The SpreadYourHeart Organization – Environmental Sustainability & Operations Intern (Everything Green Campaign)

Employer

University of South Florida (USF) - Mellon Humanities Internship Program

Mellon Humanities Internship Program
Title: The SpreadYourHeart Organization – Environmental Sustainability & Operations Intern (Everything Green Campaign)
Field: Social Services
Total Internship Hours: 50-150 (flexible)
Location: Hybrid – Tampa, FL

MHI Compensation: This position is eligible for the MHI $1000 Scholarship. Students who receive an offer for this position will be required to enroll in the Mellon Humanities Internship course to receive the $1000 scholarship disbursement. As referenced in the Student Interest Form that you filled out to sign up for participation in MHI, this scholarship can impact, or be impacted by, other financial aid you receive. 

If an internship requires out of pocket costs, students may apply for reimbursement for expenses including background checks, qualifying travel, or equipment. All applications will be reviewed and processed for eligibility. Please contact your departments internship coordinator for more details.

The $1000 scholarship offered for this position is intended to provide financial assistance for the pursuit of your education; it is not compensation for the performance of any services and does not create an employment relationship between the you and the Site.

This position is an experiential learning opportunity and receipt of the scholarship is tied to an academic course (IDS 3947). If you do not complete your registration for the course in a timely manner, your internship offer may be withdrawn, and your department’s Internship Coordinator may notify the host organization that the position has reopened.

Job Description:                                                                                                      

We envision a world where every individual experiencing homelessness is seen, valued, and empowered with the resources and support to reclaim their dignity, rebuild their lives, and thrive within a passionate community.

Project Overview
As an Environmental Sustainability & Operations Intern, you’ll help build and support community-driven green initiatives. This hands-on role focuses on environmental research, organizing local cleanup and garden projects, and tracking sustainability metrics to help protect local ecosystems and support community wellness.

Part 1: Environmental Research & Local Site Audits (50 Hours)

Focus: Groundwork, data collection, and local site planning.

Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Research native plant species, soil health, and eco-friendly practices for upcoming pocket forestation and community garden sites.
• Conduct local site assessments and gather data to help support environmental grant proposals.
• Track baseline metrics on local waste streams and eco-system health in project service areas.

Deliverable: Site research summary and baseline environmental data brief.

Part 2: Community Field Operations & Volunteer Coordination (50 Hours)

Focus: Hands-on activations, project management, and site logistics.

Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Help organize and co-lead community field events, such as park cleanups, tree plantings, and garden workdays.
• Coordinate on-site volunteers, manage event equipment, and oversee safety procedures on location.
• Assist with planting schedules and routine maintenance for community garden plots.

Deliverable: Operational setup guide and post-event review for two community field activations.

Part 3: Waste Audit, Resource Tracking & Impact Reporting (50 Hours)

Focus: Zero-waste upcycling, community impact, and campaign wrap-up.

Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Conduct a local waste audit during resource drives, tracking items diverted for composting or upcycling programs.
• Coordinate the collection and routing of fresh garden produce directly to local shelters and nutrition partners.
• Synthesize project data, field results, and volunteer stories into a clear community impact report.

Deliverable: Waste diversion audit report and final community eco-impact summary.

Qualifications

• Basic background or strong interest in environmental science, sustainability, or community gardening.
• Practical organizational skills and comfortable participating in hands-on, outdoor field activities.
• Solid communication and research capabilities with a focus on local community impact..