Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs
Job, Internship, and Fellowship Openings for Students and Alumni of the Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs
Agency: DPWES/Solid Waste
Job#: ELT-DPWES-22002
Salary: $19.83 - $33.05/hour
Hours: See below
Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Solid Waste Management Program is seeking a motivated intern for the fall of 2022, and possibly through the Spring of 2023. This internship will provide real-world experience and hands-on learning from seasoned solid waste professionals. The selected individual will work on sustainability and waste reduction programs affecting Fairfax County’s 1.3 million residents.
Work will be performed in both a field and office setting and may include work outside in inclement weather (appropriate protective gear will be provided). The successful candidate will gain experience in communicating with the public, participating in research and surveys connected to pilot programs, interpreting data, and producing outreach materials. This will be a part-time position, not less than 20 hours a week, with occasional weekend work.
Duties:
It is anticipated that the intern will work on the following projects:
- Outreach Event Planning & Support.
- Support to the Food Scrap Drop-Off, Recycling Contamination, and Other Pilot Programs.
- Participating in Recycling sorts and waste characterization studies.
- Ad-hoc solid waste management studies and surveys, such as waste composition studies, waste audits, and participation surveys.
- Drafting technical reports, fact sheets, newsletter articles and signage.
- Supporting Operations Division, e.g., content for Sanitary District Customer Outreach.
- Other duties as assigned, commensurate w/ knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Qualifications:
High school diploma plus course work and current enrollment in an accredited Bachelor of Science program in Public Administration/Policy, Political Science, Marketing, Sustainability, Statistical Analysis, Environmental Science, or Communications; or related field with an interest in recycling, sustainability, public education, public speaking, and research and writing. Graduate students are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in speaking and writing Spanish
- Command of Microsoft Office Suite software
- Knowledge of one graphic design software package (InDesign)
- Effective communication, verbally and in writing
- Experience working in a team environment
Application Time Schedule:
Applications will be received starting from Monday, August 15, 2022, to Friday, August 26, 2022.
To Apply:
Submit, via email, cover letter and resume outlining education, related experience, and career goals to:
Charlie Forbes, Chief, Recycling and Environmental Compliance Division