Green Practices Intern (Seasonal)

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Green Practices Intern for a seasonal position in the Conservation & Education Department. The intern will support sustainability programs by conducting waste audits, collecting data, and enhancing programming. This role requires up to 25 hours per week from May to August, primarily Monday to Friday, with some weekends possible. Applicants should have at least 2 years of college coursework and strong data skills.
GREEN PRACTICES INTERN

DEPARTMENT

Conservation & Education

CLASSIFICATION

Seasonal Non-Exempt (Hourly)

REPORTS TO

Conservation Manager

DIRECT REPORTS

N/A

STARTING PAY

$15.00/Hour

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

The Green Practices Internship serves as an opportunity to receive hands-on training in the Conservation & Education Department. Under general direction, the Green Practices Intern will provide support for the Zoo’s Conservation and Sustainability programs. This position will primarily focus on evaluating waste streams, staff and visitor participation in sustainability programing, and energy use data collection, but may at times assist the Conservation Manager with other tasks. For this position, a waste stream is defined as the disposal or removal of a single product type from zoo grounds i.e. cardboard or electronics.

The intern will be supervised by the Conservation Manager, but will also work closely with the Sustainability Coordinator to complete data collection and waste stream audits.

TIME COMMITMENT:

This is a summer internship, working up to 25 hours per week, May through August. The schedule for this internship primarily occurs Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00pm, but it may occasionally require weekend or evening hours. Specific start and end dates may vary based upon individual availability and departmental needs.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Interns are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties

Percentage

Audits and enhances sustainability programming, including:
• Performing waste audits.
• Identifying opportunities for improved signage and communication around sustainability programs.
• Participating in upcycling activities.
• Collecting data on carious waste streams and energy sources to enhance current programming.
• Organizing data sets for use by the Conservation department.
• Researching additional sustainability programming needs.
• Creating web content outlining Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium green practices.

80%

Participates in various activities or projects to increase knowledge base surrounding Zoo operations, conservation, and workforce readiness, including but not limited to:
• Assisting Conservation Manager with various tasks/duties.
• Promoting and participating in the Zoo’s conservation and sustainability events.
• Networking with other interns or Zoo professionals.

20%
• This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
• All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
• At least 2 years’ of college coursework strongly preferred.
• EXPERIENCE:
• Strong understanding of data collection and analysis preferred.
• Strong written, verbal communication and organizational skills desired. As well as the ability to relate to and interact with company personnel.
• Excellent creativity and adaptability.
• Takes initiative and has a strong work ethic.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment, desired.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which could include weekends, holidays and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.