Energy Trust of Oregon Net Zero Emerging Leaders Internship (ETO NZELI) na Mahlum

Description

 Our Vision  
 

 Mahlum is a community of practice that envisions a world where healthy human and environmental systems thrive. Our firm’s collective work ranges from cultural to healthcare, Pre-K-12 schools, and higher education facilities. We believe community empowerment is the game-changing force that makes transformation possible, and we seek to prioritize the underrecognized voices in the communities we serve. Mahlum fully embraces architectural principles and practices that respect the earth, show reverence for nature’s life-giving force, and support learning opportunities connected to the environment. Since 2018, Mahlum has been a JUST-labeled organization, which demonstrates our firm’s commitment to the creation and maintenance of an equitable workplace. We take seriously the responsibility to use resources wisely, selecting locally made products, optimizing the design of building systems, and demanding resource conservation for all project types. Come join us.
 

Our ETO NZELI Intern will work in-person with our staff at our Portland Office to learn, assist with, and apply architectural design principles and practices, with a focus on supporting our reporting for Mahlum’s 16-year participation in the AIA 2030 Commitment.  

Learn more about our culture and values here. 

Learning opportunities include:

• Learning about the profession, gaining practical experience, and developing skills
• Assisting the firm in its 2025 reporting year for the AIA 2030 Commitment
• Participating in Carbon Strategy Workshops with project teams
• Operational and Embodied Carbon Life Cycle Analysis modeling on projects
• Integrating material health and embodied carbon metrics into the documentation process

Requirements

About you  

You are pursuing a pathway into the design profession; whether it’s through an accredited architecture or interior design program, or you may have gained experience through programs such as the ACE Mentor Program, the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Chapter (NOMAS), or other community-based, volunteer, or independent efforts that support pathways into the design profession.

You may be early in your journey, but you’re curious about sustainable design, passionate about community engagement, and excited to contribute to the built environment.

Application Instructions  
 

You will be asked to upload or provide resume information, including any work and education history. This can include academic projects, community engagement, volunteer roles, or extracurricular activities. Don’t worry if you don’t have formal work experience; we value a range of backgrounds and lived experiences. 

You will be asked to complete or attach a letter of interest that includes:

• Your interest in architecture/design
• What skills and perspectives would you bring to Mahlum
• What do you hope to gain during the course of the Net Zero internship

Additional material, such as work samples/portfolio, is optional. If you choose to submit work samples, please upload a single PDF (under 10MB). Portfolio links (e.g., to personal websites, Dropbox, or Google Drive) are discouraged and may not be reviewed. 

Internship Timeline & Additional Details 

Mahlum's ETO NZELI internship is anticipated to take place over a twelve (12) week period of time in the months of January – March 2026 and concludes with a presentation in May 2026.

Interns are anticipated to work between Monday to Friday, part-time hours, approximately 120 hours over three months. Mahlum provides Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day as paid holidays during this period. This internship is open to candidates in Portland and the surrounding area. 

Timeline 

• October 10 – Application window opens 
• October 27 – November 24 – Interview Candidates 
• November 10 – Application window closes 
• Week of December 1- 5 – Selected candidates notified by Mahlum and offered internships