Job Information

Compost Facility & Research Cooperative Intern

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Title
Compost Facility & Research Cooperative Intern
Organization
NC State Waste Reduction & Recycling Office
Description

The Waste Reduction and Recycling office is seeking a student intern to assist with operations at the Compost Facility and Research Cooperative, and also work to advance the effectiveness of composting programs on campus. This hands-on experience will provide the intern with the knowledge necessary to operate a large-scale compost facility, as well as professional development skills related to program management. This internship is part of the Provost’s Professional Experience Program. PEP interns can only earn up to $2000 total during the 2020-2021 school year.


Background


The NCSU Compost Facility and Research Cooperative is permitted by the NC Department of Environmental Quality as a Large Type 3 facility. All food waste that is collected on campus, as well as paper towels, greenhouse waste, horse bedding from the NCSU Veterinary School, and wood chips are composted at the facility. Prior to composting, all incoming feedstocks are mixed using a specialized piece of equipment which helps ensure quality and consistency. Composting takes place using an aerated static pile system in which air is forced through the piles. With this system we’re able to expedite the time it takes to reach the internal temperatures necessary to kill any pathogens and weed seeds that may be present in the compost. After composting and curing, the final product is screened, allowing it to be used as a soil amendment in the landscape across campus and at the Agroecology Farm. This process creates a closed-loop organic waste management system for the university.


 Responsibilities


 ·        Assist with daily operations, including taking temperatures of compost piles. Maintain records, record and analyze data.


·        Help remove contamination from incoming feedstocks as well as from screened compost


·        Assist with site maintenance


·        Collect samples of finished compost to be sent to the lab for analysis


·        Participate in tours of the facility


·        Work on small compost-related projects, such as plant bioassays, recipe development, compost tea, etc.


·        Work with campus partners to reduce contamination being sent to the facility


·        Identify opportunities to expand compost collections


·        Help members of the campus community understand what is compostable


Schedule


The internship is for the Fall semester, starting in August, 2020. The Compost Facility is open Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm. We offer a flexible schedule of about 10 hours per week. The internship is complete once the intern has earned $2,000 total.

Qualifications
Requirements
• Undergraduate NCSU student
• Reliable transportation to the Compost Facility (4231 Inwood Road, Raleigh)
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions
• Proficiency in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.
• Excellent communication and organization skills

Preferred Qualifications
• Strong leadership skills
• Prior interest or involvement with compost, waste diversion, agriculture, horticulture, soil science, environmental science, and/or general sustainability

Salary
$10/ hour. Benefits are NOT provided.
Job Type
Internship
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina United States
Posted on
2020-07-17
Expires on
2020-09-04
Desired Start Date
Not provided
How to Apply