Compost Education InternshipAt — Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton

The Compost Education Intern will support the Arboretum and its partner organization, Republic Services, by establishing a Community Composting Workshop Series and a Discovery Station Cart. The intern will also engage in field work to support Arboretum horticulture staff with compost activities on-site.

Responsibilities

•Maintain compost systems at the Arboretum which includes but is not limited to compost tumblers, hot compost piles, and above- and below-ground vermicomposting systems.

•Coordinate and facilitate at least 2 community workshops each semester about the benefits and practices of composting for local community members.

•Develop a Discovery Station Cart about composting/recycling/waste management and relevant talking points for future use by volunteers at the Arboretum.

•Support horticulture staff with composting efforts at the Arboretum.

•Promote household sustainable gardening practices.

•Encourage reduction of organic waste sent to landfills from households.

•Provide in-person interpretation to Arboretum visitors.

•Create a presentation and/or a poster at the end of the semester summarizing experiences.

Availability – This program is open for 1-3 students in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. CSUF students in any major from undergraduate to graduate level are eligible. Time Commitment – Interns will work at least 8 hours per week for a total of 120 hours per semester. Compost Education interns will be expected to work occasional weekends to present workshops.

Training:

1. Discuss composting practices and sustainability principles.
2. Intern will be given tasks to complete and will provide weekly progress reports to staff for feedback.
3. Intern will be expected to meet deadlines outlined by staff.
4. Ideas for developing interpretive content and anticipated audience will be discussed with intern.

Student Learning Objectives
•Learn about and engage in composting practices and general sustainability principles.

•Project and event planning, coordination and implementation.

•Engage in environmental education utilizing an Informal Science Education (ISE) approach.

•Building relationships with campus community members and a stronger connection to campus.

•Develop soft skills that are applicable to any workplace.

Application Process – Register with the Center for Internships and Community Engagement. Provide the Arboretum with a resume and cover letter explaining why you would like to participate in this internship program and what makes you a suitable candidate. Interns are responsible for arranging course credit with their adviser/department/college.