Jobs

Please see below for sustainability-related job openings at Yale University.

Staff Positions

Please check back for staff job openings.

Student Positions

Green Cleaning Standards Research Assistant

The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Office of the University Architect and Yale Facilities Operations, is seeking a graduate student research assistant to support the development of an updated set of Green Cleaning Standards for the University. This project will help establish clear, practical guidance for sustainable cleaning products, practices, and operations across campus.

Responsibilities include:

  • Conduct a landscape analysis of green cleaning standards and practices at peer institutions and relevant product and method certification programs.
  • Research best practices in sustainable cleaning and building operations and maintenance.
  • Understand Green Cleaning Standards requirements for compliance with LEED, Living Building Challenge, Fitwel, WELL, and other relevant certifications
  • Assess different approaches and recommend an effective format and structure for the University’s updated standards.
  • Interview relevant campus stakeholders, including staff involved in custodial operations, facilities, procurement, and sustainability.
  • Synthesize research and stakeholder input to identify key considerations and recommendations.
  • Draft and revise the University’s Green Cleaning Standards in collaboration with project leads.

Job Requirements and Expectations:

  • Have an interest in sustainability, green building, or sustainable operations and maintenance. Familiarity with the LEED rating system is a plus.
  • Be an excellent writer and clear communicator.
  • Have strong research, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Be able to work independently, take initiative, and manage work effectively.
  • Be comfortable taking direction, incorporating feedback, and collaborating with a range of stakeholders.

This position offers hands-on experience with applied sustainability research, stakeholder engagement, and institutional standards development, with the opportunity to contribute directly to improving sustainable operations across campus. Student Employment level III, time commitment of 8-10 hours per week.

To apply: Applicants should submit a resume and brief cover letter to lindsay.crum@yale.edu with “Green Cleaning RA” in the subject line.

Writer/Reporter

The Yale Office of Sustainability seeks a skilled Writer / Reporter (5–10 hours/week) to produce compelling editorial content—including news features, Q&A interviews, profiles, event recaps, research/impact stories, and announcements—for our website, newsletter, and social media channels. We’re looking for an experienced journalist to spotlight the people and work driving Yale’s sustainability efforts and to engage audiences across the Yale community, alumni, students, and employees. Reporting to the Communications Officer, the responsibilities of the Writer / Reporter include: 

  • Participating in weekly check-ins and occasional meetings to plan story assignments and other editorial content 

  • Reporting and writing original stories, including conducting interviews with Yale faculty, staff, and students (the student will schedule interviews as needed) 

  • Drafting, revising, and polishing copy for publication, including editing, fact-checking, proofreading, writing headlines/decks, selecting quotes, and preparing summaries as needed 

  • Conducting background research and producing transcripts/notes from interviews as needed 

  • Coordinating with the Office of Sustainability communications team and photographers/visual content providers to ensure stories are supported with appropriate images and captions 

  • Other writing and reporting tasks as needed

This position is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong reporting and writing skills and demonstrated experience producing published journalism clips. Interviewing experience is required. Candidate should be a clear, punctual communicator who is attentive to deadlines and able to manage multiple assignments. Familiarity with AP style and Yale editorial style is preferred. Interest or familiarity with climate, environmental, and sustainability-related topics is strongly preferred, but subject-matter expertise is not required. This position is intended for the academic year, with a start date as soon as possible. 

To apply: Applicants should submit and application  through the Student Employment site and include a resume, cover letter, and 3–5 writing samples (published journalism; links or PDFs accepted).