By UW Sustainability | Mar 20, 2016

Waste Management is looking for interns to join its Recycle Corps program, which will teach twelve college students the latest strategies in engaging the public and businesses in waste reduction and recycling behavior change. Recycle Corps interns represent the company at various public outreach events.

The Application deadline is April 1. To apply, visit www.wmcareers.com and search for Job #16002668. 

More information:

Waste Management (WM), a Fortune 250 company, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. We are strongly committed to a foundation of operating excellence, professionalism and financial strength. WM serves nearly 25 million customers in residential, commercial, industrial and municipal markets throughout North America through a network of collection operations, transfer stations, landfills, recycling facilities and waste-based energy production projects.

The WM Recycle Corps Collegiate Intern Program is designed for a diverse group of energetic, responsible and communicative college students interested in a hands-on job training experience in the field of recycling education and community outreach. This is an opportunity to work with over 20 communities within the Puget Sound. We are seeking a diverse group of applicants to best connect with the businesses and residents of this region.

This fast-paced ten-week internship will teach twelve college students the latest strategies in engaging the public and businesses in waste reduction and recycling behavior change. The program provides students with hands-on experience in the field as recycling educators.

WM Recycle Corps interns represent the company in various public venues, on a variety of outreach projects. These projects include assisting with on-the-ground recycling education campaigns for businesses and multifamily communities, staffing the WM Recycling Information Station at community festivals, and the potential for assisting with special projects. To ensure the safety of all participants, as well as to build teamwork and collaboration skills, all fieldwork is done in teams of two or more.

The Recycle Corps program is committed to racial equity in its services to clients, in our workforce composition and practices, and in our organizational culture. While still seeking to improve our demonstration of this commitment, candidates should know that racial equity is a cornerstone of our commitment to all communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned and may vary by location.

  • Educate residents at community events during evenings and on the weekends
  • Represent WM at public functions, community events, businesses, multifamily residents, and property managers
  • Work with businesses, property managers and the public, one-on-one, to provide information and resources that promote recycling, composting and waste reduction
  • Educate the public by answering questions about WM recycling and composting programs and services
  • Work effectively in a diverse, collaborative team environment, while promoting inclusion and cultural responsiveness
  • Willing and able to learn the recycling and composting business and then share that knowledge with the public
  • Work efficiently while maintaining attention to detail
  • Able to be flexible and adapt to changing situations while remaining positive
  • Demonstrated communication skills in difficult situations
  • Work well with others on the Recycle Corps team, be a positive contributor to Recycle Corps and work well with teammates
  • Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, with experience in racially diverse settings or working with diverse communities

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.

  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis
  • Must be available to participate in the internship from start to finish. The internship dates are 6/20 - 8/26/2016
  • Must be enrolled as a college student in the fall of 2016
  • Fluency in a second language is preferred. Specifically, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi, Amharic or Somali
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products including Word & Excel
  • Must possess an insured and reliable vehicle, and be able to travel to and from Kirkland and locations throughout King, Snohomish, and Skagit counties
  • Able to transport outreach materials and equipment (tables, storage totes, chairs, tent, etc.)
  • Must have a cell phone available for emergency use
  • Able to effectively communicate with designated WM staff and customers in person and on the phone
  • Once direction is given, able to work independently with assigned team members
  • Capable of lifting 30 pounds

Work Environment: Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and work environment of the job.

  • Required to exert physical effort in handling objects less than 30 pounds
  • Required to be exposed to physical environment, which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements
  • Normal setting for this job is outdoors, either visiting customers at a business or residence, or at a community event such as a farmers market, city festival or community celebration

Program Overview

  • This is a paid internship, full-time (40 hours/week), with opportunities for overtime
  • Eligible candidates must be able to start Monday, June 20, 2016 and eligible to work all 10 weeks.
  • Typical shifts start at 8:00 am and 12:00 noon. On occasion, shifts may begin at 5 am. Also, some shifts occasionally may end at 11:00 pm
  • Internship hours rotate between Monday-Friday (1st week), Tuesday – Saturday and Wednesday – Sunday schedules
  • The program’s focus is split between outreach campaigns (70%) and staffing the WM Recycling Information Station booth at community events (30%)
  • Recycle Corps interns will be provided with WM polo shirts, nametags and safety vests to wear as part of the required dress code

Application deadline is 4/1/2016.
To apply, visit www.wmcareers.com and search for Job #16002668.