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Sustainability Operations Internship: Spring/Summer/Fall 2025 - Work Study or Regular Pay

UWW Facilities Planning and Management
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UW Whitewater Sustainability Office

Operations Intern

Schedule

  • Position start date is mid-February 2025. Position end date for paid interns is mid-December 2025.
  • Paid interns earn $10/hour and work ~10/hours per week during fall and spring semester and 32-40 hours/week during summer. Schedule determined by supervisor.
  • Unpaid interns work 50 hours/semester on recurring weekly schedule determined by student.
  • All interns are eligible for course credit. Speak to the internship coordinator for your major prior to applying if interested in earning course credit for your major.

Position Summary - Internship

  • The Sustainability Operations Intern is responsible for managing operations-related sustainability projects, including assisting with implementing new projects and managing or maintaining ongoing programs located in various areas related to campus sustainability. This includes coordinating volunteer labor to complete recurring tasks, implement projects, and participate in various citizen science programs.
  • The Sustainability Operations Intern will also develop or support Sustainability Office projects related to campus operations in climate action, energy and water conservation, dining, grounds, transportation, and waste management as assigned by the supervisor, the Sustainability Coordinator.
  • The ideal Sustainability Operations Intern is an undergraduate student who is passionate and engaged in environmental issues and sustainability concepts and is willing to get out of their comfort zone to take a step toward their professional career in Environmental Science, Biology, or Integrated Science-Business (although all majors are welcome to apply).
  • A successful intern is well-organized, self-directed, and goal-oriented with an aptitude in managing multiple responsibilities and can apply their creativity to improve on existing or develop new institutional sustainability projects. Interns are expected to manage assigned projects by researching best practices, collaborating with campus partners, and working in a team environment to accomplish common goals.

Goals

  • Develop and maintain sustainability projects across various locations on campus, including the Campus Garden, Upham Greenhouse, UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve, Salisbury/Chopp Arboretums, and the Warhawk Pantry.
  • Maintain documentation of operational projects by creating and continuously updating resources and other instructional materials for future interns to reference.
  • Develop essential job skills such as time management, task prioritization, effective written and verbal communication, and a variety of specialized skills suited to the intern’s chosen career path.

Projects and Tasks

Location Maintenance

  • Maintain ongoing tasks supporting the Campus Garden and Upham Greenhouse, including planting, propagation, plant sales, weeding, watering, harvesting, pest control, and other upkeep tasks that occur throughout the season.
  • Maintain ongoing tasks supporting the Salisbury and Chopp Arboretums, including tree planting and care, Salisbury Idea program research, and Tree Campus and ArbNet certification support.
  • Maintain ongoing tasks supporting the UW-Whitewater Nature Preserve, including invasive species removal, prairie seed collection and propagation, and adding amenities that enhance the user experience.
  • Maintain ongoing tasks supporting the Warhawk Pantry, including inventory control, donation processing, open-hours coverage, and other special projects.
  • Support development and maintenance of other new and ongoing projects related to sustainability in campus operations related to climate action, energy and water conservation, dining, grounds, transportation, and waste management.

Engagement

  • Establish a volunteer schedule with tasks to maintain consistent engagement in project support tasks across all locations.
  • Engage the campus community in citizen science programs, including options like stream monitoring, mussel monitoring, and Bumble Bee Brigade.
  • Engage students in making sustainable lifestyle choices and encourage utilization of Warhawk Pantry services.

Documentation

  • Maintain documentation of key performance indicators in all operational areas.
  • Create and continuously update resources and other instructional materials for future reference.
  • Learn and promote accomplishments of key stakeholders and partners and monitor progress toward mutually defined sustainability-related goals.

Best Practices Research

  • Research best practices and recommend implementation plans for projects that support and promote sustainable climate action, energy and water conservation, dining, grounds, transportation, and waste management strategies and programs and suggest improvements to current conditions.
  • Utilize provided resources on campus sustainability, including the AASHE Resource Hub, Community, or STARS assessment programs, to perform internet-research to source reputable documents and contacts to expand research options.
  • Communicate with other institutional representatives about sustainability in campus operations.

Position Requirements and Expectations

  • Maintain consistent written and verbal communication with the supervisor and colleagues through approved methods, primarily utilizing Outlook email/calendar and Webex video/chat functions.
  • Ability to work independently on all tasks assigned with minimal supervision and take project ownership over assigned areas.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects effectively by keeping communication organized and tasks prioritized.
  • Ability to complete continuous physical labor consistent with landscape management in a variety of outdoor conditions. This includes more challenging actions like repeated reaching/bending, regular lifting up to 50 pounds, and repetitive motions like digging or raking.
  • Ability to work positively and collaboratively with all members of the campus community.
  • Meet schedule commitments reliably and communicate conflicts proactively, honestly, and with advanced notice.
  • Most shifts occur during normal business hours but some early mornings, nights, and weekends may be required.
  • Maintain a work log and report regularly to the supervisor for feedback and direction.
  • Some training and support shifts will be scheduled with FP&M Grounds to help support planting season and to learn how to access tools and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications for Consideration

  • Must be a registered UW-Whitewater undergraduate student and maintain at least half-time student status.
  • Demonstrate a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA AND obtain a recommendation from a faculty member.
  • Technical skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook; Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides.
  • Knowledge of or interest in sustainability topics is strongly preferred.
  • Experience or interest in working outdoors and/or with plants preferred.

Application Materials

Cover Letter

  • A cover letter typically includes a summary of work experience, but applicants should avoid this strategy as it is redundant with information found in the resume.
  • The cover letter should clearly demonstrate an interest in sustainability topics and the relevance of this internship to your career goals. It is the best opportunity to convey excitement about applying for the position and how it will directly impact your career planning.
  • Applicants who lack relevant experience on the resume should demonstrate interest in the position and sustainability in general by personalizing the cover letter to receive favorable consideration. Cover letters that resemble a “form letter” that is not personalized to the position in noticeable ways will not be considered.

Resume 

  • This document should highlight your previous work experience, educational accomplishments, extracurricular activities, community service, specific skills or training, and other tangible experiences that demonstrate your ability to perform assigned tasks. The resume should also include highlights or achievements in positions rather than generic summaries of tasks for obvious positions in customer service.

Schedule

  • Provide a schedule of classes for the upcoming semester and proactively communicate changes during and after the interview process.
  • Include schedule considerations for other jobs that will be kept during employment and provide any relevant information about the scheduling process and coordination.
  • Include a schedule of other ongoing commitments as well as planned trips, events, and other relevant dates for consideration throughout all of the upcoming calendar year.