listening and understanding. We endeavor to create a workplace where people feel empowered to act; a safe place where people are open to discussing different views; ongoing education opportunities around diversity, equity, and inclusion; and to build a culture of belonging and accountability.