UT Zero Waste, Resource Recovery – Internship Team Member

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

10d•Onsite

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, specifically with regards to reaching our Zero Waste goal to keep 90% of all materials out of the landfill. Major diversion strategies include reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. All interns would be assigned to one of 3 project teams. Potential project teams for 2026-2027 include: Zero Waste Quality Control (4 students): Learn best practices for waste auditing, program maintenance, and data collection by evaluating campus waste streams and supporting waste diversion efforts. Responsibilities may include waste audits, compost quality control checks, Zero Waste Building System coordination, implementation, & follow-up, and supporting new waste reduction projects. Zero Waste Implementation & Engagement (4 students): Learn best practices for implementing and promoting zero waste programs across campus. Responsibilities may include supporting Zero Waste Events and Zero Waste Workplace programs, conducting consultations and trainings, managing various zero waste service requests, supporting the ZWEco Supply Store, and engaging building occupants through outreach and education. Social Media & Outreach (2 students): This position has a separate application—search "UT Zero Waste, Resource Recovery – Social Media & Outreach" in Workday to apply. Purpose You would be a member of Resource Recovery's Student Internship Program on one of three project teams. Our cohort includes 10+ interns who meet weekly to learn, collaborate, and share updates across projects. In addition to supporting outreach and education events, all team members conduct waste audits. See what our project teams have been up to on our Instagram (@utzerowaste). Team members are not expected to have any sustainability background—only an interest in learning!

Requirements

Must currently be a UT student.
Show enthusiasm for sustainability practices and value waste reduction.
Punctual, organized, and adaptable.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and work outdoors.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Availability and interest in working for the full academic year (fall and spring). Full-year candidates will receive priority consideration.
Previous involvement in sustainability-related coursework, employment, volunteer work, or student organizations.
Comfort riding an electric bike.
Possess a valid TX driver's license.

Responsibilities

Learn best practices for waste auditing, program maintenance, and data collection by evaluating campus waste streams and supporting waste diversion efforts.
Conduct waste audits, compost quality control checks, Zero Waste Building System coordination, implementation, & follow-up, and supporting new waste reduction projects.
Learn best practices for implementing and promoting zero waste programs across campus.
Support Zero Waste Events and Zero Waste Workplace programs, conducting consultations and trainings, managing various zero waste service requests, supporting the ZWEco Supply Store, and engaging building occupants through outreach and education.
Possess experience in sustainability and/or willingness to learn about the inner workings of recycling, composting, solid waste, and surplus.
Communicate professionally and represent the department in a positive way when interacting with faculty, staff, and students.
Consult with faculty and staff before waste events to provide guidance and support.
Demonstrate punctuality, organization, adaptability, and comfort working outdoors.
Be comfortable working independently but also enjoy being part of a team.
Engage and educate peers and staff to motivate positive sustainability practices.
Attend and participate in team meetings, both in-person and remotely.
Other related duties as assigned.