Sustainability Intern

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, and waste diversion, playing a larger 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 managing the waste stream at events and providing zero waste education and outreach for the community.

In 2023, the zero waste events team coordinated 130 days of events, reaching an estimated 301,042 people. Through these events, the team diverted 60,469.34 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 Science Center. 

Job Requirements

• Desire to educate others on sustainability initiatives while expanding personal knowledge of current sustainability trends
• Enthusiasm for working hands-on with environmental sustainability efforts including handling compost, waste, and recyclables ranging from 1-5 days a week
• Comfort with interacting publicly with a variety of people in various settings 
• Minimum of two years completed education, preferably towards a degree related to sustainability, or equivalent relevant experience
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, creative, and professional individual who can work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and at times over 8 hours in a day
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, and lift up to 50 pounds
• A valid driver’s license and transportation

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. Project work is typically done indoors in an open office environment. 

Duration of Position: 40 hours/week starting May 21, 2024 and ending October 7, 2024

Compensation: Housing plus $350 weekly stipend

Application Deadlines: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until May 1st, 2024.