Our student associate program is one of the highest impact internship programs at WashU in terms of the caliber of work students produce; as well as professional development and leadership training provided to prepare students for high-impact lives and careers.
Over 100 students have graduated from the Office of Sustainability’s internship program since its inception in 2012. Bringing a variety of skill sets and backgrounds to the team, student associates have significantly expanded our reach and impact at the university, while gaining invaluable experience.
The Office of Sustainability is now recruiting for the three open positions described below, for the fall semester and preferably beyond. The paid positions require a commitment of 5-10 hours/week. Undergraduate positions start at $10/hour; graduate positions start at $12/hour. Associates work collaboratively in groups on projects with oversight from the Office of Sustainability staff.
Food & Dining Associate (1 open position)
The Office of Sustainability seeks to foster a food system that advances environmental and public health while supporting a strong local economy. Food Associates facilitate this process in partnership with Office of Sustainability staff, WashU Dining Services, and other campus stakeholders.
The Associate will support a variety of food-related initiatives outlined in the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan for Sustainable Operations and assist with tracking report metrics that will improve transparency and accountability in the university food system. Duties may include: plan and promote the Green Monday campaign and the Food Guide, organize events during Food Week in October (which includes the notorious Harvest Festival); and promote participation in the Community Supported Agriculture program.
Communication & Marketing Associate (1 open position)
The Communications & Marketing Associate will work with the Office of Sustainability to strengthen communications and marketing of the University’s sustainability initiatives, accomplishments, and upcoming events. The Associate will play a role in managing the ongoing communications needs of the Office of Sustainability. Duties will include coordinating with campus partners to develop content for the website; developing communications materials including flyers, posters, and pamphlets; assisting with the bi-monthly Office of Sustainability newsletter; maintaining and building the Office of Sustainability’s social media communications on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter; and outreach to students at events.
Green Office Associate (1 open position)
The Green Office Program synthesizes goals within the Strategic Plan for Sustainable Operations into a checklist and educates staff about how to incorporate more sustainable practices into their operations and practices. Through participation, staff transform into new advocates for the university’s sustainability ethic. The program is comprised of a point-based, self-assessment checklist with which offices can assess their current practices, set goals, and be recognized for their achievements.
The Green Office Associate plays a key role administering, promoting and expanding this important program. Tasks include marketing the program to new offices, meeting with offices to provide an overview of the program, processing completed checklists as they are submitted, sending re-submission reminders to offices, making periodic updates to the checklist, and writing monthly newsletters. This position acts as a liaison between the Office of Sustainability and participating offices and WashU staff.