Internship Job Description

Washington Department of Ecology Waste 2 Resources Program

Recycling Destination and Use Study

Position Objective: The objective of this internship is to support the Department of Ecology (Ecology) Waste 2 Resources Program by completing a research study focusing on the flow of recyclable materials. This study will characterize loss rates and final destination and uses of recyclables collected in Washington.  The study methods and findings will be documented in an official agency report.

Qualifications: A student enrolled at TESC for the Winter 2014 quarter, with science, statistics, mathematics, business or economics background, and with solid research and writing skills.

 

Knowledge, skills, or abilities will be demonstrated by:

  • College-level classes in statistics, mathematics, environmental sciences, or engineering.
  • Work experience in statistics, modeling, demographic or environmental analysis.
  • Research that included the use of computer models.
  • Technical papers or reports on statistics or environmental science topics.

 

Other requirements include:

  • Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing in English
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective work methods and schedules.

 

Duties: The intern will review existing literature and reports on recycling destination and uses, review destination data gathered from 2012 facility reports, implement a survey of recycling destinations or end-users, compile results, combine this information with existing destination data, and assist with data analysis. The intern will write an agency report on the findings of the study.

 

The intern will work at the Department of Ecology headquarters building in Lacey, WA under the supervision of the Ecology project manager.  A cubicle, computer, and necessary software and access privileges will be provided.

 

Educational Objectives:

  • Learn about the flow of recyclable materials, including loss rates, destinations and uses.
  • Become familiar with the reuse, recycling and solid waste data collected by Ecology, reporting and tracking issues in the resource reuse and recycling industry, materials flows, recycling and landfill diversion markets, and end uses of the material.
  • Compose a technical document that is useful for environmental and industry professionals.
  • Understand how this data is used to inform the statewide recycling and diversion measures.

 

Expected Schedule: Work will be conducted during Winter Quarter 2014.

  • The position begins on January 21, 2014.
  • A draft report will be prepared by March 17, 2014.
  • A revised final draft report will be completed by March 31, 2014.

 

Compensation:  Not a paid position.  Four credits will be provided for the quarter for 25+ hours per week.

The applicant should send (email or hard copy) a resume and cover letter by 5:00 pm on January 9, 2014 to:

Gretchen Newman

Department of Ecology
Waste 2 Resources Program
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA  98504
(360) 407-6097
gretchen.newman@ecy.wa.gov