UT Farm Stand Zero Waste Student Assistant

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The UT Farm Stand Zero Waste Student Assistant supports University Housing and Dining’s zero waste initiatives, helping advance UT Austin’s sustainability goals. UT Farm Stand promotes a local and sustainable food system through gardens, a biweekly farmer’s market, and zero waste programming. The role offers hands-on experience with campus waste reduction, composting, resource recovery, and environmental communication. Zero waste work is the primary focus, with opportunities to assist with markets and gardens as needed. The position is based in person, primarily at outdoor UT Farm Stand markets, campus gardens, and related events, with some office work in the Sustainability Student Office. Outdoor work takes place in varying weather conditions. The position is scheduled for 15 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; occasional weekend shifts may be required. Students must be able to work a full semester. Compensation is $13.00 per hour.

Requirements

Must be enrolled as a student at the University of Texas at Austin.
Must be available to work a full semester in the position.
No prior experience is required; applicants should have a willingness to work hard and a passion for sustainability.
Must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
The role may require frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials such as tables, tents, produce crates, and supply boxes, generally up to 25–40 pounds, with or without accommodation.

Responsibilities

Improve the efficiency of University Housing and Dining waste management operations.
Collect compost, coffee grounds, and other recyclable materials from various campus sites.
Attend multiple meetings during the week regarding zero waste and UT Farm Stand programs.
Assist with other UT Farm Stand activities as needed, including opportunities in markets and gardens.
Communicate with university departments regarding sustainability goals.
Maintain and expand UT Farm Stand’s campus and social media presence.
Expand composting and recycling operations by exploring new locations and strategies for growth.
Create marketing materials for zero waste advertising and education.
Support zero waste programs such as compost system management and the Grounds for Grounds coffee ground composting program.
Support zero waste outreach and education, event planning, waste audits, educational campaign development, data collection, and collaboration with campus sustainability groups as applicable.
Lead volunteers through zero waste activities and educate them; opportunities may be available to lead work efforts and start initiatives.