Sustainability Student

City of Kingston; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Kingston upon Thames is seeking a Sustainability Student to research energy reduction technologies and policies. This role supports the development of corporate sustainability initiatives and requires enrollment in full-time post-secondary studies. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a knowledge of sustainability practices. The position offers an opportunity to work closely with a diverse team dedicated to environmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• MUST BE ENROLLED IN AND RETURNING TO FULL-TIME POST SECONDARY STUDIES IN THE FALL OF 2026.
• Previous experience in municipal government sector an asset.
• Must maintain a valid Class ‘G’ driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on energy consumption reduction technologies.
• Survey municipalities for practices related to renewable energy technologies.
• Support development of corporate policies and content.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to establish positive working relationships

Knowledge of sustainability

Strong analytical and technical skills

Education

Enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies

Completed two semesters in environmental science, policy studies, or related field

Job description

Sustainability Student (Summer Student 2026)

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people\'s lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you\'ll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you\'ll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Facilities Energy & Asset Management, the Sustainability Student is responsible to:

• Conduct research and analysis to identify new technologies and best practices for reduction of energy consumption and GHG emissions from facilities.
• Survey staff within other municipalities to identify relevant policies and practices related to renewable energy and storage technologies, as well as electrification of facilities and fleet.
• Support the development of updated content for corporate policies, internal communications, and the City’s public facing website.
• Prepare and edit reports, briefing notes, correspondence, presentations, and other documents.
• Provide general administrative and technical support to the energy and asset management team. Duties may include: site reviews, data entry and analysis, filing, etc.
• Contribute to the efficient and effective delivery of various facilities projects and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Hours of operation are typically Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Work location is 310 King Street East.

Qualifications, Competencies

• MUST BE ENROLLED IN AND RETURNING TO FULL-TIME POST SECONDARY STUDIES IN THE FALL OF 2026 – Verification will be required.
• Must have completed two semesters of college or university in environmental science, policy studies, engineering, applied science, or a related field of study.
• Previous experience within municipal government sector an asset.
• Previous experience with carbon accounting and life cycle assessment an asset.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class ‘G’ driver’s licence.
• Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with a variety of internal and external clients and the public.
• Knowledge of sustainability as it relates to facilities (e.g. carbon accounting, lifecycle assessment, climate change adaptation/mitigation, energy and GHG reduction, renewable energy technologies and storage, etc.).
• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Work in an office environment with the ability to perform some site work as required.
• Regularly uses close visual acuity and operates computer equipment to prepare, analyze, and transmit data and other information.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record, including Vulnerable Sector check, at candidate’s own expense.

Closing Statement

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at [e-mail].

Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers. Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The City of Kingston may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.

Please ensure to check any spam or junk folders for any emails coming from a City of Kingston account.