Summer Sustainability Intern

Job Description

Role Overview: Summer Sustainability Intern

Smith is actively seeking a highly analytical, independently driven, and intellectually curious Summer Sustainability Intern to significantly contribute to our company’s sustainability disclosures and the meticulous management of our carbon accounting system. This intensive, research- and analysis-driven internship is strategically designed to:

• Systematically evaluate the quality and completeness of Smith’s climate disclosures, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• Proactively identify critical gaps within our current reporting relative to prevailing external reporting frameworks, enabling targeted improvements.
• Collaboratively design scalable, auditable internal processes for comprehensive carbon accounting data collection and reporting, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.

The intern will engage in extensive cross-functional collaboration across diverse departments, including Operations, Finance, Legal, Trading, Learning & Development, and Marketing. This pivotal role aims to enhance the clarity, consistency, and overall usability of our sustainability data and strategic initiatives, thereby strengthening internal data governance across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct a rigorous CDP gap analysis and provide critical support for the 2026 CDP reporting cycle by:
  • Thoroughly reviewing existing disclosures against the most current CDP requirements.
  • Proactively identifying concrete opportunities to enhance data completeness, strengthen underlying methodologies, and refine narrative clarity for maximum impact.
  • Developing an evidence-based set of actionable recommendations aimed at improving narrative coherence, internal alignment across stakeholders, and overall auditability of disclosures.
  • Supporting the meticulous drafting and refining of CDP responses, along with updating crucial supporting internal evidence.
• Lead analytical workstreams to critically improve upon FY 2025 carbon accounting practices in preparation for robust FY 2026 reporting, including:
  • Meticulously evaluating data quality, availability, and inherent risks across all relevant emissions categories, in close collaboration with pertinent teams.
  • Developing and assiduously maintaining comprehensive carbon accounting and reporting process documentation within [Tool/Platform, if specified], encompassing:
    • Detailed, step-by-step process descriptions for clarity and repeatability.
    • Clearly defined roles and responsibilities (i.e., RACI-style documentation) to ensure accountability.
    • Precise calculation methodologies, foundational assumptions, and critical control points, all meticulously aligned with the GHG Protocol standards.
  • Utilizing Jira to systematically track data gaps, inter-dependencies, and necessary follow-up actions to ensure timely resolution.
• Provide essential support for the organization and rigorous validation of emissions and broader sustainability data within Novisto (our dedicated sustainability data management partner).
• Present complex analytical findings in a clear, concise, and immediately actionable format. This includes developing comprehensive gap analysis summaries, intuitive process maps, practical internal guidance documents, and detailed technical memos, all precisely tailored for the Smith Sustainability Group and senior leadership.

Specific Qualifications (“Must Haves”):

• Demonstrated strong analytical and research skills, coupled with the proven ability to critically evaluate and develop strategic narratives, robust governance structures, and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Exceptional clear and structured written communication skills, particularly vital for crafting precise technical and process documentation.
• Solid familiarity and foundational understanding of CDP reporting, the GHG Protocol, TCFD recommendations, and corporate greenhouse gas inventories.
• Proven independence, profound intellectual curiosity, and meticulous attention to detail in all tasks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing an advanced degree in Environmental Management, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Business, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related academic field.
• Relevant coursework or practical experience in sustainability reporting, carbon accounting, corporate ESG disclosures, or audit-style gap analysis methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with productivity and data management tools such as Confluence, Jira, ESG data management platforms (e.g., Novisto), carbon accounting software, or similar sophisticated systems.
• Strong organizational capabilities and effective time management abilities to handle multiple priorities seamlessly.

Reporting Structure and Expected Outcomes:

This critical position reports directly to the Global Sustainability Analyst and will involve close, collaborative engagement with senior-level executives who are dedicated to advancing Smith’s sustainability strategy and program development. The intern will operate cross-functionally within a clearly defined analytical scope, making a significant contribution to the seamless integration of robust, fully auditable sustainability disclosures and carbon accounting processes across all business operations.

Dates: Monday, June 1st to Friday, August 7th (a comprehensive 10-week program)

Location: Fully in Office at 5306 Hollister Street, Houston TX 77040

Students holding F-1 visas are strongly advised to consult with their designated school official (DSO) prior to applying to ensure eligibility.

Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees.