Sustainability Intern
GENERAL SUMMARY: The Sustainability Intern plays a crucial role in supporting the Sustainability Office and implementing the community’s sustainability plan that balances environmental and ecological integrity with economic prosperity and social/cultural vibrancy; addresses organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans; and performs other duties as assigned.
POSITION BACKGROUND: The City of Dubuque has committed to creating an equitable community of choice for all residents and businesses and recognizes its role in advancing racial equity and social justice through its daily operations. Additionally, the City Council has named Sustainability as one of its priorities each year since 2006. In 2020, the City updated the 50% by 2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CAP) and City Council approved funding of a community engagement effort related to the CAP. The intern will help to ensure equitable community engagement and general support of sustainability initiatives.
The Intern will have the opportunity to use data collection, best practices research, community engagement, event planning, creativity, and review of historical practices to place under-represented communities and sustainability initiatives at the forefront of the work.
TEAM DESCRIPTION: The Office of Sustainability was established in 2006 as part of the City Manager’s Office at the direction of City Council. The Office guides the city’s efforts to make our community a better place to live. The Office of Sustainability engages City leadership and collaborates across City departments and with the community to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, supports the Resilient Community Advisory Commission and facilitates other community-led sustainability projects. The Sustainability Intern will be part of the City Manager’s Office and will work closely with the Director of Sustainability, the Climate Action Coordinator, as well as other departments and residents.
Read more about Sustainability and Equity in Dubuque:
Equity and Human Rights Department
Job Duties
JOB DUTIES:
The goal of this internship is to support sustainability work for the City while developing skills and experience in a local government setting. The Intern’s responsibilities will consist of the following activities:
Development and implementation of community education and engagement campaigns related to the Climate Action Plan (strategies or practices).
Coalition building among vulnerable populations
Assist with logistics and scheduling for the Growing Sustainable Communities conference
Implement communications plan and upkeep website and social media
Prepare operational reports, and financial and proposal documents as needed.
Research issues related to the environment or sustainable business practices.
Create marketing materials.
Obtain information about goods or services.
Perform data entry and analysis.
Other creative tasks as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Computer Skills: Skill in computer technology, including Microsoft Office and Google products.
Dependability & Reliability: Detail-oriented and able to accurately meet and communicate about deadlines, organized, analytical and highly motivated.
Administrative Skill: Commitment to provide high-level administrative support in a fast-paced environment.
Interpersonal Skills: Diplomatic, comfortable interacting with commissioners, city staff and residents
Mission Driven: Mission-driven with a passion for fostering social, economic, or environmental change.
Sustainability: Interest in sustainability in local government
Initiative: Ability to work independently with initiative
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion body of practice. A deep interest in developing equitable policies and programs to advance social justice and sustainability goals in Dubuque.
Writing Expression and Speech Clarity: Strong oral and written communication skills.
Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving: Ability to quickly learn organizational policies, procedures and structures that influence the decision-making process; proactively able to identify potential issues and brainstorm solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning: Using rules to solve problems, making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
An associate degree or, at a minimum, in the third year of college or university.
Experience working directly with or living among people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Experience in customer service.
Supplemental Information
SUPERVISORY STATUS: None
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
The City of Dubuque does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, differing ability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The City of Dubuque encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.