What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sustainability Intern position at Walking Mountains Science Center?
Organizational Overview :
Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains Science Center's mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. As an employee of our organization, you are a member of an inclusive and dynamic team that values community, professionalism, collaboration, diversity, equity, a positive work environment and a passion for the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact it's making in the community.
Sustainability Internship :
Sustainability Interns gain new skills in environmental sustainability while providing education and outreach in the Eagle Valley community. Interns will learn hands-on skills in fostering sustainable behaviors while also gaining valuable experience in how mountain communities, governments, and businesses are taking action and monitoring their environmental impacts.
The experiential learning focuses heavily on "Zero Waste," recycling, compost, and waste diversion, playing a large role within Walking Mountains Waste Reduction & Diversion Program. Interns staff zero waste events throughout the summer, ranging from small community concerts to large multi-day festivals. Interns are responsible for sorting the waste stream at events and providing zero waste education and outreach to the community and vendors.
In 2024, the zero waste events team coordinated 120 days of events, reaching an estimated 301,042 people. Through these events, the team diverted 66,380 pounds of waste from the landfill.
Concurrently, interns have the opportunity to pursue projects within the Walking Mountains Sustainability Program Department in the following programs :
- Waste Reduction & Diversion
- Sustainable Business Training & Certification
- Sustainable Destination
- Energy & Buildings
- Climate Action Collaborative
- Sustainable Film Series
This internship has an additional focus on Professional Development, provided through individual sustainability research projects, field trips, and project work with partner organizations. Interns also have the opportunity to learn about other programs within Walking Mountains.
Requirements
Job Requirements
Must be able to perform the job requirements satisfactorily, as they generally represent the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job requirements.
Desired Qualifications :
Education and / or training in a specific sustainability subject
Spanish language skills (verbal and / or written)
Work Environment :
This position is based out of the Walking Mountains office in Avon, Eagle County, Colorado. Zero waste events are primarily outdoors in a variety of weather conditions across the Eagle Valley. Project work is typically done indoors in an open office environment.
Duration of Position : 40 hours / week starting May 21, 2025 and ending October 6, 2025
Compensation : Shared housing in Avon, CO plus $450 weekly stipend
Application Deadline : Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with review deadlines February 3 & March 3, 2025
Salary : $450