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Bridging Disciplines Programs Opportunities

Sharing connecting experience opportunities with BDP students.

Environment & Sustainability

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Sustainable Food Center Internship – Summer 21

Give to Sustainable Food Center | Amplify Austin Day 2021

Sustainable Food Center Farm Development Services Internship – Summer 2021

Organization: Founded in 1993, with roots dating back to 1975 as Austin Community Gardens, Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is involved in every step of our local, Central Texas, food system. Our mission is to cultivate a just and regenerative food system so people and the environment can thrive.

Why intern at SFC?

At SFC, we are passionate about our work and share a commitment to expanding access to locally grown food raised with integrity and care, for all members of our community. Join us if you are driven to build and create lasting change that supports people and the planet.

We’re on a journey

SFC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity on our staff and in our community. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels comfortable bringing their full, authentic selves to work. To that end, we have organized multiple all-staff trainings, created internal working groups that celebrate our diverse community, and integrated equity principles into every aspect of our work.

We uphold the following Core Values:

  • Connectedness: We are community-focused and believe that relationships are powerful tools for building community.
  • Equity: We support the right of all people to grow, access, sell, and consume healthy and culturally-appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and regenerative methods.
  • Sustainability: We know humans have a profound responsibility to treat our planet with care and respect, and we are committed to ensuring that diverse species may thrive on Earth for generations to come.

Description:

This is a part-time paid summer internship at approximately 20-25 hours per week.

The Farm Development Services intern will engage in a National Organic Program standards research and planning project with SFC Farm Viability staff. Other activities include farmer interviews, building farmer profiles, and working at the weekly Saturday Farmers’ Markets.

Job Duties:

  • Research National Organic Program standards through USDA and third-party certification organizations
  • Organize and schedule interviews with agricultural producers for feedback on third-party certification programs
  • Create matrices of organic, certified naturally grown, humanely raised livestock standards
  • Support for execution of new customer relationship management system, including database creation, upkeep
  • Support for outreach efforts for newsletter signups and awareness of farm viability programming
  • Create farmer profiles to be used in promotional materials

About you:

You are interested in farming and food systems and want to be a part of a new farmer support initiative. You are energized by meeting new people and building relationships with a variety of different people. You are organized and can work independently with plenty of energy and commitment to carry projects through. You also have a high degree of initiative, flexibility, and creativity, and enjoy being outdoors.

You will also bring expertise and demonstrated capacity in:

  • Writing and editing
  • Database management
  • Outreach, conducting interviews, and synthesizing results
  • MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and use of web-based applications
  • Using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) a plus (can train if necessary)

Eligibility & Benefits:

Internships at SFC are hourly wage positions at $15-$20/hour (commensurate with experience). Except, if a student applies for work-study program that is 100% funded by the institution.

Timing, Duration & Hours Requirements:

Start in early June. Interns will establish a regular weekly work schedule of 20-25 hours per week. Commitment through the end of August preferred.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to agallo@sustainablefoodcenter.org with subject title FDS Summer Internship. Within your cover letter, tell us about your lived experience working with diverse communities.

Note: Currently, all SFC staff and interns are working from home due to the pandemic.

, Filed Under: Internship

Internship Opportunities with UT Resource Recovery – Summer 21

 

Position Title: Resource Recovery Team Member – Paper Towel Composting (Summer)

Employer: UT Resource Recovery

Employment Dates: June 1 – August 6, 2021

Compensation: $11.00/hour

Supervisor’s Name: Morgan Laner, Zero Waste Program Coordinator

To Apply: Submit cover letter, Resume

Description:

Resource Recovery is a department within UT Facilities Services that encompasses both Zero Waste and Surplus Properties. Resource Recovery is tasked with improving sustainability at UT, specifically with regards to reaching our Zero Waste goal to divert 90% of all materials from the landfill. Major diversion strategies include source reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. As a result, we have the opportunity to partner and observe material processes across campus.

This summer, we are looking for 2 students to assist with the rollout of campus-wide composting programs. Each week, Team Members will go into different buildings across campus to convert the trash bins in restrooms to paper towel composting bins. Resource Recovery Team Members have been one of the key forces in driving this program expansion, converting over 1 million square feet of buildings each semester since 2019!

Primary job responsibilities:

  • Update signage to reflect the collection of paper towels for composting
  • Conduct spot audits of compost toters after custodial training
  • Maintain Google map of compost locations
  • Identify unnecessary bins to maximize efficiency for custodial staff
  • Prepare building floorplans before each conversion date
  • Track inventory of stickers and other supplies

This position is 10 hours per week from June 1 to August 6, 2021. We expect to have set hours on two days per week based on students’ schedules. Students will participate in a weekly project meeting and onboarding via Zoom, and remaining hours will be done on-campus. Resource Recovery takes the safety of our students very seriously and abides by all COVID protocols, including capacity limits, face masks, and sanitization practices.

As a result of this experience, you will:

  • Have a greater knowledge of compost infrastructure at UT
  • Enhance collaboration skills with other team members
  • Practice reading and interpreting building floorplans and maps
  • Explore buildings on campus that you may not have entered otherwise

Qualifications:

  • Interest and/or experience in sustainability and willingness to learn about the inner workings of composting and waste diversion
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and represent the department well when communicating with faculty, staff, and students
  • Timely and effective communicator
  • Punctual
  • Ability to produce quality work individually and in teams
  • Organized and adaptable
  • Comfortable with riding bike (preferred)
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds and be comfortable working outdoors

Apply online: Resource Recovery Team Member – Paper Towel Composting (Summer) (apps close May 7)

Position Title: Resource Recovery Team Member – Standardized Signage (Summer)

Employer: UT Resource Recovery

Employment Dates: June 1 – August 6, 2021

Compensation: $11.00/hour

Supervisor’s Name: Morgan Laner, Zero Waste Program Coordinator

To Apply: Submit cover letter, Resume

Description:

Resource Recovery is a department within UT Facilities Services that encompasses both Zero Waste and Surplus Properties. Resource Recovery is tasked with improving sustainability at UT, specifically with regards to reaching our Zero Waste goal to divert 90% of all materials from the landfill. Major diversion strategies include source reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. As a result, we have the opportunity to partner and observe material processes across campus.

This summer, we are looking for six students to assist with the rollout of new waste signage across campus as part of a Green Fund grant project. By providing consistent, standardized signage for Landfill Trash and Recycling bins, we can help reduce confusion over what goes in each bin. Students working on this project will play a major role in ensuring that campus is ready to go for the fall semester.

Primary job responsibilities:

  • Utilize best practices in signage placement to affix Landfill Trash and Recycling signs across campus
  • Maintain inventory and transport materials to each building

This position is 10 hours per week from June 1 to August 6, 2021. We expect to have set hours on two days per week based on students’ schedules, and will provide guidance for which buildings to focus on each day. Students will participate in a weekly project meeting and onboarding via Zoom, and remaining hours will be done on-campus. Resource Recovery takes the safety of our students very seriously and abides by all COVID protocols, including capacity limits, face masks, and sanitization practices.

As a result of this experience, you will:

  • Have a greater knowledge of waste diversion at UT (e.g. recycling, compost)
  • Enhance collaboration skills with other team members
  • Explore buildings on campus that you may not have entered otherwise

Qualifications:

  • Interest and/or experience in sustainability and willingness to learn about the inner workings of waste diversion
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and represent the department well when communicating with faculty, staff, and students
  • Timely and effective communicator
  • Punctual
  • Ability to produce quality work individually and in teams
  • Organized and adaptable
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds and be comfortable working outdoors

Apply online: Resource Recovery Team Member – Standardized Signage (Summer) (apps close May 7)

Position Title: Resource Recovery Team Member — UT Surplus Reuse Store (Thursday) (Summer)

Employer: UT Resource Recovery

Compensation: $11.00/hour

Dates of Employment: May 10 – August 15, 2021

Supervisor’s Name: Luis Alvarado, Surplus Properties Supervisor

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume

Description:

Resource Recovery is a department within UT Facilities Services that encompasses both Zero Waste and Surplus Properties. Resource Recovery is tasked with improving sustainability at UT, specifically with regards to reaching our Zero Waste goal to divert 90% of all materials from the landfill. Major diversion strategies include source reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. This position is part of Resource Recovery’s Student Internship Program. Team Members are not expected to have any sustainability background – only interest in learning!

We are looking for a Reuse Store Team member. This project supports Surplus Property in selling no longer used materials to the general public through a retail store. Students lead preparation of sales items for the store as well as store operation.  Additionally, students may have the opportunity to work on special projects such as student outreach, tonnage diversion calculations, and attendance analysis.

The store is open Thursdays, 3—7pm, and Saturdays, 8-12pm. Applicants for this listing should be available to operate the store during the Thursday hours. The following is a typical breakdown of work days and times for a 10-hour week:

  • 4 hours for open hours of store on Thursdays (3-7pm every week)
  • 5 hours for store prep work and special projects (time based on team and student schedules)
  • 1 hour for transportation

Responsibilities and learning objectives of the Reuse Store Team Member include but are not limited to:

  • Organization and attention to detail to prepare for store sales events
  • Communication and marketing postings to encourage store attendance
  • Have a greater knowledge of sustainability considerations, including understanding the role that surplus plays in achieving UT’s waste diversion goals
  • Professional customer-service that represents UT and the department well
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Practice project management activities such as planning, coordination, and implementation

This position will be based at the Pickle Research Campus (10100 Burnet Road), accessible by CapMetro bus (free with UT ID). For the health and safety of our students, staff, faculty, and guests, the store has added plexiglass barriers at the checkout counter and is following all COVID-19 building safety measures and guidelines provided by The University of Texas at Austin. This includes posted signage, required face coverings, and social distancing measures.

Qualifications:

  • Interest in retail sales, design, or business management preferred
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and represent the department well when communicating with faculty and staff
  • Capacity to work well with a team as well as independently
  • Self-starter who is detail-oriented, organized, and adaptable
  • Ability to work both independently and accurately with little supervision
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to transport to Pickle Research Campus in north central Austin
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs
  • Ability to work in warehouse environment with variable weather conditions

Apply online: Resource Recovery Team Member – UT Surplus Reuse Store (Thursday) (Summer) (apps close May 28)

, Filed Under: Internship

Project Schoolhouse Internship Opportunities – Summer & Fall 21

About Project Schoolhouse

Project Schoolhouse is an international nonprofit that focuses on education, clean water and sanitation in rural Nicaraguan communities. With an emphasis on community-building and local volunteer participation, Project Schoolhouse partners with recipient communities to build new schools, provide clean water, improve sanitation, and help students continue their educations.

Internship Opportunities

Communications, Graphic Design & Social Media Intern

We are currently seeking an intern at our Austin office to support our Executive Director and Development Coordinator with social media management and content creation. This internship offers the opportunity to gain solid, professional experience while supporting a local non-profit that is truly changing lives.

What you will learn:

  • Manage Social Media platforms and a content calendar
  • Manage deadlines and work collaboratively
  • Work with mass emailing platforms
  • Manage a website hosting platform
  • Collaborate the Development Coordinator with social media plans and communications
  • Create graphics content using various design tools
  • Build relationships with student groups interested in engaging in crowdsource funding initiatives

What you will do:

  • Create compelling organic content for social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Plan and source content for our newsletters, website blogs, and campaigns
  • Identify new communications and outreach opportunities for our brand
  • Engage with student groups interested in crowdsource and peer-to-peer campaigns
  • Update our website and manage content
  • Design collateral and content using CANVA

The Ideal Candidate will be:

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Passionate about story telling and creating a brand
  • Currently enrolled in related course work
  • Prior experience using CANVA
  • Available for a minimum of 5 -7 hours weekly

Requirements: Send a short creative example that spotlights ability to write compelling content.

This is an unpaid internship with a minimum commitment of 5 hours per week beginning mid-May and ending mid-September, 2021, with the option of continuing through the Fall semester.

To apply send a resume, letter of interest, and a compelling writing sample to renata@projectschoolhouse.org.

Data & Reporting

We are currently seeking an intern at our Austin office to support our Executive Director with compiling, summarizing and reporting on data gathered through in-the-field surveys related to health, water and education access. This internship offers the opportunity to gain solid, professional experience while supporting a local non-profit that is truly changing lives.

What you will learn:

  • Best practices related to impact metric survey data accumulation and reporting
  • Database software entry
  • How to summarize data into compelling charts and graphs to show trends and impact metrics
  • An overview of the global WASH industry landscape
  • How to manage deadlines and work collaboratively

What you will do:

  • Enter data survey results into existing database software
  • Research best practices related to clean water access survey and reporting methodologies
  • Research gender-specific impact of water insecurity
  • Research strategies to prove the health impact of clean water access in remote areas without
  • health clinics
  • Build reports, graphs and charts to show the impact of clean water access
  • Inform development of future survey questionnaires as we strive to continually improve

The Ideal Candidate will be:

  • currently enrolled in global health educational programs
  • passionate about global health and equal educational opportunities
  • available for a minimum of 5 and up to 12 hours weekly
  • available for the full semester
  • demonstrate ability to write compelling content
  • Spanish language proficiency is advantageous but not required

This is an unpaid internship with a minimum commitment of 5 hours per week, beginning mid-May and ending mid-September, with the option of continuing through the Fall 2021 semester.

To apply send resume and letter of interest to selina@projectschoolhouse.org.

Grant Writer Internship

We are currently seeking an intern at our Austin office to support our Executive Director with researching funding partners and writing grant applications. This internship offers the opportunity to gain solid, professional experience while supporting a local non-profit that is truly changing lives.

What you will learn:

  • How to utilize foundation databases
  • How to write compelling content
  • An overview of the global WASH industry funding landscape
  • How to manage deadlines and work collaboratively

What you will do:

  • Write and compile materials required for grant applications.
  • Research funders working in areas of WASH & Education to determine process, deadlines and collateral needed for applications.
  • Create a grant deadline calendar for new applications and compliance reporting.
  • Compile compliance reporting for submission on a timely basis.

The Ideal Candidate will be:

  • currently enrolled in research and/or writing-intensive educational programs
  • passionate about global health and equal educational opportunities
  • available for a minimum of 5 and up to 10 hours weekly
  • available for the full semester
  • demonstrate ability to write compelling content

This is an unpaid internship with a minimum commitment of 5 hours per week, beginning mid-May and ending mid-September, with the option of continuing through the Fall 2021 semester.

To apply send resume and letter of interest to selina@projectschoolhouse.org.