Austin Resource Recovery, Strategic Initiatives Division
Start Date: Jan/Feb 2013, minimum 20 hours per week
Term: 6-12 months
Purpose:
Austin Resource Recovery (a department within the City of Austin) is looking to hire several interns to help administer various Zero Waste initiatives. In particular, the Strategic Initiatives Division of Austin Resource Recovery is looking for students with a strong interest in business environmental responsibility and public policy related to sustainability.
Specific projects may include research on topics related to resource recovery, waste diversion and materials management. Students may be asked to respond to business requests, write reports, and make recommendations to staff. Additional responsibilities may include support for ordinance development and implementation, assistance for existing programs, and providing analysis for process improvements. Other duties may be assigned.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions may include the following.
- Performs internship duties in accordance with all City of Austin policies and procedures. All work will be approved and supervised by Austin Resource Recovery staff.
- Gathers data, provides thorough analysis, and makes written recommendations to meet program objectives.
- Assists in planning, scheduling, and establishing objectives
- Assists in outreach efforts to the community on the phone, by email, or in person
- Coordinates meetings with stakeholders to identify or clarify Zero Waste issues
- Researches and writes reports for committees, business presentations, community education
- Understands and clearly communicate the details of recycling, organics, and other waste diversion processes
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong problem solving skills
- Professional written and verbal communications with the public
- Able to write and speak clearly and succinctly to communicate complex ideas
- Self-motivated and able to work well with minimal supervision
- Able to prioritize multiple tasks and able to work with frequent interruptions
- Able assist with the development and execution of presentations to diverse audiences
- Able to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees
- Bilingual communication ability in Spanish is preferred, but not required
Minimum Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Economics or related field.
- Interest in municipal government, environmental issues, and/or the resource recovery industry
- Must be in good academic standing by the college/university standards
To apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Charlotte Huskey at Charlotte.Huskey@austintexas.gov; please also copy Aiden Cohen at Aiden.Cohen@austintexas.gov. The deadline to submit your application is the close of business on January 15th.