Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern in CDR - Nature-Based Solutions
at Climeworks
🏢 About Climeworks
Climeworks is a pioneer in direct air capture technology, operating the world's first commercial-scale plant removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. As a climate tech scale-up, they combine scientific rigor with entrepreneurial drive to create scalable carbon removal solutions. Working here offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge climate technology at a company with proven, operational systems.
About This Role
This internship focuses on supporting nature-based carbon dioxide removal projects, which complement Climeworks' technological approach. You'll assist with research, data analysis, and implementation of decarbonization initiatives, directly contributing to the company's mission of scaling carbon removal. The role offers hands-on experience in a collaborative environment where ambitious climate goals become operational reality.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing data from nature-based carbon removal projects, contributing to research on new methodologies, and collaborating with team members on project implementation strategies. You'll likely participate in problem-solving sessions to address challenges in scaling decarbonization initiatives while working remotely with a distributed team.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Climeworks Is Looking For
- Demonstrates specific climate action experience (volunteering, coursework, or projects related to carbon removal or nature-based solutions)
- Shows evidence of taking ownership in previous projects with measurable outcomes
- Exhibits ability to translate ambitious climate goals into practical steps through examples
- Thrives in fast-paced environments and can provide examples of adapting to changing priorities
📝 Tips for Applying to Climeworks
Highlight any experience with carbon accounting, LCA (life cycle assessment), or nature-based solution methodologies
Demonstrate understanding of how nature-based solutions complement technological approaches like direct air capture
Include specific examples of taking initiative in climate-related projects, even if academic or volunteer-based
Show familiarity with Climeworks' operational projects (Orca, Mammoth) and how this role connects to them
Emphasize collaborative problem-solving skills with examples from team environments
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific interest in nature-based carbon removal and how it integrates with technological solutions', 'Examples of taking ownership and driving projects forward in previous experiences', "Understanding of Climeworks' dual approach (technology + nature) to carbon removal", 'How your skills in data analysis or research can contribute to project implementation']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Climeworks' operational projects (Orca, Mammoth) and their carbon removal capacity
- → The company's approach to combining technological and nature-based solutions
- → Recent partnerships or announcements about nature-based initiatives
- → The science behind direct air capture and how it differs from nature-based approaches
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic climate passion without specific examples of action or knowledge
- Focusing only on technological solutions without understanding nature-based approaches
- Inability to articulate how this internship fits into Climeworks' specific business model and projects
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!