Solid Waste Reduction Program Strategy

Project Title: Solid Waste Reduction Program Strategy 

Project Type: Hybrid 

Duration: 32 weeks (6 months). March 2025 - September 2025 

Location: 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546 

This position may perform remote work and/or report to other park locations, including Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore and Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda. Intern must 

provide their own vehicle for required local work-related travel. Mileage reimbursement will be provided by Hispanic Access Foundation. 

Housing: Must be secured by the intern/fellow. A housing stipend of up to $1,200 per month will be provided. 

Project Background: The East Bay Regional Park District (“Park District”) provides and manages the Regional Parks for Alameda and Contra Costa counties, a 1,400 square mile area that is home to 2.8 million people and forms the eastern shoreline of San Francisco Bay. The Park District’s mission is to preserve a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. The park system comprises 73 parks, over 125,000 acres, 1,330 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline. Over 90 percent of Park District lands are protected and operated as natural parklands. An environmental ethic guides the Park District in all of its activities. 

The Park District’s Sanitation/Recycling Unit manages approximately 4,000 annual tons of solid waste, recycling, and compost throughout the Park District, manages the collection and treatment of sewage, and coordinates with regulatory agencies. The Sanitation/Recycling Unit is currently working to expand recycling and composting opportunities to underserved parks and increasing recycling and composting education to staff and park users. 

Project Duties: Investigate current recycling and compost program participation in parks throughout the District, assess program gaps, develop recommendations, and support potential solutions including implementation of additional compost and recycling infrastructure, researching the potential for expanded hauling services, and/or exploring the potential for on-site composting operations where feasible; research, make recommendations, and support the development of staff and public education campaigns regarding waste sorting and litter reduction; work collaboratively with the Stewardship Department to develop recommendations for the use of locally made compost and/or biochar within parks. 

Fellows will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their fellowship. Fellows will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Fellows will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 3-5 blog posts highlighting their experience and development. 

Desired Qualifications: Demonstrated interest in recycling and compost, sustainability, and/or closely related field; ability to investigate and analyze situations, plan and organize research, and problem solve creatively; good technical and computer skills; and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
• Valid Driver’s License, clean driving record, and available personal vehicle required for travel to different parks.

Working Conditions: Tasks include some field work requiring lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, and hiking on uneven terrain and surfaces; work may occur in adverse weather conditions, around  

stinging insects and other wildlife, or near strong odors. 

Stipend + Benefits: 

• A biweekly stipend of $1,400 based on a 40-hour workweek
• Monthly housing stipend up to $1,200 per month
• Health insurance coverage
• Funds available to support professional development opportunities that align with role and goals (training, conference, etc.)

Application: 

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Carina Chavez, carina@hispanicaccess.org . 

Applications for this position are due on Friday, February 21, 2025 by 11:59 pm PT. 

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: 

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Org Mission: 

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco. The system comprises 73 parks spanning across 126,809 acres; 1,330 miles of trails; 55 miles of shoreline. We manage and preserve natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy and protect. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. Learn about our Mission and Vision, History, and our contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission: 

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.