Sustainability Corps

Are you passionate about advancing sustainability at the University of New Mexico but unsure how to turn that passion into meaningful action? The UNM Sustainability Corps offers a paid 10 hour, hands-on leadership and professional development experience that equips students with the skills, training, and real-world experience to drive measurable sustainability progress on campus.

Through collaborative projects, applied learning, and campus engagement, Sustainability Corps members will help advance UNM’s climate, waste reduction, water conservation, and environmental justice goals—while building the foundation for careers in sustainability and public service.

Program Description & Key Responsibilities

The UNM Sustainability Corps is a year-long service-learning program that combines structured training with applied campus-based projects. Corps members work directly with the University of New Mexico Office of Sustainability and campus partners to implement UNM’s Sustainability Strategic Plan.

Over the course of the program, Sustainability Corps members will:

• Participate in structured training and professional development
  Engage in workshops and skill-building sessions focused on sustainability literacy, project management, communications and outreach, data tracking, behavior change strategies, and community engagement.
• Design and implement applied sustainability projects
  Lead or support campus initiatives related to areas such as waste reduction, food systems, water conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental justice. Projects may include research, campaign development, event coordination, data collection, and policy or program recommendations.
• Collaborate with campus partners
  Work alongside students, faculty, staff, and operational units to advance sustainability goals aligned with UNM’s strategic priorities. Corps members may engage academic departments, student organizations, and other stakeholders to broaden participation and impact.
• Support campus-wide outreach and engagement efforts
  Develop communications materials, coordinate events, support tabling and volunteer recruitment, and help build awareness of UNM sustainability programs and resources.
• Track impact and measure outcomes
  Collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness, report measurable results, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Develop leadership and career-ready skills
  Strengthen competencies in teamwork, public speaking, strategic planning, facilitation, and professional communication, preparing for careers in sustainability, environmental policy, nonprofit leadership, facilities management, or graduate study.

The UNM Sustainability Corps requires initiative, collaboration, and independent judgment in managing projects and representing sustainability efforts across campus. Corps members serve as peer leaders and ambassadors, helping cultivate a culture of sustainability at UNM.

Apply

2026-2027 Application (Coming Soon)

Volunteer

Build your resume while making an impact through volunteer opportunities with the UNM Office of Sustainability at the University of New Mexico.

Get hands-on experience with these opportunities:

• Waste audits to track and reduce landfill impacts.
• Support Green Game Day recycling efforts to improve diversion at Lobo athletics events.
• Contribute to community science during the City Nature Challenge.
• Help plan and host the annual UNM Sustainability Expo.

These opportunities strengthen skills in data collection, event coordination, outreach, teamwork, and environmental leadership, all while advancing sustainability on campus and in the Albuquerque community.