Job Summary
Notre Dame Sustainability seeks a waste reduction strategies intern to support waste diversion efforts across campus, such as recycling expansion. Positions are open to undergraduate and graduate students.
Interns in the Sustainability Office gain professional sustainability experience that prepares individuals for a possible career in this field. This position will be compensated with a pay of $16.50/hour. Interns do not work during university holidays, finals week, or when classes are not in session.
Positions are active for one academic year. Renewed positions are contingent upon sustainability priority areas, intern performance, and general office needs.
Position Description
The Waste Reduction Strategies Intern will work closely with Sustainability staff to identify needs, project deliverables, and opportunities for waste strategies on campus. Potential work may include:
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Conducting campus-wide audits of recycling and waste infrastructure
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Benchmarking peer institutions’ waste diversion programs
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Fostering relationships with student leaders across campus in support of waste diversion efforts
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Tracking locations of recycling toters and other waste infrastructure for GIS mapping.
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Supporting the management of the “Adopt-a-Bin” plastic bag and film recycling program in the residence halls, as well as any other student-focused waste diversion programs
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Developing draft graphics and signage for programs
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Updating labels and signage in buildings
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Participating in waste-related meetings with campus operational partners and providing meeting support as needed.
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Supporting the facilitation of climate action planning
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Other duties as assigned, including the potential for occasional projects outside of waste diversion, such as campus green tours.
Essential Qualifications for this Position
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Must be willing to work a minimum of 4 hours prior to kick-off for all home football games. This time requirement is not confirmed, and may be adjusted based on the changing needs for the pre-game recycling processes.
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Willingness to work outside of traditional business hours (evenings and weekends)
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Analytical & critical thinking skills
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Commitment, knowledge, and passion for waste diversion on campus
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Experience with, or a willingness to learn, Canva
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Effective and professional communication skills
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Ability to form connections and support collaborative efforts with various student stakeholders on campus, including student government, sustainability commissioners, and GreeND.
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Willingness and ability to serve as a leader of other students as it relates to recycling and waste diversion initiatives.
Sustainability Intern Requirements & Expectations
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A deep interest in the field of sustainability, with a willingness to learn
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills. The success of sustainability professionals depends on positive relationships with stakeholders and decision makers.
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Professional presentation & report writing experience
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Proficiency in Microsoft applications, particularly Excel, Powerpoint, and Word
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Proficiency in Google suite applications
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Project management experience or coursework
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Self-motivated
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Adaptable to shifting priorities
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Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
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Ability to work professionally with staff at all levels of the organization
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Availability to work a minimum of six (6) hours per week. On average, an intern works around ten (10) hours per week.
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Commitment to supporting Notre Dame’s mission of Building a Beloved Community, including a willingness to implement such principles into sustainability practice.
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Sensitivity to cultural diversity
In applying specific knowledge, skills, and talents to individual and team projects, student staff will:
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Help cultivate and spread an ethic and practice of sustainability
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Take a leadership role in sustainability projects on campus
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Serve as a liaison for Notre Dame Sustainability
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Help with office support duties, including note-taking and other duties as assigned
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Attend office-sponsored events (schedule permitting)
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Attend sustainability trainings and other opportunities to develop job-relevant skills (schedule permitting)
Desired Sustainability Intern Qualifications
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Strong scientific communication skills
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Sustainability-aligned academic or professional experience
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Stakeholder relationship building
How to Apply
Positions are open to graduate and undergraduate students from any discipline. Job candidates should submit an application for each position they want to apply for. To be considered for hire, please send your resume and cover letter to green@nd.edu with the job title in the subject line of the email. Writing samples are not required, but appreciated.
About Notre Dame Sustainability
Notre Dame Sustainability collaborates alongside partners campuswide to plan for and promote a more sustainable campus. As campus partners, we support strategic sustainability planning, offering subject matter expertise to supplement the work of our partners. Our team is committed to the preservation and resilience of the environment and resources of our common home, as well as social capacity-building and resilience. Integral ecology principles and Building a Beloved Community are considered in all facets of our sustainability work. Notre Dame recognizes its responsibility to conserve the natural environment while promoting long-term economic and dignity for every human person, and works to foster a focus on the connection between resource stewardship and the Common Good.