Resource Recovery Sustainability Intern

Resource Recovery Sustainability Intern 

As our Resource Recovery Sustainability Intern, you'll be the hands-on champion for waste diversion and reduction across campus. Your primary focus will be supporting and enhancing programs that keep materials out of landfills, with a special emphasis on educating our campus community about proper recycling and waste reduction, particularly within Residential Halls. You'll act as a vital liaison between the Office of Sustainability, the recycling program, and Bobcat Blend, driving tangible change and inspiring Bobcats to reduce their environmental footprint.

Accepted Applicant Majors/Field of Study (but not limited to):

• Environmental Studies, Sustainability Studies, Geography
• Public Administration, Applied Sociology
• Biology (including Aquatic and Wildlife Biology), Agriculture
• Education and Teaching
• Engineering and Engineering Technology
• Anthropology

Application Requirements:

To apply, please submit an updated resume, a cover letter highlighting your passion for sustainability and experience with waste reduction or recycling initiatives, and a list of 2-3 references. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3.00 GPA
• Currently enrolled in an Undergraduate program at Texas State University
• Able to work a minimum of 15 hours/week, including additional weekend shifts for special events as needed
• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in sustainability education, particularly related to waste reduction, recycling, or resource recovery.
• Previous experience with educational or leadership positions is a plus.
• Interpersonal Skills: Effectively communicate and collaborate with a team, strong public speaking and networking abilities, creative and innovative thinking.
• Organizational Skills: Outstanding attention to detail, time management, ability to work on several projects at once, self-motivated and eager to create projects.
• Technical Requirements: Commitment to sustainable progress and foundational knowledge of sustainability principles (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals); proficient with Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.). Experience with Adobe CC and/or Canva is beneficial for creating educational materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual is a plus.
• Experience with Gato/Calico and/or web development.
• A strong portfolio showcasing your project management, event coordination, or educational outreach skills.

This role is crucial for enhancing the culture of sustainability on Texas State’s Campus by actively diverting waste from landfills and making resource recovery education accessible and actionable for all Bobcats!

Basic Responsibilities (to be maintained throughout employment):

• Check personal Bobcat mail when starting shift. Reply to all emails ASAP and forward essential communications to the Sustainability Coordinator.
• Report all updates to the Sustainability Coordinator daily.
• Report all hours daily in the SAP portal.

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as The Office of Sustainability Liaison for waste diversion and recycling efforts between ( but not limited to) Texas State Recycles, My Texas State My Home, and Bobcat Blend.
• Develop and lead educational sessions, tabling events, and interactive workshops for Residential Hall students and the broader campus community on topics such as proper recycling sorting, composting, and reducing single-use waste.
• Design and distribute clear, engaging educational materials (e.g., digital signage, presentations) for Residential Halls and common campus areas to improve recycling compliance and promote waste reduction.
• Strategize, promote, and manage the logistics for our Open Closet clothing drive, including collection point setup, volunteer recruitment, and material sorting.
• Provide comprehensive support for the "Bobcats Give Back" dorm move-out donation drive, assisting with planning, volunteer coordination, collection operations, and partnership liaison.
• Collaborate closely with Facilities and Residence Life staff to address recycling challenges and implement solutions within Residential Halls
• Work with student organizations, such as the Sustainability Squad, to support and expand student-led waste diversion and campus clean-up  initiatives.
• Assist in tracking and reporting waste diversion metrics to demonstrate program impact.
• Contribute to educational outreach events, such as Quad Days, by providing practical demonstrations and information on waste reduction.
• Support the office in ensuring events stive for zero waste by promoting responsible consumption and waste management practices.

Ready to help us build a more sustainable future at Texas State through effective resource recovery?

For more information, please contact Emma Parsley, Sustainability Manager, at ecp29@txstate.edu, or Lisa Fields, Sustainability Coordinator, at e_f233@txstate.edu.