Sustainability Intern

Job Description

About Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market is a company committed to nourishing people and the planet, with a particular focus on nurturing future talent. The company’s mission extends beyond its products to include investing in the development of the next generation of leaders. This is reflected in their 2025 Summer Internship Program, designed to provide purpose-driven students with meaningful experiences and opportunities to make a difference.

The Sustainability Team

The Sustainability Team at Whole Foods Market plays a crucial role in leading the company’s strategic initiatives in areas such as:

• Climate & nature: Reducing the company’s environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
• Waste and packaging: Minimizing waste and using responsible packaging methods.
• Responsible sourcing: Ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing of products.
• Sustainability reporting and transparency: Providing clear and transparent information about the company’s sustainability efforts.
• People impact: Supporting ethical and fair labor practices throughout the supply chain.

The Sustainability Internship

The Sustainability Internship provides students with an opportunity to learn firsthand how Whole Foods Market approaches sustainability within the food retail industry. This internship specifically focuses on:

• Greenhouse gas reduction: Exploring strategies to mitigate climate change.
• Ecological diversity: Promoting biodiversity and responsible land management.
• Water stewardship: Conserving and managing water resources effectively.
• Community empowerment: Supporting communities within the supply chain.

Responsibilities

Interns will have the chance to contribute to the Sustainability Team through various tasks, including:

• Research support: Investigating emerging climate and sustainability issues.
• Project development and implementation: Assisting in the creation and execution of projects related to climate initiatives.
• Data collection and analysis: Collecting and analyzing data to track progress against sustainability goals.
• Learning and engagement: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of Whole Foods Market’s quality standards and sustainability practices, including waste and packaging, reporting, people impact, and responsible sourcing.
• Team participation: Contributing to meetings, presentations, and trainings to gain exposure to the team’s functions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Strong project management skills: Ability to organize and execute projects effectively.
• Problem-solving skills: Able to identify and solve problems independently.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency: Competent in using common software applications.
• Data analytics and reporting skills: Experience with data analysis and report generation.
• Excellent communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Multitasking and prioritization skills: Able to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Collaborative and positive attitude: Team player with a positive outlook.
• Cross-functional collaboration skills: Ability to work effectively with individuals from different departments.
• Interest in natural and organic foods, environmental stewardship, and Whole Foods Market values: Passion for sustainability and alignment with the company’s principles.
• Critical thinking skills: Ability to analyze and evaluate sustainability challenges and solutions.
• Innovative thinking: Ability to develop new and creative solutions.
• Education and Experience:
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: In business, science, engineering, or technology related to food, sustainability, or responsible sourcing.
• Passion for climate action, mitigation, and adaptation: A strong commitment to addressing climate change.
• Preferred: Previous experience in corporate sustainability: Prior experience in a sustainability-related role is beneficial.

Internship Program Details

The Summer 2025 Internship Program offers:

• Paid internship: 10-week, full-time (40 hours/week) internship.
• Dates: June 2, 2025 – August 8, 2025.
• Location: Austin, Texas (not remote).
• Program Highlights:
• weekly Summer Event Series: Engaging events for interns to connect with each other and experience Whole Foods Market culture.
• Intern Buddy Program: Mentorship program connecting interns with Whole Foods Market team members.
• Team Member Coffee Chats: Networking opportunities with professionals in various fields.
• Internship Expo: Final presentation showcasing internship projects to the company.

Application Process

• Application opens: September and October 2024.
• Rolling Review: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Next Steps: Interviews may be scheduled in November or December 2024.