Waste Diversion Intern

Job title: Waste Diversion Intern (WDI)

Reports to: Supervisor – Outreach & Communications, Education & Enforcement Department

Job location: 908 Mullock Road, Whynott’s Settlement, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg

Wage: $17.20 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (9-week internship)

Start date: Expected July 2, 2024

Employment Hiring

Clean is committed to Employment Equity and our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes applications from qualified self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Racialized Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on our registration form.

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.

Program Requirements

• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship;
• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship;
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer;

About the host employer

The Municipal Joint Services Board (MJSB) was created in 2013 to administer common municipal services under a cost sharing arrangement to better serve residents of the District of Lunenburg, Town of Bridgewater and Town of Mahone Bay. The MJSB currently oversees several shared service initiatives: Waste Management, Information Technology and Human Resources.

The Waste Management Shared Service is administered by the Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre (LRCRC), located at 908 Mullock Road in Whynott’s Settlement. The Waste Diversion Intern will work from an office at the LRCRC.

Summary of position 

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be the Municipal Joint Services Board. In this position, you will be mainly responsible for the administration of waste education and outreach programs associated with the MJSB partner’s Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Bylaws and the Regulations for the Admission and Disposal of Waste at the LRCRC. The WDI will focus on educating residents and businesses about waste sorting guidelines for curbside collection and wastes delivered directly to the LRCRC. The WDI will provide administrative support for MJSB staff, as well as support for the LRCRC public waste bin attendants.

The WDI will conduct public relations outreach programs including curbside outreach, workshops, event booths and presentations to promote recycling, proper waste separation and waste reduction.

The WDI will also promote residential and commercial compliance with waste by-laws through targeted education visits.

The successful candidate must have a valid NS drivers license.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• To work with the Outreach & Communications Supervisor to deliver waste-related education to businesses and residents
• To work with the LRCRC Site Manager and Environmental Supervisor to inspect and follow up on improperly sorted wastes delivered to the site, as required
• To work with LRCRC public drop off bin attendants and transfer station staff to inspect waste loads delivered to the LRCRC and to follow up on compliance issues by providing education
• To receive electronics delivered to the LRCRC and to bag compost for sale, as required.
• To work with Outreach department staff and other administrative staff within the three MJSB partner units on waste education issues
• To liaise with the contracted waste hauler for the three MJSB partner units on curbside waste issues to provide waste education, as required
• To provide occasional support for the administration/finance department, as required.

Outreach

• Conducts public relations outreach programs including curbside outreach, workshops, event booths and presentations to promote recycling, proper waste separation and waste reduction
• Assisting in preparation of reports to the Municipal Joint Services Board on waste management programs and services
• Forwarding information to the Outreach & Communications Supervisor for follow up, regarding public inquiries, waste management issues, LRCRC programs and illegal dumpsites
• Working with non-profit organizations to provide support in waste management initiatives
• To assist the Outreach & Communications Supervisor as required
• Provides back up support for public waste bin attendants as required to cover breaks, sick days and vacation time

Compliance

• Promotes residential and commercial compliance with waste by-laws through targeted education visits
• Accompanies Outreach & Compliance Officer or Outreach & Communications Supervisor during inspections of illegal dumpsites and records information when necessary

• Maintains accurate, orderly files regarding all residential and commercial visits
• Monitors incoming waste loads for compliance with waste sorting guidelines

Administrative Support 

• Answers and directs phone calls
• Receives and conveys messages
• Types and proofreads documents
• Performs other office related duties, as required, occasionally
• Picks up and drops off mail at post office, circulates mail internally

Requirements/Qualifications

• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment
• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback
• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset
• Currently enrolled in high school program or higher education
• The ability to work effectively with the public is essential
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to plan ahead
• Excellent organizational and time management skills are required
• Ability to compile accurate written records detailing observations and residential/commercial visits
• Must be able to work independently, in a team setting and to change duties quickly as required

Working Conditions 

• On-site, office, waste site operational facilities, as well as periodically visiting other locations off-site
• Working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions will be required
• Working with the public will be required

Physical Requirements
Occasionally lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) (equipment/assistance to be provided, as required).