Status: Part-time (up to 20 hours per week)–negotiable

Closing Date: Open until filled

Position Start Date:  When filled–negotiable

 

About:  Thurston County Solid Waste staff envision the people who live, work, and play in Thurston County have the information, tools, and support they need to lead waste free lives.  In turn, they make decisions to use our resources in a responsible manner that meets our needs without compromising those of future generations.

 

As part of the Thurston County Public Works team, our mission is to promote waste prevention and sustainable resource use in Thurston County through education, technical assistance and community building.

 

Position: Thurston County Solid Waste is seeking an exceptional student or recent graduate for a non-paid internship to assist with the ongoing efforts to prevent waste.  Interns will gain valuable education and outreach experience and learn waste prevention principles.  Job duties are flexible depending upon interest and experience.  Intern will report to staff lead as assigned.  Independent projects that serve our mission and vision may be approved. Interns could work in the office, online and/or in the community.  Focus audiences could include businesses, nonprofits, multifamily residences, military, youth, schools, other institutions, or people at community events.

 

Thurston Solid Waste efforts:

  • Website Outreach—providing resources on local recycling and reuse opportunities through www.WhereDoITakeMy.org and www.2good2toss.com.
  • Online Community—encouraging discussion, sharing resources, and helping others connect around waste prevention issues (www.facebook.com/ThurstonSolidWaste, @SolidWasteThuCo and www.youtube.com/ThurstonSolidWaste).
  • Food to Flowers—assisting schools to compost food waste and eliminate disposable products.
  • Business Waste Reduction Assistance – improving recycling and smart purchasing efforts.
  • Youth Outreach—providing presentations on topics from composting to recycling and helping schools become Washington Green Schools.
  • Event Recycle Bin Loans—providing free collection bins including composting to groups and individuals.
  • Master Recycler Composter Program—offering training and volunteer opportunities.
  • Public Outreach—providing resources tailored to each community’s needs through news, publications and social media. Promoting behaviors that prevent waste.
  • Community Presentations—educating homeowners associations and community groups.
  • Product Stewardship—encouraging action from industry producers to steward products cradle to cradle including prescription medication.

 

Other duties as assigned:

  • Staffing educational displays and events.
  • Providing presentations and workshops to community groups.
  • Preparing social marketing campaigns for community change.
  • Researching topics to support policy change.
  • Creating community online with social media.
  • Assisting with general office work.
  • Loaning recycling and/or compost bins to the public for events.
  • Conducting school waste assessments and audits.
  • Training students, staff, and faculty how to properly sort organic materials and recyclables.
  • Assisting with presentations.
  • Preparing related program material.
  • Collecting and analyzing data.
  • Assisting with project assessments and evaluations.
  • Creating promotional and educational videos.

 

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate:

  • Is pursuing a degree in environmental science, education, communication, environmental studies, sustainability or other related field or recently graduated.
  • Has experience or willingness to learn waste prevention, recycling, education and outreach skills and methods.
  • Has basic computer, Microsoft office suite, and office skills.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Holds a current Washington State Drivers License.
  • Can pass a WA State Criminal History background check (required if working with youth).
  • Will maintain consistent and dependable attendance at work.
  • Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

For more information go to www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org

To Apply:

Send electronic application to:

 

Brian Stafki; stafkib@co.thurston.wa.us

Call (360) 867-2284 for questions

 

Completed Application Must Include:

  • Letter of interest highlighting relevant experience.
  • Resume.
  • 3 references.

 

 

Thurston County is committed to affirmative recruitment and diversity in employment opportunity.  It is the policy of Thurston County to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, creed, genetic information or disability. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498.