Temp Seasonal – Waste Reduction Education and Outreach Internship

CLASS SUMMARY The City of Spokane invites applicants to apply for the position of Temporary Seasonal – Solid Waste Education and Outreach Intern. The City of Spokane Solid Waste Department is seeking an Outreach and Education Intern for the Spokane area. This part‑time position requires 15‑20 hours per week during the spring and summer months (late March through early September), with flexibility in start and end dates as well as weekly hours.

The internship offers a moderately flexible schedule and paid professional work experience. The Waste Reduction Education and Outreach Intern will support seasonal and event‑based waste reduction efforts, assist in public education, and increase the capacity of the Solid Waste Education and Outreach team to engage with community members on best practices for waste reduction including proper diversion of recyclable and organic materials.

Public demand for waste reduction guidance continues to grow, with increasing interest in composting, reuse, and recycling education. The City of Spokane’s Waste Reduction Education Team regularly engages the community through farmers markets, school visits, tabling events, marketing campaigns, and a variety of other outreach activities. We work closely with small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to strengthen and support local waste reduction efforts.

The following responsibilities and requirements are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. As an Outreach and Education Intern, a typical day might include the following:

• Support education and outreach events (farmers markets, community fairs, workshops).
• Assist with outreach campaigns designed to educate the public on proper waste disposal and materials diversion (cart tagging, commercial recycling/composting education and contamination remediation).
• Assist with large group Waste to Energy tours.
• Collect participation data and support event reporting.
• Assist with Waste Ambassador programs such as litter picking events, materials collection events, and other waste reduction projects.

This internship might be for you if:

• You are a current student pursuing a degree in environmental stewardship, education, communication, community programming, or similar.
• You have the desire to learn about solid waste and waste reduction initiatives and are comfortable interacting with the public in a variety of work environments.
• You are dependable, professional, and can work independently.
• You are passionate about environmental sustainability.
• You are seeking experience working with local government, non‑profit agencies, and diverse communities.
• You are interested in learning and talking about trash all summer.

High School diploma or equivalent. Possession of a valid driver’s license. Ability to occasionally move supplies or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Must be able to pass a drug test. This role is considered a safety‑sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death. You must successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews, a criminal background check, a pre‑employment drug screen, reference verifications, aptitude tests (for some positions), and a physical and lift test (for some positions).

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. Local 270 is the sole bargaining agent for temp seasonal employees.

Temp seasonal employees receive paid sick leave in accordance with state sick leave legislation.