Internship – Undergraduate/Graduate – Strategic Initiatives Division: Austin Resource Recovery (ARR)

City of Austin

8d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Purpose: Under general supervision, this position performs professional-level work involving research, data analysis, and program support in the areas of environmental policy, sustainability, and circular economy initiatives. Provides assistance to ARR’s Strategic Initiatives Division teams in support of the City of Austin’s Zero Waste goals. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Conducts research, analyzes trends, and synthesizes technical information for internal and public audiences. Assists in documenting redevelopment projects and developing case studies. Updates databases and reports using ArcGIS StoryMaps and other tools. Supports planning and implementation of environmental and sustainability programs. Participates in stakeholder interviews and synthesizes findings. Assists with grant research and planning. Supports technical guidance for City events and operational practices. Writes reports and memos summarizing findings and recommendations. Maintains positive working relationships with City staff and external stakeholders. Responsibilities – Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: None. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Notes to Candidate: Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin with over 530 employees. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, household hazardous waste, and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, offer Austin and Travis County residents a service to recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste, and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at AustinRecycles.com. ARR is seeking two interns to work in our Strategic Initiatives Division during Spring 2026. Interns will support the Zero Waste Policy – Brownfields Team and the Circular Economy Team. These positions will assist with research, stakeholder engagement, case study development, and data management to support ARR’s Zero Waste goals.

Requirements

• Knowledge of environmental policy, sustainability, and circular economy principles.
• Skill in oral and written communication using a variety of formats.
• Skill in research, data analysis, and technical writing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports and presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships.
• Current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program related to environmental studies, urban planning, sustainability, public policy, natural sciences, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Strong writing, research, and editing skills, including ability to clearly synthesize technical information for different audiences.
• Demonstrable experience conducting thorough research and producing concise memos and reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word (required).
• Experience with ArcGIS StoryMaps or similar mapping tools.
• Experience supporting environmental or sustainability-related projects.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research, analyzes trends, and synthesizes technical information for internal and public audiences.
• Assists in documenting redevelopment projects and developing case studies.
• Updates databases and reports using ArcGIS StoryMaps and other tools.
• Supports planning and implementation of environmental and sustainability programs.
• Participates in stakeholder interviews and synthesizes findings.
• Assists with grant research and planning.
• Supports technical guidance for City events and operational practices.
• Writes reports and memos summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Maintains positive working relationships with City staff and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees