A variety of unpaid internships for credits and experience are available with the Central Texas - Balcones Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council
(www.usgbc-centraltexas.org).

Background: 

As a 501c3 non-profit with a staff of one, the professional use of interns has made a significant impact on how we have been able to develop and has also contributed to real life experience and networking leading to jobs for our interns.  As one of them said: ”It’s been amazing because we were challenged to do work that we probably wouldn’t have had a chance to do in a ‘normal’ internship and I have learned so much as a result.”

The USGBC Central Texas - Balcones Chapter (USGBC CT-B), which is part of the national U.S. Green Building Council’s chapter network, is committed to accelerating the transformation toward sustainable building and land development practices in Central and South Texas through innovation, education, advocacy and partnerships.  It represents 72 counties and includes Austin, San Antonio, Waco and the Rio Grande Valley.  It brings together people from all disciplines associated with green building and sustainable development, ranging from industry professionals, to educators, administrators, lawyers, product manufacturers and retailers, realtors and property developers.  The Chapter is funded through workshops and education programs, grants, sponsorships and membership dues.

Internship Locations:  Downtown Austin or San Antonio

General Job description:  To support the chapter’s executive director and the chapter’s various committees in the following areas:

• Administration
• Advocacy and Public Affairs
• Communications
• Development (Fundraising and Sponsorship)
• Education and Training
• Green Schools
• Technology and Research – LEED projects
• Marketing
• Membership Development and Support
• Programs (Event planning and communications)

*Specific job descriptions are available for each role on request.

Benefits:

• Course credits are available if applied for through your university or college internship program. While the positions are unpaid, every effort is made to ensure that each intern completes a project or projects that can be used to further their education and have in their portfolios
• Opportunity to establish a solid network of potential contacts and employers around the country   
• On the job training for non-profit management, learning how to work with a dynamic Board and associated committees; meeting management, communications technology, including html experience, and working with Customer Relationship Management systems
• Chance to work with a communications professional who is committed to mentoring.

General Job requirements:

• Ideally studying marketing, communications, business, public affairs, government affairs or other related courses, whether as a major or as a minor in an architectural, engineering or other associated discipline
• Must be computer and internet savvy; website experience/knowledge a definite plus, with proficiency in word, excel, adobe dreamweaver, photoshop and In-Design an advantage
• Prepared to do both innovative and everyday work
• Ideally a good writer
• Highly organized
• Willing to commit to working hard and, once committed, being reliable
• Knowledge of construction, environmental issues or energy conservation a plus.