Intern 2027: Climate Action Program (P2)

We are delighted to announce the third year of our successful internship program. Join Locus Environmental this summer to build your resume with hands-on experience in environmental consulting in the sustainability field. This opening is for full-time interns from May through August 2027 based in Iowa City, Iowa. The candidates will work directly with an Accredited Lead Verifier under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Cap-and-Invest programs of California, Oregon, and Washington State. The position entails auditing of emissions data reports of facilities and entities with large GHG emissions. For example: power plants, pulp and paper mills, dairy production facilities, transportation fuel suppliers, glass manufacturing plants, semiconductor manufacturing facilities. Reported emissions determine the reporter’s financial obligation under the cap-and-invest program of their respective state. Reported product data (e.g. paperboard and market pulp, dairy products, glass, hydrogen) will also be audited. The candidate may also participate in auditing of reports associated with clean transportation fuel production and import under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program. Clean fuels include renewable diesel and biodiesel from tallow and used-cooking oil, corn and fiber ethanol, renewable natural gas (biomethane) from dairy manure, and electricity for electric vehicle charging.

The internship program is expected to include at least two interns. Each intern will have a unique set of projects but will work collaboratively to problem-solve to maintain progress during demanding summer workloads of more senior staff.

This is a challenging position that requires attention to detail and effective communication with supervisor. The ideal candidate will work under direct supervision of the Lead Verifier to audit report content and report on findings per regulatory requirements under the cap-and-invest and clean fuels programs. The auditing process includes interpreting regulatory requirements, carrying out calculations, tracking of data to source documentation (e.g. bills of lading, invoices, meter readings), developing written reports, and oral and written communication with clients and colleagues.

Up to one week of travel to a subset of facilities may be included for experiential learning and enhanced engagement in the full verification process. This option is dependent on the candidate’s interest and experience, and the programmatic site visit schedules.

The candidate’s supervisor is located in Iowa City, Iowa, is a registered Professional Engineer in the States of California and Minnesota and is an accredited Lead Verifier for all report and application types under California, Oregon, and Washington’s cap-and-invest and clean fuels programs.