Green Events Project Team Leader - Campus Environmental Center - Internship (open to work study and non-work study)
Summary. Green Events is a project within the Campus Environmental Center (CEC) student organization which is sponsored by the Office of Sustainability. In this role you will be co-leader of the Green Events project as well as a member of the CEC Leadership Council. The Green Events team works with other UT student organizations to help make their events more sustainable. As a Green Events Project Leader, you are the leader and “face” of the project. You represent the CEC, the Office of Sustainability (OS), and UT in this role. You must be a positive role model and work to create a culture of inclusion within your project and the CEC. You are expected to encourage and support Team Members and the campus community to learn about and be involved in sustainability at UT.
Responsibilities. Meet with student organizations to understand their needs, identify ways to make their events and/or meetings more sustainable, provide recycling and composting services at events, educate event attendees about sustainable practices, and recruit additional organizations to green their events. Train and lead the Green Events Team Members. Manage the Green Events Instagram page and other outreach initiatives.
Specific Position Functions (to be divided between Project Leaders)
- Facilitate consultations with student orgs to determine event logistics
- Contact student organizations to encourage using Green Events’ services
- Manage the team’s budget, invoices, product inventory, and order supplies as needed
- Set-up and break-down compost and recycling services at org events/meetings
- Help event attendees recycle and compost, educate attendees about sustainability and zero waste
- Collect and record compost and recycling data from events
- Work with various UT departments to reach as many orgs as possible and continually improve services
- Manage Green Events email and calendar
- Seek and apply for internal and external grants, as applicable
Requirements. Strong communication skills and ability to communicate effectively about sustainability and zero waste. Demonstrated dedication and commitment to Green Events. Desire to educate various groups on campus about the importance of decreasing environmental impact. Willingness to sort through trash, recycling, and compost at events to minimize contamination. Ability to attend student org events on nights and weekends and be flexible in scheduling. Preferred to have a Texas driver's license, or the ability to obtain a Texas license upon employment, and drive a small pickup truck.
Preferred Skills. Well versed in various waste issues and solutions such as recycling, composting, repurposing, circular economy, waste and climate, etc. Demonstrated passion and willingness to learn about these topics.
Wage. $13.00 per hour, 10 hours per week
Location. Hybrid work environment. Office located in Student Services Building (SSB) 1.302
Start Date/Duration. Preferred start date of early December 2021. This is an academic year position (i.e. approx. Sep-May). Two semester commitment required (i.e. through Fall 2022).
CEC Leader Mandatory Meeting Schedule
- Leadership Council Meetings, General “Campfire” Meetings. Weekly, typically 6-7:30pm on Tues
- Weekly meeting with Team Co-Lead
- Weekly/biweekly meetings with Team Members
- Bi-Weekly check point meetings with Staff Advisor
CEC Leader Expectations
- Attend mandatory meetings and other team meetings as needed
- Monitor and respond to team emails and inquiries promptly
- Recruit, manage, support, and encourage Team Members and volunteers
- Be an active member of the CEC leadership and support CEC members by attending and volunteering at various CEC events
- Attend social and service events whenever possible (optional and do not count as paid time)
- Develop, implement, and report on a team-specific metrics tracking strategy each semester
To apply, submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and the relevant skills/experiences you bring. Submit materials via Handshake or directly to Brianna.duran@austin.utexas.edu. Students who are Work Study eligible should also submit their Work Study Verification (WSV). Applications due Nov. 14th.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this internship, the Green Events Intern will:
- Understand how to apply concepts of sustainability to their personal lives, the campus community, and globally.
- Have a strong knowledge of waste-related issues.
- Improve their ability to work as a team using effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution to meet the team’s goals.
- Gain experience consulting with a wide range of groups to understand their needs and restrictions and aid them in implementing sustainable practices.
- Gain public speaking, email writing, meeting, and other professional communications skills.
Career-Readiness Competencies:
As a Green Events intern, students will strengthen the below competencies.
- Oral/Written Communications: Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms. By leading consultations and giving presentations, strengthen public speaking skills, interpersonal communications skills, and ability to express ideas to others. Will gain professional email communications skills.
- Professionalism/Work Ethic: Demonstrate personal accountability and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment consisting of student and professional staff.
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Strengthen the use of sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. Develop and implement creative new ideas about how to engage students in the Green Events program.
- Teamwork/Collaboration: Build collaborative relationships with teammates and "customers" (other UT student organizations). Develop ability to work within a team structure.
The UT Office of Sustainability/Campus Environmental Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including BIPOC, LGBTQ identifying people, gender-nonconforming people, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English.