Sustainable Waste Management Intern

Hiring Unit: IU Office of Sustainability 

Job Title: Sustainable Waste Management Intern 

Hourly Rate: $13 for undergraduate students; $15 for graduate students 

Hours: 10-20 hours/week 

About IU Sustainability  

IU Sustainability is committed to creating a culture of sustainability and advancing sustainability across all campuses of Indiana University. Our vision is to be recognized as a national leader in sustainability while supporting student success and the well-being of citizens of communities near the university’s campuses, the state of Indiana, and beyond. By utilizing our campuses as test beds for sustainability, we are establishing innovative solutions in our own community and developing bold solutions for the classroom, the campus, and host communities through diverse partnerships.    

Purpose  

The Sustainable Waste Management Intern assists with waste reduction and diversion efforts, including launching and coordinating programs, developing education and outreach campaigns, data analysis and tracking. This individual will primarily focus on improving waste diversion infrastructure across IU campuses which may include inventorying and updating waste bins, signage, introducing composting in residence and dining halls, and other waste-related initiatives.  

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities include:  

Program Management (60%)  

Assist with improvement of recycling and other waste diversion and recovery efforts, including composting, sustainable procurement, and more  

Complete a bin inventory assessment and make recommendations on bin placements in communal areas  

Assist with recycling and other waste diversion efforts in on-campus housing 

Work with various waste generating areas (i.e., academic, dining) to offer solutions tailored to their operations 

Monitor available waste data, observe trends, and identify gaps in data   

Outreach (30%) 

Plan waste-related events, such as food waste audits, dumpster dives and move-in/out initiatives, as well as coordinate volunteers at such events  

Assist with communicating waste diversion efforts  

Other (10%) 

Advertise campus sustainability projects that enhance and highlight sustainable waste management practices and events 

Assist with other sustainability programs and initiatives across the university system or at your home campus 

Collaborate with sustainability and waste focused student organizations 

Seek additional funding or grant sources in support of campus / university-wide sustainability & position related initiatives 

Higher ed / sustainability focused professional development and training opportunities 

Necessary Tools and Equipment 

Laptop computer and cellphone are required. Occasional printer use; printer will be provided by the university. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision in the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment 

The work performed will be both in person and remote, depending on the assignment.  The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. 

Eligibility and Requirements  

Required Qualifications  

IU undergraduate and graduate students; must maintain student status for the duration of the internship 

Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater  

Must be reliable and possess strong organizational skills  

Preferred Qualifications 

Familiarity in principles of sustainability and sustainable waste management practices 

Experience with MS Office applications, specifically Excel, Access, and Word  

Strong writing and communication skills  

Strong desire and ability to learn 

Characteristics of a Strong Candidate/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The following are essential for this position: initiative, self-motivation, attention to detail, highly organized, professionalism, ease with working with many different types of people, volunteer experience, a natural ease in new situations, and in good academic standing. 

Application 

To apply, upload the following: 

Resume 

A brief, written response to the following questions: 

(1) Why is sustainability important to you?  

(2) Why is sustainable waste management important for IU? 

(3) What do you hope to learn as a result of this experience?  

(4) How will it help you move forward in your academic or professional career?