Environmental Resources Internship - Environmental Initiatives

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources- Environmental Initiatives
HOURS: Full-Time Temporary
HIRING RANGE: $18.00 - 20.00/hourly depending on qualifications
LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025

This internship position is a great opportunity for a current college student or recent college graduate to explore their interest and gain work experience in the solid waste and recycling field. It's a temporary (6-month), full-time (40 hours/week) internship for a college student or graduate interested in the areas of waste prevention, reuse, and recycling activities. This internship position functions in a staff-level capacity as part of the Environmental Initiatives (EI) Unit of the Environmental Resources Department at the Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN.

The intern will assist EI Unit staff in solid waste management projects and programs, including support for the business recycling program (e.g., research and assist in waste diversion audits, inventory and update program data, conduct onsite technical assistance), support for the multi-unit residential recycling program (e.g., research and assist in diversion measurement, assist to implement new program name, assist in program outreach and education),support for public event recycling and support for the school waste prevention and recycling program (e.g., onsite assistance, inventory and update existing school resources, research reusable products, assist in wasted food prevention). Additional learning opportunities will occur through engagement in other Environmental Resources Department activities.

NOTE: Hiring manager requests applicants attach a cover letter and resume.

* 2 years of pertinent coursework towards the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in physical or biological sciences, geographic information systems, resource/waste management, environmental studies/sustainability, environmental education/communication, environmental planning, engineering, or another closely related field;
AND
* Valid driver's license

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Assist Environmental Initiatives Unit staff in solid waste management projects and programs.
2. Support the business recycling program, including to research and assist with waste diversion audits, program data management and technical assistance to businesses (e.g., label recycling containers).
3. Assist the multi-unit residential recycling program, including assist in the development and conducting of waste diversion measurements and assist with program outreach and resident education.
4. Assist with research and best practices development for low waste opportunities at park rental facilities, including to identify needs for and availability of reusable and compostable products.
5. Assist with event recycling and environmental education at public events.
6. Support the school waste prevention and recycling program, including to assist in onsite technical assistance in schools (e.g., label recycling bins, student/staff education), inventory and update existing school resources, research reusable products, and assist in wasted food prevention.
7. Participate in field and office learning opportunities with other Environmental Resources Department program staff.

* Effective written and oral communications skills required.
* Excellent computer skills: word processing, spreadsheet, etc. required.
* Demonstrated ability to:
o build and maintain relationships;
o motivate others;
o demonstrate flexibility in work assignments;
o work both independently and with others;
o work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds;
o follow and develop processes;
o manage a project;
o take the initiative in work assignments, organize them, and complete them;
o conduct research and organize information; and
o develop reports.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Employee will on occasion be required to work evenings and weekends within the 40 hours/week for scheduled events. Employee will be working indoors and also in outside weather conditions, being exposed to cold and hot temperatures, precipitation, direct sunlight, wind, dust, and pollen. Lifting requirement, up to 35 pounds, on an occasional basis.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks