You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

[Sustainability Office] Compost Intern (Spring 2022/2022-23 Academic Year)

To apply: you MUST ALSO fill out our application form: https://bit.ly/compostspring2022. Applicants who apply only in Handshake will NOT be considered.



Duties & Responsibilities 

Composting is a process that turns food scraps into a soil additive that helps grow healthier and tastier fruits, vegetables, and plants. Composting also reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills or incinerators. The composting interns manage Wesleyan’s residential composting program and develop programs to increase waste diversion and reduce food waste.

Each compost intern works an average of 4 hours per week, amounting to 10-12 hours of work among the three-person team. The intern positions give preference to students who are work-study eligible, but are available to all students who meet requirements. Two interns will need to return early during Orientation week to set up the composting programs and two interns will need to stay through Senior Week to finish collection. Students are expected to stay in the position for at least one year, with the option of extending the length of the position.  

  • Collaborate with student groups, campus departments, and other partners to promote food waste reduction and composting. Emphasize interconnectedness between these topics and other aspects of environmental and social sustainability, including food security, carbon footprint, environmental justice, and land use. 
  • Coordinate the residential composting program.
  • Develop educational and promotional campaigns to educate the campus community about composting and expand and improve collection and participation through social media.  
  • Maintain compost infrastructure, including distributing collection containers to residences and cleaning and emptying backyard collection bins regularly.   
  • Develop events and campaigns each semester to reduce food waste in person and via social media.
  • Advertise all events and programming above to students and engage the campus community. 
  • As a team, plan at least one all-office meeting each semester. 
  • Participate in other Sustainability Office programs and events as needed.  


General Qualifications

●      Valid US driver’s license with a clean driving record (driving background check required)
●      At least 20 years old by 9/1/2022.
●      Able to lift 30 lbs. with or without assistance
●      Available for weekly compost collection on a set schedule determined with other interns
●      Able to work both independently and on a team
●      Once hired, attend Transportation Office driver training and Physical Plant electric vehicle training.


Evaluation Procedure

Students in this position will be evaluated at least once per semester with an online evaluation form. Should concerns or discussion points arise from the student or supervisor, a one-on-one meeting will be scheduled to discuss.


Supervisor

Jennifer Kleindienst, Sustainability Director, jkleindienst@wesleyan.edu (will report to Temporary Sustainability Director in Spring 2022)