About the Department

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.

Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents! 

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X (formally Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.

About the Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Division: 

ESD’s Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Division leads one of the largest and most advanced solid waste management systems in the United States through creativity and innovation. Division staff collaborate with other City departments and establish strong partnerships with private companies, other government agencies, nonprofits, and the community on a variety of key efforts. Experience fast-paced work and learn new skills that contribute to the bigger purpose of protecting the environment at a local level.

Position Duties

Duration of Assignment:

Approximately 12 weeks starting June 2025, with the possibility to extend. 

Salary Information:

The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to fill four (4) part-time unbenefited Undergraduate Intern positions in the Integrated Waste Management Division. 

Salary range for this classification is:

• Undergraduate Student Intern: $15.32 - $21.88 per hour (unbenefited)

This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

About the Residential Recycling Internship:

The Residential Recycling intern will provide project support to the Integrated Waste Management Division. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Grant Assistance:

• Assist with CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant, including help with tracking, organizing, and documenting related activities
• Assist in the organization and distribution of recycling tote bags and enclosure signs to multi-family properties throughout San Jose

Field Work:

• Work in teams of two to conduct deliveries in the field of recycling tote bags and enclosure signs to multi-family properties throughout San Jose
• Staff pick-up events for properties to pick up tote bags and enclosure signs
• Track progress of tote distribution and plan and coordinate scheduling of deliveries

Data Management:

• Develop and manage tracking of distribution of grant related materials including tote bags and enclosure signs to multi-family properties
• Input and track data in spreadsheets using Microsoft Office Suite tools

Outreach and Community Engagement:

• Assist in contacting properties to coordinate delivery of program materials.
• Provide outreach to multi-family properties informing them of grant program, residential guide, multi-family toolkit, and other resources to help them Recycle Right.
• Assist the Residential Program with projects as they arise.

Administrative Support, as needed:

• Handle mailings, phone coverage, and monitoring of email inboxes and hotlines.
• Perform basic data entry, data comparison, and update contact lists.
• Assist with sorting, filing, and organizing non-urgent projects.
• Support in creating simple documents, flyers, and other materials as needed.

Meetings and Collaboration:

• Attend relevant meetings and provide assistance as needed for division projects.
• Collaborate with team members on special projects, providing research and organizational support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate Student Intern: Current enrollment in an accredited college or university in an undergraduate program. 
• Experience: None. Enrollment in programs with an environmental, sustainability, geography, or communications focus are preferred. 
• Licenses & Certificates: Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing the operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current educational/employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills – Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Communication Skills – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts. 
• Reliability – Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
• Multi-Tasking – Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).
• Customer Service – Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.   
• Problem Solving – Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.

Additional Information

Physical/Environmental Elements

• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment.
• Move between/within work areas, including but not limited to sitting, walking, and standing on various surfaces, turning, bending, grasping, and making repetitive hand movements.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility:  Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.  Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application.  If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided.  IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.