Compost Intern (Part-Time/Seasonal)
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Compensation: $18/hour
The NYC Compost Project at Queens Botanical Garden works to rebuild NYC’s soils by providing New Yorkers with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to produce and use compost locally. QBG Compost is a place where New Yorkers can participate in and learn about composting through tours, workshops, internships, and volunteer opportunities. Compost is made and applied to promote soil and plant health. Compost is used across the botanical garden and the Farm and distributed to those who participate in Food Scrap Drop-Offs.
Queens Botanical Garden seeks a seasonal intern to support the Compost staff with all aspects of on-site composting. We are looking for a dedicated, hard-working individual with a keen interest in composting.
Responsibilities/Duties
Learning Objectives:
- Explore environmental justice principles and how equitable access to composting and sustainable waste management benefits underserved communities.
- Cultivate an in-depth awareness about food scrap recycling and waste reduction in NYC.
- Gain proficiency in composting by processing food waste through hands on experience in the operations of organic composting including managing and collecting organic waste; compost builds; monitoring and managing compost piles; shifting; and finishing of distributable product.
- Gain skills in public outreach, presentation, and facilitation so intern can develop and teach compost themed workshops on the benefits and process of community composting at QBG and other sites.
- Assist the composting staff with research, materials development, outreach, compost giveaway events, and other tasks.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Post-high school and college students from ages 18-24 interested in green jobs and environmental sustainability
- Self-motivated, excellent communicator, with the ability to work alone as well as with others
- Demonstrate reliability with consistent attendance and punctuality
- Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Interest in food waste reduction
- Willing to work in an environment that can be messy, including food scraps and horticulture waste, with occasional exposure to strong odors
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
- Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding
Additional Information
Schedule: This is a part-time seasonal position. Position available for 15 hours per week from October through May. A flexible schedule may be worked out to accommodate school or other needs.
Compensation: $18/ hour
To apply, submit your resume, cover letter and any supporting documents to our Career Center. If you encounter difficulties with uploading documents to the portal, please send via email to hr@queensbotanical.org.
Contact Information
Queens Botanical Garden
Contact Name: Human Resources
Email: hr@queensbotanical.org
Phone: 7188863800
Website: Apply Online