Waste Reduction Intern

Job title: Waste Reduction Intern

Reports to: Lee-Ann Nunn, Supervisor of Solid Waste Operations – Department of Infrastructure and Operations

Job location: East Hants Waste Management Centre, 1306 Georgefield Road, Upper Kennetcook, Nova Scotia

Wage: $17.00 / hour

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

Start Date: Expected June 25, 2026 

Number of Positions: 1

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 Municipality of East Hants offers a culture of teamwork, trust and service excellence and we are passionate about serving our communities. Come work with us!

Summary of position  

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be the Municipality of East Hants. In this position, you provide support to the Solid Waste Division through various waste reduction activities and clean-up efforts. The intern will conduct residential solid waste audits at our Waste Management Centre and provide waste reduction education to residents of East Hants. A typical day may include inspecting received material at the WMC and providing educational material to residents to promote proper sorting practices. The successful candidate needs to have excellent communication skills as well as an appreciation for waste reduction and diversion. The successful applicant needs to be independent, well organized and comfortable conducting work outdoors and at waste management facilities. A valid class 5 drivers license is required.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Work in consultation with WMC staff to audit curbside collection material including garbage, compost and recycling materials.
• Record and summarize findings for future education efforts. Provide feedback for both residents and haulers. 
• Support the Waste Services and Compliance Officer in preparing and delivering solid waste education packages to the public and businesses. 
• Assist in any Waste Reduction presentations including booths at community events and presentations at summer camps.
• Assist the Waste Services and Compliance Officer in conducting illegal dumpsite investigations and small clean-ups. 
• Support operations staff at the WMC with the onsite environmental monitoring program, litter cleanups, and supporting with compliance and stewardship programs.

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; 
• Ability to use Microsoft Products (Excel, Word) considered an asset 
• Depending on the task must wear all PPE as per Municipal guidelines that may include: safety shoes, hard hat, reflective vest, gloves.

Working Conditions  

• The majority of work will be conducted outdoors and at the East Hants Waste Management Facility. The candidate should be able to work in various weather conditions and must be comfortable working around various odors and strong smells associated with solid waste
• Office environment provided for office work (data entry, daily task tracking, etc.)

Physical Requirements

The position requires frequent standing/walking and ability to lift 25 lbs.