Green Devil Intern Program

Mission

Lead. Create. Organize. Grow.

The Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability Green Devil intern program aims to advance student leadership in sustainability by bridging the gap between awareness and action while also cultivating a commitment to our future at Duke and beyond. Green Devils work to educate and empower the Duke community to create a more sustainable future through social, economic, and environmental change. They also act as a liaison between the student body, community, and institution to drive systemic sustainability progress and shift campus sustainability culture through education and advocacy efforts.

Overview

Green Devils are the paid intern team for the Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability. The Green Devil internship program offers Duke students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and make a tangible impact on campus and in the broader community. Project-based positions allow students to engage in real-world problem solving across a diverse range of sustainability topics, which evolve annually based on shifting needs and opportunities. The Green Devil internship program is one of the pathways for Duke students to engage in Sustainability and Climate Applied Learning (SCALe).

Application Process

The application for Green Devils 2025-26 year is now open.  Applications are due on Monday, May 12th at 9am. Top candidates will be contacted for interviews by early June and final offers will be extended by mid-June. 

Who is this program for?

All graduate and undergraduate students (with the exception of incoming first-year students*) are invited to apply! Students from all schools, majors, and disciplines are eligible - you don't need to be an expert in environment or sustainability topics.

Positions may not be completed while studying away from Duke's campus in Durham.

*First year undergraduates (as of 2025-26 academic year) are not eligible for the Green Devil positions but are encouraged to apply for our Sustainability Ambassadors program, which will launch in August 2025.

Time Commitment and Expectations

Green Devil Internships take place over the duration of one academic year (two semesters), unless otherwise stated. 

Green Devils are expected to commit at least 5 hours of work per week (most internships will have 5-10 hours of work per week). However, specific internship positions may require a larger time commitment and there are some positions in which time commitment ranges throughout the year, with greater support needed around large events and other seasonal programs. These expectations will be communicated ahead of time so students may plan accordingly.  Positions that specify preference for graduate-level candidates may have a higher expectation for hours worked per week. Up to 19.9 hours may be permitted depending on the role and may be limited by whether the student has another on-campus paid position. 

Because Green Devil internships are a competitive paid opportunity that many students would be willing to allocate their time to, it is expected that hired interns participate fully in their internship. Understandably, Duke students balance many priorities. the Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability expects its interns to treat their internship position as a high priority, coming second after a student’s commitment to their academic activities. If an applicant is considering whether they should apply, they should first consider if they are able to prioritize this opportunity over other nonacademic choice activities.

Along with completing tasks associated with specific projects, Green Devils are required to participate in the following commitments:

• Program Kickoff and Visioning
• Monthly cohort meetings
• Supervisor meetings
• Final presentations
• Other key responsibilities will be established during the orienting period

Student Testimonials

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Throughout my four years at Duke, Green Devils has provided me unrivaled mentorship, professional support, and the resources necessary to make positive change on campus. I feel so grateful to have grown alongside peers who have not only made me feel understood and respected, but also challenged me to think bigger.

- Jessee Steele, Green Devil 2019-2023

Questions about the Green Devil program? Email Sophia Masciarelli, Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability Engagement Coordinator, at asm133@duke.edu.