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.
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Responsibilities
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- Coordinate and facilitate 2 community workshops each semester about the benefits and practices of composting for local community members. These workshops will take place in Spring and Fall 2025.
- Develop a Discovery Station Cart about composting/recycling/waste management and relevant talking points for 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.
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Availability – This program is open for 1 student intern in the Spring 2025, Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters. CSUF students in any major from undergraduate to graduate level are eligible. Preference will be given to graduate level applicants. The successful candidate may serve all 3 semesters if scheduling permits.
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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.
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Student Learning Objectives
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- Learn 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.
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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.
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Compensation – $16.50/hour. Students will work 8-10 hours per week for a maximum of 120 hours during any given academic term (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025).
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Tasks:
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• Coordinate and facilitate 2 community workshops each semester about the benefits and practices of composting for local community members. These workshops will take place in Spring and Fall 2025.
• Develop a Discovery Station Cart about composting/recycling/waste management and relevant talking points for 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.
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Training:
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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.
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Learning Outcome:
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• Learn 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.