Orientation & Online Auction UT Surplus Intern - Summer 2026

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

29d • $13

About The Position

Resource Recovery is a department within UT Facilities Services that encompasses both Zero Waste and Surplus Property. Resource Recovery is tasked with improving sustainability at UT, with a focus on our Zero Waste goal of diverting 90% of materials from the landfill. Major diversion strategies include reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. As a member of the Surplus team, the majority of your responsibilities will be focused on supporting our online auctions to sell no longer needed University items such as furniture, electronics, and equipment. Typical activities include researching items, writing descriptions, photographing items, uploading this information online, and then preparing online advertisements. Additionally, you will work on special projects such as event planning, social media content creation, weight diversion analysis, and more. You will also be involved with Texas Orientation by supporting zero waste meals. This includes setting up and managing outdoor zero waste stations, removing contaminants, as well as engaging with incoming freshmen. Team Members are not expected to have any sustainability background – only interest in learning! Training will be provided for all tasks. You would be a member of the Surplus team focused on supporting our online auctions to sell no-longer-needed University items such as furniture, electronics, and equipment. This position will split time between UT Main Campus and the JJ Pickle Research Campus (10100 Burnet Rd.) accessible via CapMetro (free with UT ID). Applicants must be available for one Texas Orientation lunch shift M-W 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Current UT Student (graduating seniors eligible).
• Show enthusiasm for sustainability practice and value waste reduction.
• Able to travel to Pickle Research Campus.
• Have an interest in retail sales and design.
• Convey professionalism through interactions.
• Have strong written and verbal skills.
• Able to work independently and participate in team projects.
• Be a detail-oriented self-starter who is adaptable.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Work outdoors and in a warehouse environment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior sustainability experience.
• Possess an interest in retail sales and business management.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Responsibilities

• Possess strong organization skills and attention to detail to prepare for online auctions.
• Boost auction interest by developing communications and marketing postings.
• Demonstrate knowledge of sustainability considerations, including understanding the role that surplus plays in achieving UT’s waste diversion goals.
• Participate in waste audits.
• Provide professional customer service when interacting, either verbally or in written communications, with customers, staff, faculty, and students.
• Interpret and analyze data collection.
• Practice project management activities such as planning, coordination, and implementation.
• Attend and participate in weekly meetings.
• Other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed