Sustainability Peer Educator / Sustainability Specialist

Job title: Sustainability Peer Educator/ Sustainability Specialist

Reports to: Alexa Goodman, Sustainability Manager, Dalhousie Office of Sustainability  

Job location: 1236 Henry Street, Halifax NS B3H 4R2  

Wage: $18.00 / hour 

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship)  

Start Date: Expected May 25, 2025

Number of Positions: 1 

Equity Hiring:   

Clean is committed to Employment Equity. Our goal is to be inclusive of a diverse workforce that is reflected at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes candidates from diverse equity groups to apply and encourage you 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 Office of Sustainability at Dalhousie University supports initiatives that drive positive social, ecological, and economic change across campus operations. Through innovative policy and planning, sustainable projects, and efficient programming and operations, we aim to reduce environmental impact while fostering a culture of sustainability. We actively engage students, staff, and faculty in collaborative efforts to promote sustainable behaviour and inspire meaningful action.

Summary of position   

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be Dalhousie University’s Office of Sustainability. Reporting to the Sustainability Manager, the Sustainability Peer Educator/Specialist plays a key role in delivering sustainability-focused education and engagement activities across Dalhousie University’s campuses. This position
supports initiatives related to waste, energy, and sustainable transportation through hands-on events, audits, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sustainability and experience in public engagement and education.

Duties and Responsibilities   

• Educational Outreach and Engagement
  • Deliver interactive waste education programs focused on topics such as waste sorting, food waste reduction, and textile recycling.
  • Assist in planning and executing campus events, including the Commuter Challenge, Sustainability Month, and other engagement activities.
  • Educate and engage with the university community at waste stations and other public settings through outreach tabling.
• Audits and Program Support
  • Collaborate with the OS team to conduct waste, energy, and transportation audits.
  • Collect and analyze data to identify areas for improvement and support program
  development.
• Content Creation and Volunteer Coordination
  • Create engaging content for the Office of Sustainability’s social media channels to promote programs, events, and initiatives.
  • Work with the Communications and Administration Officer to recruit, organize, and manage volunteers for sustainability events and activities.

Requirements/Qualifications  

• Currently enrolled as a Dalhousie student.
• Experience in public engagement, education, or community outreach.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and independently when needed.
• Interest in and knowledge of sustainability, including waste management, energy, and sustainable transportation.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools (e.g., Canva) is an asset.

Working Conditions 

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, combining office-based tasks with occasional outdoor activities:
• Office Environment: Work will primarily be conducted at the Office of Sustainability, located on the 5th Floor of the Central Services Building, 1236 Henry Street. Office space and a computer will be provided.
• Outdoor Work: Semi-regular outdoor activities may include biodiversity surveying, waste audits, event support, or community engagement, requiring adaptability to varying weather conditions.
• Hybrid Schedule:
 – During the summer term, in-person work is required.
 – In the fall and winter terms, a hybrid schedule allows for a mix of remote and
in-office work, as determined by program needs.
• Communication Expectations: Daily or every-second-day email monitoring is required to ensure timely responses, which can be completed remotely.

Flexibility and the ability to manage tasks independently are key to succeeding in this role.

Physical Requirements 

Office Environment:
a. Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
b. Minimal physical effort required for general office tasks (e.g., using a computer, filing, or
light lifting of office supplies).
Outdoor Work: c. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which may include hot, cold, or wet environments.
d. Physical stamina to stand, walk, or move around during outdoor activities like biodiversity surveys, waste audits, or event setup and support.
e. Ability to carry or transport lightweight equipment or materials as needed for community engagement or event support.

Overall, this role requires a combination of sedentary office work and moderate physical activity for outdoor tasks. Adaptability to different environments and basic physical fitness are essential