Metro Waste Prevention and Environmental Services (WPES) Community Services and Education Internship (Close May 21)

Job Title:Waste Prevention and Environmental Services (WPES) Community Services and Education InternshipClosing Date/Time:Fri. 05/21/21 5:00 PM Pacific TimeSalary:$14.00 Hourly
Job Type:InternshipLocation:600 NE Grand Ave, Portland, Oregon

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Position summary Benefits Supplemental Questions

Are you passionate about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and protecting the environment and human health? Would you like to learn about careers in garbage, recycling and environmental services and beyond?

Metro's Waste Reduction and Environmental Services department is offering internship opportunities for three high school juniors (incoming seniors for the 2021-22 school year) with a positive attitude and an interest in sustainability and environmental justice. In this role, you will support our team as you gain knowledge and skill in education, communication, planning, research and operations, all focused on managing and reducing the human and environmental impacts of goods consumed in the region, from production to disposal.

This is a learning opportunity, so no specific skills or prior experience are required. We value discovering how youth's perspectives and experiences can contribute to Metro's greater agency goals.

What you will do:
As one of three new members of our Community Services and Education Intern and Leadership Cohort, composed of 11 interns, you will participate in small group and individual educational and development opportunities including workshops, tours and job shadows while assisting with specific projects that catch your interest and that are related to Metro's goals. Some of those projects include brainstorming, logistical support work and feedback for our school-based waste prevention and environmental justice programming, community enhancement grants, and internal workforce equity efforts to name a few.

This internship is expected to last for three years, with a starting pay rate of $14.00 per hour. During the summer, you will work three days per week (for a total of 24 hours per week). After the summer, you will continue your employment throughout the school year at reduced hours (8-10 hours per week) with expected mandatory attendance to most Saturday meetings (twice per month). The internship consists of three calendar years that follow this format.

We are currently working and meeting virtually. However, starting with Summer 2021, we are hopeful that we will be able to start to return to meeting in person, following all CDC guidelines.

What you will learn:

  • An understanding of the region's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and protect the human and environmental health.

  • Academic and career pathways focused on managing and reducing the environmental impacts of goods consumed in the region, from production to disposal with an emphasis on environmental justice.

  • Important job-seeking skills such as resume writing, interviewing, building a portfolio, and developing a professional network.

  • How other Metro departments and divisions, including Parks and Nature, Oregon Convention Center and Portland'5 Centers for the Performing Arts contribute to the region’s livability.

  • How communication experts, planners, project managers, educators, lawyers and engineers all play an essential role in managing our garbage and recycling industry.

  • Essential job skills including time management, professional communication, personal organization and networking.

  • How local decision-making takes place and how your voice can influence regional policies and services.

  • More about racial equity and other social justice topics.

  • A variety of computer applications.

Summer Schedule Details: 

Training and Orientation will occur in July. The three-day-a-week schedule will look like the following:

Tuesdays (9am-3pm)

 

  • Updating weekly schedule

  • Reading and answering emails

  • Meeting Metro staff

  • Meeting with team for session (full day together in a conference room)

 

Wednesdays (8am-4:30pm)

  • Checking emails

  • Check in with coordinator for projects/tasks

  • Prep for job shadows (readings, coming up with questions, meeting & greeting staff)

  • Reflecting on job shadows

 

Thursdays (8am-4:30pm)

  • Check emails, update calendars for next week

  • Get ready for tours (asking questions, being present)

  • Reflect with team about tours

  • Reflect with team about week (what went well and what could be improved)

 


Application requirements:
1.) Complete electronic application containing 2.) Answers to supplemental questions

Recruitment Timeline:
We will be reviewing applications during the last week of May and emailing those that have been selected for an interview as well as those who haven’t. Be sure to provide us with an email address you check often. We expect the interviews to take place during mid-June. Final decisions will be made the last week of June, unless otherwise informed.
Additional Information:
Work location: In response to COVID-19, work will generally be performed off-site (remote/telework) until the Metro Regional Center reopens.

Additional Information Related to COVID-19: The health and safety of our employees and community is a top priority for Metro. Employees will be required to follow all Metro COVID-related policies and procedures, which may meet or exceed guidelines set forth by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and other federal, state and local jurisdictions. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/COVID-19.

Hello, we're MetroAcross greater Portland in 24 cities and three counties, there's one local government that brings us all together. Led by an elected council, Metro helps Oregonians shape the future and provides services that make life better today. Metro's work spans parks and nature, land and transportation, garbage and recycling, and arts and events. We help make greater Portland a great place to call home.

At Metro, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

 

Find us on social media (@Oregon Metro)


Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570. 


Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources at 503-797-1570.


Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.


 Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.


Criminal background check: In order to protect the wellbeing of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.

 

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer