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Office of Sustainability
University of Mississippi

Internship Postings – Fall 2017

The UM Office of Sustainability is now hiring Green Student Interns for fall 2017. Check out the descriptions below and apply online by March 8, 2017.

Members of the Green Student Intern Program (GSIP) team will work directly with full-time staff in the Office of Sustainability to support the university’s sustainability goals. Interns will specialize in specific sustainability topics but will also contribute to programs and projects outside of their primary focus. Interns may work on tasks including but not limited to: project implementation, research and data collection, volunteer coordination, meeting facilitation, event planning, and site management of the UM Compost site and UM Garden site.

Selected candidates will work in a highly collaborative and adaptive environment, with one-on-one feedback and constructive mentorship. Interns work 8-10 hours per week, and start at $9/hour.

Applicants must indicate 1-2 preferred specialization(s) in a project area: Sustainable Transportation, Compost Program, Green Grove, and Food Day. Scroll down or click preferred specialization to learn more.

Competitive applicants will:

  • Have an interest in sustainability and environmental issues
  • Possess experience and skills related to the preferred specializations indicated on application
  • Be willing to participate in programs and projects outside of their specialization (collaborate on the Green Grove Initiative, perform compost shifts each week, etc.)
  • Be open to new learning experiences

Areas of Specialization

Click preferred specialization or scroll down to learn more.

Compost Program
Food Day
Green Grove Gameday Recycling Program
Sustainable Transportation

Specialization: UM Compost Program

Green Student Interns specializing in the UM Compost Program convert campus food waste into a nutrient-dense soil amendment, reducing the volume of food that is landfilled as a result of campus operations. Interns will work in a team-based setting to manage daily program operations, perform site maintenance and coordinate volunteer workdays as needed.

The ideal candidate is dependable, enjoys working outdoors and is open to new learning experiences. Intern will also assist with other Office of Sustainability projects including the Green Grove Gameday Recycling Program, sustainable transportation efforts and Food Day event planning. Apply online by March 8.

This specialization will be offered during the fall semester from August 2017-December 2017. Opportunities to extend the specialization/internship for spring semester may be available. 

Qualifications:

Must be willing and available to work in an outdoor setting 2-3 weekday afternoons. Intern must be able to perform the physical tasks of lifting and carrying buckets (10-40 lbs.), shoveling mulch and pushing a wheelbarrow. Must also have a valid driver’s license.

Job responsibilities: 

  • Conduct food waste pick-ups from campus dining facilities with one other team member 2-3 afternoons weekly. Interns transport buckets of food waste to compost piles where they will empty the buckets, cover the food waste with dry materials (leaves, wood chips, etc.) and rinse the buckets.
  • Assist in data collection: weigh, take measurements of and record food waste data; take weekly compost pile temperatures readings.
  • Work with the UM Food Bank at least once per semester to compost expired canned goods and recycle food packaging.
  • Engage with students at the UM Food Day Festival through an interactive display focused on composting and food waste reduction.
  • Plan and participate in at least one volunteer-based compost sifting event.
  • Attend weekly Green Student Intern meetings
  • Work one football game Saturday (2-3) hours with the Green Grove Program

Specialization: Food Day

Each fall, the university observes Food Day during the month of October to celebrate healthy, local and sustainably produced food. The Green Student Intern specializing in Food Day will assist with event planning as well as other food-related sustainability efforts such as the UM Garden Club, UM Food Bank and mobile farmers markets. Intern will also assist with other Office of Sustainability projects including the Green Grove Gameday Recycling Program, the UM Compost Program and sustainable transportation projects. Apply online by March 8.

This specialization will be offered during the fall semester from August 2017-December 2017. 

Job responsibilities:

  • Help develop, plan and coordinate events related to Food Day
  • Develop educational exhibits related to Food Day
  • Assist in promoting Food Day events to target audiences via social media, outreach etc.
  • Attend weekly Green Student Intern meetings
  • Perform relevant other duties (shopping for supplies, etc.)
  • Perform general garden maintenance
  • Work one compost shift per week with UM Compost Program
  • Expand relationship between UM Food Bank and UM Garden
  • Work one football game Saturday (2-3) hours with the Green Grove Program

Specialization: Green Grove Gameday Recycling

Green Student Interns specializing in the Green Grove Gameday Recycling Program work in a team setting to coordinate recycling efforts in the Grove and Circle on home football game Saturdays with a focus on providing a meaningful, educational volunteer experience to students.

The ideal candidate enjoys and is enthusiastic about the Ole Miss Grove/football experience. Candidates should have a strong interest in sustainability, and be organized, self-motivated and creative. When time allows, intern will also assist with other Office of Sustainability projects including the UM Compost Program, sustainable transportation efforts and Food Day event planning. Apply online by March 8.

This specialization will be offered during the fall semester from August 2017-December 2017.

Qualifications

Must be willing and available to work 2-3 hours on home football game Saturdays. (Intern will have one home football game Saturday off.) Must be available to sort recycling either Monday or Tuesday afternoons following home football games. Ideal candidate will be available for a training day in April 2017.

Job Responsibilities

  • Coordinate and set up recycling efforts on home football game Saturdays including checking in, educating and managing volunteers.
  • Recruit volunteers to educate tailgaters on gameday and to sort recyclables following each home game.
  • Manage Green Grove Ambassador Program and meet regularly with Ambassadors
  • Sort recycling on Monday or Tuesday following each home football game. Educate volunteers on the sorting process.
  • Work with fellow team members to speak to volunteer groups, EDHE classes and interested community groups on gameday recycling and sustainability.
  • Attend weekly Green Student Intern meetings
  • Participate in one “Grove Cleanup,” working with volunteers and Landscape Services staff to collect recyclables in the Grove following a select home game.
  • Work one compost shift per week with UM Compost Program
  • Work with established partners including student groups, the Oxford Recycling Center, Ole Miss Athletics, and Landscape Services.

Specialization: Sustainable Transportation

The Office of Sustainability and Department of Parking & Transportation (DPT) are seeking an intern specializing in sustainable transportation for fall 2017 with the potential to extend the internship into the spring. This individual will work with both departments to coordinate outreach and education efforts as well as assist in data collection related to sustainable transportation options on campus, such as bikes, Zipcar car-sharing, ride-sharing platform, OUT buses and walking. Apply online by March 8.

This specialization will be offered during the fall semester from August 2017-December 2017. Opportunities to extend the specialization/internship for spring semester may be available. 

Job responsibilities: 

  • Co-facilitate Active Transportation Advisory Committee meetings
  • Work with the ATAC to implement feedback from the university’s Bicycle Friendly University application
  • Collaborate with the UM Bike Mechanic, Ole Miss Cycling Club, and other campus affiliates to plan bike programs/events (beginner group rides, bike maintenance workshops, etc.)
  • Create, plan, and market programs and events to promote transportation options
  • Regularly maintain the university’s bike website and update social media platforms

To apply for a spot on the Green Student Intern team, fill out an application online by March 8.

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