CitySan MateoStateCaliforniaJob LocationSan Mateo Corp OfficePosition TypeIntern
Are you passionate about sustainability, environmental impact, and corporate ESG strategies? Essex Property Trust, a S&P 500 real estate investment trust (REIT), is offering a paid 8 to 10 week summer internship for highly motivated students interested in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and sustainability practices in the real estate industry.
This internship provides hands-on experience in ESG reporting, sustainability strategy, and operational environmental impact within a leading real estate company. You’ll work closely with multiple departments and gain practical exposure to how sustainability and ESG initiatives drive corporate decision-making.
This is a full-time internship, Monday through Friday (hybrid), with a pay rate of $26.00 per hour.WHAT YOU WILL DO
As an ESG & Sustainability Intern, you will support key environmental and sustainability initiatives, including:
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction Strategies – Assist with identifying impactful projects that help Essex meet its publicly stated sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
- Feasibility Studies & Research – Conduct research and feasibility studies on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainability projects across Essex properties.
- ESG Reporting & Compliance – Track and manage mandatory audits and sustainability reporting requirements for various local jurisdictions.
- Sustainability Best Practices & Initiatives – Assist in the development and implementation of corporate sustainability policies and procedures.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration – Work with teams across Asset Management, Operations, and Finance to understand the integration of ESG factors into real estate decision-making.
- Ad Hoc Sustainability Projects – Support various environmental initiatives as they arise throughout the internship program.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Education – You must be enrolled in a four-year accredited undergraduate program, majoring in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, or a related field. Rising juniors (Class of 2027) and seniors (Class of 2026) are encouraged to apply.
- Skills & Attributes – Strong research, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Passion for Sustainability – A demonstrated interest in environmental impact, corporate ESG strategies, and sustainable business practices.
- Work Environment – This is a hybrid role, requiring you to be in our San Mateo office three days a week (Monday – Wednesday).
WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES
- A keen interest in ESG strategy, regulatory compliance, and sustainability reporting.
- The ability to analyze data and provide meaningful insights.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to propose innovative sustainability initiatives.
- A proactive mindset and a team-player attitude.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE
- Passion for environmental sustainability – You care about reducing carbon footprints and driving corporate ESG impact.
- Strong analytical mindset – You enjoy researching and developing data-driven sustainability solutions.
- Collaborative spirit – You work well with cross-functional teams.
- Effective communicator – You can translate technical sustainability concepts into actionable business insights.
All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our Sunday property operations office closures, 10 paid holidays, and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%.
Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career.
The salary range for this position is $21.60 - $29.33 per hour. New hires generally start between $21.60 - $25.96 per hour. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs.
