Sustainability Intern

Primary Objective

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

Examples of Duties

Energy Program Outreach (30%)

• Write, edit, and format content for newsletters, websites, social media, news releases, presentations, articles, flyers, mailers, and reports
• Prepare energy outreach kits (e.g. printing and folding materials, stuffing bags, sorting lightbulbs, etc.)
• Design signs and other materials for outreach events in Canva
• Assist with preparation, setup, staffing, and takedown of outreach events (e.g. prepare materials, pack and organize materials in advance of events, staff sign-in tables, greet guests, monitor food tables, etc.)
• Provide ideas and feedback to make outreach events more engaging
• Coordinate with other city divisions to assist with event and outreach preparation tasks as needed

Climate Action Plan Engagement (30%)

• Update internal and externally facing project pages on the City’s website.
• Conduct community outreach to spread awareness about plan development and engagement opportunities.
• Assist City staff and consultants with scheduling and taking minutes at meetings.

Sustainability Programing Support (30%)

• Assist staff across the organization with sustainability projects related to climate change, ecological land stewardship, solid waste, surface water quality, transportation, and water conservation.
• Example tasks:
  • Research and facilitate conversations around solid waste special projects with the Sustainability Commission.
  • Attend open houses in Bloomington to educate realtors about the City’s Time of Sale Energy Disclosure requirements.
  • Work with Communications and Public Health staff to advertise a new interactive bicycle parking map.
  • Capture photos throughout the community of climate change impacts, sustainable behaviors, resilient infrastructure, etc.
  • Coordinate and plan the City’s annual sustainability celebration.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Ability to work outside in various summer and fall weather conditions
• Ability to use an iPad to import data into a GIS map after training
• Ability to confidently and independently talk to members of the public in various settings including community events, at businesses, places of worship, at doors of residential properties about energy, climate change, and city programs
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and Word)
• Ability to write, edit, and format content for newsletters, websites, social media, news releases, presentations, articles, flyers, mailers, and reports
• Understanding of environmental sustainability concepts, including climate change, energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and waste reduction and prevention.
• Ability to take meeting minutes
• Ability to plan and coordinate events
• Ability to carry out administrative tasks such as managing schedules, answering phone calls, handling correspondence, data entry, and coordinating meetings

Minimum/Desirable Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Sustainability or closely related fields.
• Valid unrestricted driver's license
• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Ability to speak a second language, in addition to English that has a recognized presence in the community (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, Cambodian, etc.)
• Academic courses related to sustainability, climate change, energy, city planning, transportation, communications, community outreach, and GIS
• Work experience related to communications, community outreach, field data collection, local government, event planning, photography, GIS

Supplemental Information

Ongoing Part-Time employees who are employed for more than 6 months will make contributions to the pension program (PERA) through payroll deductions unless they qualify for one of the exemptions. In addition, Part-Time may receive Paid-time Off (PTO) at rate outlined in employee handbook and eligable for paid parental leave after 6 months of employment.

Temporary/Seasonal employees do not receive benefits outside of Paid-time Off (PTO) at rate outlined in employee handbook.