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Sustainability
Students posing on a sustainability event.

Sustainability Student Manager

Get professional experience while making a difference.

Positions are open to Illinois State undergraduate students in the fall and spring semesters. Some positions may fulfill internship requirements for Professional Practice 398.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Office of Sustainability recognizes that our commitment to just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive values enriches the educational and cultural experiences of the entire campus and great community. We encourage applications from individuals in underrepresented groups and those who can advance the university's commitment to justice, equity, diversity, access, and inclusion.

Expectations

The Office of Sustainability supports five students per semester. No matter what the focus of your employement, there are a few things we expect from you, and a few things you can expect from us.

  • Skillset

    Each position is different and unique, but these skills and experiences are required for any of them:

    • A demonstrated ability to incorporate sustainable practices into your personal daily living
    • Strong communication, teamwork and analytical skills
    • Proficient with word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software
    • Ability to multi-task
    • Work cooperatively with others from diverse backgrounds

    These preferred skills and experiences will also help you be successful in any of our positions:

    • Public speaking and presentation experience
    • Outreach and tabling event experience
    • Knowledge of social media and how to leverage various platforms
    • Graphic design, video, or photography experience

    Deadline to apply

    The Office of Sustainability supports five student employees per semester. Applications are closed once these positons are filled. Applications are closed for summer 2024 and for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • Project Management

    You'll follow a project management framework that helps you identify a problem and create a plan that leads to a solution.

    Professional Development

    We provide lots of opportunities to not only give you real experience, but develop the type of skills your future employer will want. Opportunities may include:

    • Field trips
    • Leadership programs
    • Professional conferences

    Participation

    Our student workers are front line representatives of the Office of Sustainability. We host a variety of events and help out campus and community partners with their events. To be successful, we need all the help we can get.

    As a student worker, you'll take part in lots of events and initiatives on and off campus.

Apply for a Student Manager position

Student kneels behind a garden plant.
Two students pose behind a display showing what goods can be recycled or composted.
Students stand in a row wearing yellow safety vests and orange hard hats.
Two students sort through disposed items.

Student Sustainability Manager positions

Fix It Friday + Share Shop Coordinator

Fix It Friday is a free clothing repair service. Campus and community members can bring in articles of clothing that need small repairs and a team of Illinois State student volunteers fixes them. Learn more about Fix It Friday.

The Share Shop is a free resource shop located right next to the Fix It Friday Repair Shop within the Office of Sustainability. Learn more about the Share Shop.

This role requires you to be available throughout the day all Fridays throughout the semester.

What You'll Do

Recruit volunteers: We need a handful of people who can help repair clothing and organize donations.

Manage events: Greet customers and tend to their needs while leading volunteers - this includes both Fix It Friday repair events and Share Shop Pop Up shops.

Fix repairs: You will lend a hand sewing and mending items in need of repair.

Merchandise and Organize product: Create visually appealing displays and assist with marketing efforts to educate the community on the value of secondhand and repair.

Desired Skillset

Here's what we're looking for in the ideal candidate:

  • Sewing experience
  • Good organization
  • Leadership qualities
  • Knowledge of various social media platforms

Internship Opportunities

Bike ISU Repair/Mechanic

We are seeking a student to lead our Bike ISU initiatives. This student would be a skilled bike mechanic and will maintain a reusable bike share program.

What You'll Do

Repairs: You will lend your expertise to bicycles in need of repair. 

Volunteers: We need a handful of people who can assist with simple bike repairs and help with the bike share program.

Organize and Manage Events: Greet customers and tend to their needs while leading volunteers.

Marketing and Education: Provide educational information to the campus on bicycle safety, and instruction on how to maintain and repair a bicycle.

This role requires you to be available throughout the day all Fridays throughout the semester.

Desired Skillset

Here’s what we’re looking for in the ideal candidate:

  • Bicycle repair experience
  • Avid cycler or enthusiast
  • Leadership qualities
  • Good organization

Internship Opportunitie

Zero Waste Crew Member

Spread awareness about Zero Waste and be a part of the solution.

What You'll Do

Education: You'll be the main communicator and coordinator at tabling and informational events to educate your peers and our campus community on our Zero Waste goals and who they can participate.

Implement recycling and waste diversion initiatives: Whether it's a departmental luncheon, a large-scale speaking event or a football game, we want to make sure our ISU community have the opportunity to take part in our Zero Waste goals.

Procurement: Help ensure the packaging for food and drink products available across campus are reusable, compostable, or recyclable.

Desired Skillset

Here's what we're looking for in the ideal candidate:

  • Basic understanding of compost, recycling, and waste reduction
  • An interest in practicing Zero Waste in your personal life

Internship Opportunitie

Social Media Student Manager

As the Social Media Student Manager, you will be responsible for creating original text and video content, managing posts, and responding to followers in a cohesive way in an effort to educate and inform our campus and community on the various sustainability initiatives at ISU.

What You'll Do

Educate: Generate, edit, publish, and share engaging content to educate our campus on the various sustainability initiatives and events happening at ISU. 

Collaborate: You will collaborate with other units across campus to share messaging and develop partnerships.

Engage: You will attend campus events to capture events, record videos and engage with students and attendees to post and share on social media channels.

Get creative: Design and implement social media strategy to align with sustainability projects and communication. We expect you to be up-to-date with the latest digital technologies and social media trends. 

Desired Skillset

Here's what we're looking for in the ideal candidate:

  • A basic understanding of ISU branding standards
  • Excellent communication skills and an ability to express content creatively

Internship Opportunitie

Sorority and Fraternity Sustainability Ambassador

Be the main sustainability consultant for sorority and fraternity houses on campus.

What You'll Do

Educate: Attend chapter meetings to present and provide tools for students to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Develop a sustainability plan: Help houses establish a recycling and composting system, and create a continuity plan that can continue for years to come.

Make it fun: Develop a green challenge among the houses.

Desired Skillset

Here's what we're looking for in the ideal candidate:

  • Basic understanding of recycle and waste reduction
  • Exceptional team-building capabilities

Internship Opportunitie

Environmental Justice and Students for Fair Trade Leader

Works towards inclusive sustainability by connecting with underrepresented groups on campus while serving as the leader of Illinois State's Fair Trade Campus initiative. Learn more about Fair Trade.

What You'll Do

Inform: Host educational events and leverage social media to engage the Redbird community surrounding a range of environmental justice topics and Fair Trade.

Collaborate: Connect with campus partners to educate and responsibly source fossil fuel free and Fair Trade products. You'll think locally while acting globally!

Desired Skillset

Here's what we're looking for in the ideal candidate:

  • Passion for environmental justice
  • Knowledge of various social media platforms

Create Your Own Opportunity

If our available opportunities don't fit what you're looking to do, tell us what you're interested in. We might be able to create a new internship or position to get your ideas off the ground.

Tell us about your idea in your cover letter. Your proposal should articulate the need for a new project and the issues surrounding the project.