Environmental Health Outreach & Engagement Internship

Position Description
The Environmental Health Division of the Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Department has an internship opportunity that will make a significant impact on the community, supporting the work of the Outreach & Engagement / Solid Waste Programs. 
Unit.

This team works with residents, community organizations, schools, businesses, and municipalities to meet state, regional, and local waste management outcomes and support other Ramsey County Environmental Health initiatives. It provides financial and technical assistance, tools and resources, and outreach and engagement activities. The work raises awareness, builds knowledge, implements strategies to manage and reduce waste responsibly, and advances environmental justice.
Activities include the Recycling Ambassador program, community Fix-It Clinics, tabling and speaking at community events, the Food Scraps Pickup Program, the Recycling Exists campaign, Biz Recycling, and several school programs.

The work schedule will primarily be 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. The position will include some evening and weekend work to support education and engagement activities in the community. This position is a hybrid role, with the expectation of at least two days per week in the office (located in Maplewood) and the rest of the time working remotely.
 

Responsibilities:
•  This role offers a unique opportunity to become familiar with recycling and waste management in Ramsey County, providing a rich learning experience.
•  Help staff tables at community events and educate residents about recycling, waste reduction, and the food scraps pickup program.
•  With assistance from Ramsey County staff, work with summer camps, libraries, and other community groups to conduct youth educational programs, focusing on recycling, waste reduction, and the food scraps pickup program.
•  Assist with running monthly Fix-It Clinics.
•  Research and write articles for the Green Ramsey e-newsletter.
•  Assist with the development of social media content.
•  Assist with community presentations on recycling, waste management, and the food scraps pickup program.
•  Support the outreach and engagement needs of environmental health programs.
Observe Ramsey County work activities and suggest improvements.
•  Independently manage assigned work and document its completion, seeking help when 
needed.

Position Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications
•  Your ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues and residents is crucial and highly valued in this role.
•  Comfortable sharing information with others verbally.
•  Strong writing skills.
•  Academic experience and current undergraduate or graduate school enrollment in environmental health, public health, biological or physical sciences, education, or related fields.
•  Computer software competency in commonly used Microsoft Office and Adobe products.
•  Ability to travel to multiple locations in the county to attend events.
•  Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Additional Useful Qualifications
•  Previous work or volunteer experience in the environmental field.
•  Fluency in a language other than English.

Application Due: Friday, February 7, 2025
Apply for the position by sending a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to:
Beth Carreño (she/her), Outreach and Engagement / Solid Waste Programs Supervisor at
Elizabeth.carreno@ramseycounty.us

You can also reach out to Beth Carreno with questions about the position.