What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waste Prevention Environmental Services (WPES) Youth Internship position at Oregon Zoo Foundation?
Position Summary
Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
Are you passionate about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and protecting and advocating for the environment and human health issues that you care about? Would you like to learn about careers in public service?
Metro's Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department is offering internship opportunities for current high school Sophomores and Juniors who have a positive attitude and an interest in sustainability and environmental justice. In this role, you will support our team as you gain knowledge and skills in education, communication, planning, research and operations, all focused on managing and reducing the human and environmental impacts of goods consumed in the region, from production to disposal.
The duration of this internship is two years, and it will start towards the end of your Sophomore or Junior year of high school. The 2nd year will take place during your Junior or Senior year of high school, and you will have the option of completing a third year if you decide. The starting pay rate is $15.95 [DE1]per hour. During the summer, you will work three days per week and up to 24 hours per week (usually Tuesdays, Thursdays and one other weekday, as assigned, plus additional hours on your own). After the summer, you will continue your employment throughout the school year at reduced hours (10 hours per week on average) with expected mandatory attendance to most Saturday meetings (twice per month), which can be in-person or online. The internship consists of two to three calendar years that follow this format. Since Summer 2022, we have returned to working in the office and meeting in person for tours, fieldtrips and meetings, while also using hybrid meeting technology when needed.
As a Waste Prevention & Environmental Services Intern, you will:
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like To Have Qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made at $15.95 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as an Intern. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete; missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and it will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
Talent Acquisition Specialist: Lamarkus Gilliard
Email: lamarkus.gilliard@oregonmetro.gov
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How To Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
Government Jobs
For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
Paid Internships receive benefits outlined below.
Unpaid Internships do not receive benefits.
01
Are you a high school Sophomore or Junior during this 2024-25 school year?
This internship is a 2-year commitment. Is this something that you can do?
What appeals to you about this internship and what do you hope to get out of it?
04
What are some strengths and/or skills that you'd bring into this internship cohort?
05
Describe an experience where you collaborated with other youth in your school or community. What did you take away from this experience and how did this experience turn out for you?
Required Question
Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
Are you passionate about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and protecting and advocating for the environment and human health issues that you care about? Would you like to learn about careers in public service?
Metro's Waste Prevention and Environmental Services department is offering internship opportunities for current high school Sophomores and Juniors who have a positive attitude and an interest in sustainability and environmental justice. In this role, you will support our team as you gain knowledge and skills in education, communication, planning, research and operations, all focused on managing and reducing the human and environmental impacts of goods consumed in the region, from production to disposal.
The duration of this internship is two years, and it will start towards the end of your Sophomore or Junior year of high school. The 2nd year will take place during your Junior or Senior year of high school, and you will have the option of completing a third year if you decide. The starting pay rate is $15.95 [DE1]per hour. During the summer, you will work three days per week and up to 24 hours per week (usually Tuesdays, Thursdays and one other weekday, as assigned, plus additional hours on your own). After the summer, you will continue your employment throughout the school year at reduced hours (10 hours per week on average) with expected mandatory attendance to most Saturday meetings (twice per month), which can be in-person or online. The internship consists of two to three calendar years that follow this format. Since Summer 2022, we have returned to working in the office and meeting in person for tours, fieldtrips and meetings, while also using hybrid meeting technology when needed.
As a Waste Prevention & Environmental Services Intern, you will:
- Research environmental justice topics that are important to you.
- Develop service and community projects in individual and team settings.
- Assist with specific projects related to Metro’s goals, including serving on department- and agency-wide committees, communicating on your experience in the program and sharing your youth perspective with various stakeholders.
- Use a variety of computer applications.
- Practice essential job skills including time management, professional communication, personal organization and networking.
- Practice important job-seeking skills such as resume writing, interviewing and developing a professional network.
- Participate in small group and individual educational and development opportunities including workshops, tours and job shadows.
- Gain an understanding of the region's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and protect human and environmental health.
- Research how communication experts, planners, project managers, educators, lawyers and engineers all play an essential role in managing our garbage and recycling industry.
- Develop an understanding of how other Metro departments and divisions, including Parks and Nature, the Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Convention Center and Portland'5 Centers for the Performing Arts contribute to our region’s livability.
- Gain an understanding of how local decision-making takes place and how your voice can influence regional policies and services.
- Passionate about environmental justice issues.
- Enjoys working in a team environment and collaborating.
- Enjoys learning and having a growth mindset.
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications
- Currently a Sophomore or Junior in high school OR
- We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
- Must be 15 years of age or older
- Ability to work 24 hours per week during the summer and 10 hours per week during the school year as described above
- Ability to work in an office setting
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like To Have Qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Volunteer Experience
- After School Club or Sports Team Experience
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made at $15.95 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as an Intern. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete; missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and it will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- A completed online application
- Responses to supplemental questions
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Testing/assessments (if applicable)
- Reference check
- Background, driving records check for finalist candidates (if applicable)
Talent Acquisition Specialist: Lamarkus Gilliard
Email: lamarkus.gilliard@oregonmetro.gov
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How To Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
Government Jobs
For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
Paid Internships receive benefits outlined below.
Unpaid Internships do not receive benefits.
- Paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified.
- No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
- Employee Assistance Program
01
Are you a high school Sophomore or Junior during this 2024-25 school year?
- Yes
- No
This internship is a 2-year commitment. Is this something that you can do?
- Yes
- No
What appeals to you about this internship and what do you hope to get out of it?
04
What are some strengths and/or skills that you'd bring into this internship cohort?
05
Describe an experience where you collaborated with other youth in your school or community. What did you take away from this experience and how did this experience turn out for you?
Required Question
Salary : $16
