Sustainability@UIC

Graduate Assistant needed for the Office of Sustainability

2011-11-14T16:08:00.001-06:00

There is a Graduate Assistant opening in our office - check the information below for this great learning opportunity:

Position Title: Outreach and Engagement Graduate Assistant, Sustainability

Position duties:

Support the Chancellor's Committee on Sustainability;
Manage and grow the Green Office Challenge;
Provide organizational support for other Office of Sustainability activities.

The ideal candidate:

has a strong interest in sustainability and environmental work;
is proficient in computer applications (Word, Excel, etc.);
has excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
is available to work from January 2012 through the 2012-2013 academic year.
has some experience in graphic design, web design, or social media

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Joe Iosbaker at iosbaker@uic.edu with the subject line"Graduate Assistant" by November 28, 2011. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

Volunteer: The Greenpeace Semester

2011-10-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

Taking a semester off or looking for an invaluable opportunity for the summer? Greenpeace USA is now accepting applications for The Greenpeace Semester volunteer program!

Who: Greenpeace USA

What: The Greenpeace Semester program is an intensive organizing training for students. It is action-filled and the best hands-on training available for college students to become environmental leaders. The program combines classroom-style workshops with hands-on field training and travel. Participants will learn the latest on critical environmental issues, grassroots organizing skills, how to plan effective campaigns, and the tradition of non-violence in Greenpeace history. Students will travel with Greenpeace and join a team of incredible activists currently working to protect the planet.

When: The Greenpeace Semester program runs each spring, summer and fall. Our spring and fall semesters run for 12 weeks, and the summer sessions are five weeks long. Internship and course credit is available.

Where: The program is held in Washington, DC. However, during the fall and spring semesters, students will travel on the Greenpeace Expedition, a 10-day trip to view environmental destruction firsthand and take action to stop it.

Extra: Greenpeace USA is looking for-

·      Passionate, smart and visionary students committed to protecting the environment.
·      Applicants must be 18-24 years old and a current undergraduate student or high school senior. No prior campaigning experience is necessary.
·      Rising freshmen and sophomores preferred.
·      Greenpeace encourages all interested persons to apply, regardless of gender, race, religion, or national origin.

For more information please check out there website and also check out the following video:

EPA OnCampus Program for Students

2011-08-22T17:18:00.000-05:00

Are you interested in the environment?

Do you want to get more involved with the Environmental Protection Agency and sustainability efforts on your campus?

Be an EPA OnCampus ecoAmbassador!

To get involved, students select an activity and a professor or administrator as their school sponsor, register their project or activity online, then organize their event and report their results. Registration begins on September 1st and any individual or student organization can participate.

Learn more at the EPA website.

Grassroots Leaders Project

2011-04-06T13:11:00.002-05:00

Real Food Challenge: Grassroots Leaders Project

Up to 30 student teams around the country will join the new Grassroots Leaders Project for the 2011-2012 school year. Anyone who is serious about making real change on his or her campus & has demonstrated an ability to do so is encouraged to apply!

To apply, fill out this application and send to katie.blanchard@gmail.com, along with a current resume.  

What you’ll do:

**Lead an ambitious real food campaign on your campus**
Participate in a National Working Group—collaborating with other student leaders across the country on topics of interest
Participate in a Regional Leadership Team—contributing to local event planning and outreach to student groups at nearby schools
Identify campus funding sources to support student programming and real food activities

All Grassroots Leaders will receive:

Attendance at a Summer Regional Leadership Institute
Support developing and implementing a real food campaign plan
Possible travel opportunities to national and regional conferences
Recognition in local and national media
Connection, mentorship, and collaboration with a community of leaders

You’ll be a good candidate if you are:

Self-motivated and eager to make real change for real food on your campus
Committed to economic justice, anti-racism, student power and contributing to a movement
Passionate about sustainable food issues and food justice
Willing to learn, be flexible, and be constructively critical of yourself and others
Excited to actively contribute to the Grassroots Leaders community
Note: Each team may consist of 1-3 members, with one person serving as point for the team

Is it a good match for you? Applicants will be chosen based on:

An Ambitious Goal: Does your team have a bold campaign to change their campus food system? Do they have commitment and time to see it through?
Leadership Team: Do you have a strong group of student leaders driving forward the real food campaign on your campus?
Community Support: Does your team have the support of at least 1 sponsoring faculty member or staff person and at least 2 outside student activists/community leaders (we can assist you in identifying allies)?
Growth Potential: Do you have room to learn and develop your own leadership by being a part of the Grassroots Leaders Project?

Regional Field Organizers

2011-04-06T13:07:00.001-05:00

Regional Field Organizers

Real Food Challenge will hire up to 15 young leaders from around the country to help advance the student food movement. RFC Field Organizers (RFOs) are critical to the Challenge’s success—they provide important campaign support to student leaders throughout their region (not just support on their own campus). RFOs will also plan regional summits and trainings, exciting forums for student learning and action. The annual orientation retreat will be held in July 2011; RFOs will then serve from Late August 2011 to June 2012.

Read more here about our current RFOs. To apply, fill out this application and send to katie.blanchard@gmail.com, along with a current resume.  

Regional Field Organizer Duties:

Summer Training—Help lead a 4-day leadership institute for local students (Aug. 2011)
Day of Action—Act as a regional coordinator for the National “Food Day” mobilization (Oct. 2011)
Winter Appeal—Learn about grassroots fundraising through our holiday drive (Nov. 2011)
Real Food Summits—Co-lead the Summit-planning process for your region (Feb. 2012)
Network Rep—Support grassroots student leaders in the RFC network (includes opportunities to visit and speak at local campuses)

All Regional Field Organizers will receive:

Connection and collaboration with a community of organizers, leaders and alumni
Attendance at RFC National Leadership Training Retreat
Recognition in local and national media
Travel opportunities to national and regional conferences
Mentorship from leaders in the food movement, and other professional development opportunities

Qualifications

In-depth knowledge of the politics and practice of student activism and/or student-run groups
Committed to economic justice, anti-racism, student power and contributing to the movement
Experience with group facilitation, public speaking, and networking
Ability to work well on your own and in highly collaborative settings
Willingness to learn, be flexible, and be constructively critical of yourself and others
Current undergraduate student or recent graduate preferred
Ability to work 10-15 hrs a week. Additional commitment to June – August 2012 given preference.

Compensation:

A $1,000 stipend; Possibility of future compensation depending on experience and performance
Real Food Challenge leadership will actively provide RFOs with ongoing professional development and networking opportunities

Farm-to-School Summer Project Assistant

2011-04-06T13:07:00.000-05:00

Telecommute: Real Food Alliance seeks Remote Farm-to-School Summer Project Assistant

March 24, 2011 by Sustainable Food Jobs

Real Food Alliance is now accepting applications for our Remote Farm-to-School Summer Project Assistant internship. This position is open to all undergraduate and graduate students on a full or part-time basis. It is an unpaid position, but is remote; thus, it can be completed in the student’s hometown.

RFA is a nonprofit organization that fosters relationships between local, eco-friendly farms and institutions, such as schools, colleges/universities and hospitals. We establish, cultivate and preserve these farm-direct relationships and provide educational resources for the Dallas-Fort Worth community.

Remote Farm-to-School Summer Project Assistant Requirements

Department: Development
Reports to: Director of Development (DoD)

Position Summary

The Farm-to-School Summer Project Assistant is responsible for specific
administrative aspects of development and public relations activities, as
delegated by the DoD.

Scope and Impact

The Farm-to-School Summer Project Assistant plays an important role by
providing administrative support to the Development Office and participating in
partner and donor-related functions.

Principle Accountabilities

• Email and call potential farm partners and general partners

• Continually update and correct database records

• Conduct preliminary research on prospective corporate foundation and
individual donors

• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Development

Possible performance measures:

• Success in accruing partners for the organization

• Success in maintaining accuracy of database records

• Accuracy of fundraising/donor reports

Preparation and Knowledge

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

• Excellent verbal (via phone) and written communications skills

• Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and
in writing

• Ability to organize and prioritize work

• Ability to work independently with little supervision

• Excellent interpersonal skills

Email heather@realfoodalliance.org for an application. Good luck!

Summer Practicum: Groundswell's New Farmer Training Project

2011-02-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

NFTP Class Schedule 2011 New!

Groundswell has announced their new hands-on training program for serious aspiring farmers and market gardeners. The New Farmer Training Project aims to increase the number, diversity, profitability and environmental sustainability of area farmers by providing training, mentoring, business planning support and affordable access to land at EcoVillage in Ithaca, New York.

Running from April 15 through November 15, the program provides 100 hours of classroom training, hands-on workshops, farm visits and supervised work experience on sustainable farms. Instruction will be provided by experienced farmer mentors, as well as subject matter experts. Tuition for the 2011 Sustainable Farming Certificate Program is just $600, and substantial scholarship support is offered, including several full scholarships.

Our flexible curriculum is geared for both entry-level trainees and more experienced beginning farmers and interns who want to deepen their knowledge of sustainable production practices and the science behind those practices. Trainees can choose to concentrate their studies on the management of vegetables, fruits, livestock, or poultry, or pursue a diversified curriculum. Each trainee will have an individualized Learning Contract, and will be evaluated on the basis of that contract before being awarded a certificate of completion. The April-November curriculum focuses on sustainable production systems and exposes trainees to a variety of successful small farm management models. A separate certificate program will be offered in the winter with a focus on business planning, management and marketing.

For the NFTP class schedule, click here.

Groundswell is committed to the vision of a regionally self-reliant food system that provides good food and economic opportunities for everyone. We're working hard to make the program a welcoming one for trainees from diverse cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds. Minority, new immigrant and limited-resource trainees are especially encouraged to apply. Most classes will be held evenings and weekends to accommodate folks with job, family or farm responsibilities.

The application for the 2011 program is now online. For more information, email us at info@groundswellcenter.org.

About the Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming

Groundswell’s mission is to help youth and adult learners develop the skills and knowledge they need to build sustainable local food systems. Our focus is providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities with real working farms and food businesses in the Ithaca area. Through collaboration with area schools, colleges and universities Groundswell will offer programs of study for beginning farmers, students, community members, and professionals.

Groundswell is an initiative of the EcoVillage Center for Sustainability Education in Ithaca, NY, which is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.

About EcoVillage and West Haven Farm

Groundswell’s main campus is West Haven Farm, an independently owned CSA farm located at EcoVillage Ithaca. EcoVillage is one of the nation’s first ecological co-housing communities and a global pioneer in sustainability education. Groundswell programs build on over a decade of experience in sustainable living and sustainable agriculture at EcoVillage and West Haven Farm. In addition, Kingbird Farm in Berkshire, Northland Sheep Dairy in Freetown, and other local farms and food businesses are part of Groundswell’s “campus without walls.”

Groundswell Center
P.O. Box 6679
Ithaca, NY 14851
info@groundswellcenter.org

Be part of the solution!

EDF: Climate Corps Fellowship

2011-01-12T12:13:00.001-06:00

The Environmental Defense Fund partners with businesses, governments, and communities to find practical environmental solutions. EDF strives to help companies bridge gap between the knowledge of energy costs and the resources to quantify and curtail the financial and environmental impacts.

EDF recruits forward thinking companies and selects qualified MBA students for a summer fellowship. Matching the companies with a student, they train the student to help the companies become more efficient.

Summer 2011 Fellowship:
EDF Climate Corps seeks top MBA students with analytical and project management backgrounds who are excited to make an impact through energy efficiency in corporate America.

Minimum qualifications:
Superior oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills
Self-starter with strong project management experience
Graduate-level background in financial analysis
Consulting, corporate advisory or large company experience
Eligibility to work in the United States during the summer 2011
Resourcefulness and ability to work both independently and on cross-functional teams

Preferred qualifications:
MBA candidate and/or graduate
Engineering background
Demonstrated experience working on energy efficiency, energy or sustainability projects or initiatives
Familiarity with climate change and energy issues
Environmental passion

The application for Summer 2011 is now available. Please sign up to receive updates on the application process.

Progressive Public Affairs Internships

2010-06-01T11:39:00.000-05:00

Progressive Public Affairs is a professional communications and policy development firm, providing insight and consulting to groups dedicated to progressive causes. Clients include sustainability-minded organizations like the Midwest High Speed Rail Association and Chicago Metropolis 2020.

Two internships, in Graphic Design or Public Communications/Marketing, are available to undergraduate and graduate students.

For more details, and how to apply, visit their website.

EPA OnCampus- Applications due May 6!

2010-04-26T16:03:00.000-05:00

EPA OnCampus: New National Initiative
Enrolled College Students as On Campus EPA Ambassadors

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts. The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

EPA seeks to engage all citizens on issues of environmental importance, and college students have a unique opportunity to integrate issues into classroom lectures, campus and community life. To develop these campus ambassadors, EPA is launching a new initiative, EPA OnCampus, at colleges and universities around the country.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Fully enrolled students will be hired as remote EPA ambassadors for the academic year (September-May). This will be an unpaid position for the 2010-2011 year with optional college credit. Interns will serve as an on campus liaison for EPA.

AMBASSADOR REQUIREMENT: Students will be expected to contribute 10 hours per week to the internship. They will work with the school to choose one primary responsibility related to EPA’s priorities and Partnership Programs, such as increasing energy efficiency on campus, reducing water use, or implementing a composting program. These initiatives will be based on what actions the campus is already undertaking and how willing the campus is to altering facilities.

Ambassadors will also be responsible for organizing other students to take part in 4 nationwide EPA educational initiatives in order to increase awareness of EPA programs. EPA headquarters will lead weekly mandatory conference calls to keep ambassadors up to speed on the educational initiatives and the ambassadors progress on campus.

SCOPE OF OnCampus: Ambassadors will be equipped with tools and networks to engage above and beyond campus. Headquarters will host a broad webinar training in the late summer and in the fall. Through one on one phone conversations over the summer we will make sure each student is properly prepared for the program by the time school begins.

EPA COORDINATION: Ambassadors will check in regularly with their EPA OnCampus manager. As an agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment, measurable actions will be a key component of a successful program, and ambassadors will be given assistance to meet goals.

We look forward to working with your college on this initiative. For further information please contact Shira Sternberg, Office of Public Affairs, EPA (202) 564-0467 or Karina Cochran, Office of Public Outreach 812-431-1955.

Interested candidates: Please submit resumes to Sternberg.Shira@epamail.epa.gov by May 6th, 2010.

OurEarth.org 2010 Internship Program- 4/30/10

2010-04-26T13:09:00.004-05:00

OurEarth.org's 9-week internship program provides students with opportununities for education, grassroots activism, entrepreneurship and leadership. Programs for undergraduates and graduates. Learn more.

Bicycle Program Internship (Deadline 4/15/2010)

2010-04-09T11:27:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Department of Transportation will be hiring a student intern to assist with our Bicycle Program. Duties include:

Conducting field surveys to collect data needed for new bike lane designs;
Preparing pavement marking plans;
Implementing one or two priority strategies in Chicago’s /Bike 2015 Plan/; and
Assisting staff with other tasks.

Students enrolled in an engineering, graduate urban planning, or marketing program will be given preference. Students interested in making bicycling an integral part of daily life in Chicago are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be Chicago residents.

Salary:

$8.25/hour – college freshman;
$9.00/hour – sophomore;
$10.00/hour – junior;
$11.00/hour – senior;
$12.00/hour – graduate student.

This internship will be for a 12 – 14 week period beginning in May or early June. Continued part-time internship employment in the fall of 2010 is possible.

Students should e-mail their resume with a cover letter to Rena McGowan, the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Student Intern Coordinator, at rmcgowan@cityofchicago.org by April 15, 2010.
Reference Bicycling Intern - TC 0404 in the subject line of the e-mail.

*Refer to the full intern job notice at http://www.ChicagoBikes.org , Recent News section, for more information.

The Best Internship on Earth (Apply by March 31, 2010)

2010-03-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

The Sierra Club announces The Best Internship on Earth:

Travel around the country hiking, rafting, and enjoying the outdoors as the Youth Ambassador Intern for the Sierra Club's youth programs
Create an awesome video blog that documents the experience
Your home base office will be in beautiful San Francisco at the Sierra Club's headquarters
Earn a $2,500 stipend for the 8-week internship, plus all expenses paid for travel
The Intern will be outfitted with $2,000 worth of gear from The North Face and Planet Explore

For more information, and to apply, click here www.sierraclub.org/bestinternship.

The intern will also have a chance to promote their personal story and their college/university as well in their videoblog.

STARS Summer+ Intern

2010-02-12T14:51:00.001-06:00

One role of the Office of Sustainability is to monitor and track UIC’s progress toward sustainability. For this purpose, we have elected to participate in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS®). This is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to gauge relative progress toward sustainability. STARS was developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) with broad participation from the higher education community. Under the supervision of the Associate Chancellor for Sustainability, the STARS Intern will:

Gather and organize campus wide institutional data from multiple departments and units to meet reporting requirements.
Maintain a timeline for gathering the information to meet the submission deadline
Keep detailed records of data collection methods and contacts.
Prepare the information for submission using an online reporting tool
Provide information for other reports, as requested
Prepare a draft of an internal sustainability tracking report for the campus

The ideal intern will meet the following requirements:

Demonstrated interest in sustainability and environmental issues through coursework, volunteerism, or work experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel
Excellent organizational skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Familiarity with units of measure for energy, water, and greenhouse gases

Internship hours will be scheduled between 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Time commitment: as a summer 2010 internship, 20 hours/week; as a fall 2010 internship 12 hours/week. Arrangements would be made to facilitate fulfillment of internship requirements with the student’s academic department. Contingent on funding approval, this position may be offered as a paid internship.

Interested applicants should provide both a cover letter and resume to Cindy Klein-Banai, Associate Chancellor for Sustainability, cindy@uic.edu.

Smithsonian Program in Environmental Studies (Multiple Deadlines)

2010-01-21T10:17:00.003-06:00

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center's (SERC) Internship Program offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education. This program enables students to work on specific projects under the direction of SERC's professional staff and is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant.

Projects include terrestrial, atmospheric, and estuarine environmental research within the disciplines of ecology, biology, chemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, mathematics, and physics. Projects are also offered in environmental education and environmental information management.
Find out more!