Sustainability Engagement Intern

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  CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  

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  CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  

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  If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
  

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State Sustainability, supported by PepsiCo, is seeking a presently-enrolled Penn State student passionate about fostering sustainability on campus through education and engagement. This intern will work with Penn State Sustainability, the Office of Physical Plant and other campus partners to research and make recommendations to foster sustainable behaviors. In particular, this position will be focused on influencing waste reduction and recycling behaviors through education, engagement, marketing, and infrastructure for the on-campus population, researchers in laboratories, as well as visitors to campus events such as Football games and Thon.

The successful candidate will be a responsible and self-motivated learner with a GPA above 3.0, who possesses superb written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills. The applicant should have an interest in, and some pre-existing knowledge about, sustainability issues and concepts. Must be curious, enjoy problem-solving and strategic thinking, and be capable of working independently and with a team. Working some evening and/or weekend hours and driving a university-owned vehicle may be required.

The intern will assist with: 

• Researching best practices for behavior change and influence techniques for transient communities
• Investigating strategies for marketing and infrastructure to influence waste reduction and recycling behavior
• Recommending strategies to advance sustainable behaviors, especially recycling
• Creating resources for educating community members on waste reduction and recycling behavior and/or general sustainability
• Generating and implementing football weekend programs and strategies for increasing sustainable behavior

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Researching behavior shifting practices at other institutions, universities and colleges
• Meeting with subject matter experts and recording their input
• Making recommendations for updates to infrastructure, messaging, and/or communication strategies
• Creating resources for educating about and marketing sustainability
• Creating a final report and/or presentation at the end of the summer
• In Fall, assisting with Football weekend programs and strategies
• Assisting with public programming as needed

Additionally, Penn State Sustainability is interested in supporting students who are working their way through college and therefore will ask that applicants consider eligibility for Community Service Federal Work Study at Penn State .

To apply: Interested candidates are required to submit a cover letter and resume.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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