Waste Management Intern

The Niagara Region has a full-time Waste Management Intern positions available with the Waste Management Services division of the Public Works Department. We are seeking recent graduates of a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate program in Environmental Science/Management, Geography, Environmental/Urban Planning, Education, Business Communication or a related field of study.

Location: Main office location is located at the Niagara Recycling Centre (Niagara Falls, ON)

Waste Management Services is part of the Public Works Department and is responsible for providing cost-effective and environmentally sound waste management programs/services to the residents and businesses of the twelve Niagara municipalities. Waste Management Services is divided into four main sections: Waste Disposal Operations and Engineering, Collection & Diversion Operations, Policy & Planning, and Compliance. Each section is responsible for various services and programs, and the Waste Management (WM) Interns primarily support Collection & Diversion Operations over the duration of their 24 month contract.

Waste Management Interns work as part of a team to promote the Region’s various waste management programs, coordinate and set-up recycling services at community events, staff information displays, make presentations to schools, daycares and community groups, and consolidate data, research and document findings. Interns interact with members of the public over the phone, through face-to-face interaction as well as written communication. WM Interns also assist with the creation, distribution and presentation of promotional and educational materials.

The Waste Management Intern positions conduct visual curbside audits of material placed at the curb. These audits involve data collection and reporting/analysis of results. Interns conduct recycling and organic container inventories and deliver containers to municipal and retail sales locations as required using a Regional vehicle. WM Interns are an integral part of a team responsible for the maintenance of Niagara Region’s multi-residential organics and diversion programs and assist in the implementation of various initiatives and projects to increase participation in the Region’s collection programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Transporting and setting up displays and tents at special events and summer camps
• Delivering and picking up recycling / organic carts, recycling boxes or green bins from special events as well as a variety of container distribution locations across the region
• Periodically donning mascot costumes at selected special events, schools, daycares and parades as necessary
• Candidate must be able to lift / push 22.7 kg (50 lbs.) of recycling containers; break down stacks of recycling and organics containers that are approximately 2.3 m (7.5 feet) in height; and maneuver containers using a dolly on a truck ramp of up to 50 kg (110 lbs)

These physical demands are preferred, however there is possibility for accommodation.

EDUCATION

• Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e. GED), plus
• Must have successfully completed an Environmental Science/Management, Geography, Environmental/Urban Planning, Business Communications, Education or related post-secondary degree/diploma program within the last 18 months (or will successfully complete prior to starting this position)

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of waste management issues and legislation is a definite asset
• Understanding of Regional/Municipal Government policies/practices is an asset
• Experience teaching/presenting to a variety of age groups is an asset

SKILLS

• Highly developed communication skills - written and oral
• Excellent customer service and public presentation skills
• Strong computer skills
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills
• Ability to meet numerous deadlines and work well under pressure
• Ability to interact and engage with a variety of audiences (both type and size)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the Educational section
• Must be available to work weekends and evenings as required
• Must hold a valid, unrestricted G class driver’s license. G2 licences are not acceptable. Driving Regional vehicles for frequent deliveries and business travel is required.
• Must be able to work full-time for the temporary duration advertised
• This position requires the successful applicant submit a satisfactory driver's abstract as determined by Niagara Region as a condition of hire
• Must provide own CSA-approved safety work boots if hired

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note, individuals selected for an interview will be asked to provide proof of graduation from a related field of study and may be required to prepare a presentation as part of the recruitment process.