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Internship Solid Waste Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Sustainability Intern

Pittsboro, NC · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

The internship will begin in the fall of 2026, preferably early September. The expected schedule ... This position reports to the Director of Solid Waste and Sustainability. The Environmental Quality ...

Internship Solid Waste information

What is an internship in solid waste?

An Internship in Solid Waste is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the field of solid waste management. Interns typically work alongside professionals on projects related to waste collection, recycling, landfill management, and environmental sustainability. The internship provides exposure to regulations, operational procedures, and community outreach efforts regarding proper waste disposal and resource recovery. This hands-on experience is valuable for those interested in environmental science, public health, or engineering careers.

What types of projects or responsibilities can an intern expect during a solid waste management internship?

As a solid waste management intern, you can expect to support projects such as waste audits, recycling initiatives, data collection, and community outreach programs. Interns often assist with analyzing waste streams, preparing reports, and evaluating the effectiveness of waste reduction strategies. You'll likely collaborate with engineers, environmental specialists, and public works staff, gaining exposure to both fieldwork and office-based tasks. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the operational and regulatory aspects of municipal solid waste management, which can be a strong foundation for future roles in environmental services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship in solid waste, and why are they important?

To excel in a Solid Waste Internship, you generally need coursework in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, along with basic knowledge of waste management principles. Familiarity with data collection tools, GIS mapping software, and Microsoft Office Suite is often required. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills help interns effectively contribute to projects and collaborate with staff. These abilities are vital for supporting waste reduction initiatives, ensuring regulatory compliance, and gaining practical experience in the environmental sector.

What is the difference between Internship Solid Waste vs Solid Waste Technician?

AspectInternship Solid WasteSolid Waste Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college educationHigh school diploma; some roles may require certifications
Work EnvironmentPart-time, educational setting, supervisedFull-time, fieldwork at waste management sites
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by waste management companies, municipalitiesPublic and private waste management companies, municipalities
Common Search & ComparisonLearning opportunity, entry-level experienceOperational role, hands-on waste collection and disposal

In summary, an Internship Solid Waste provides students or entry-level individuals with educational experience in waste management, often part-time and supervised. In contrast, a Solid Waste Technician is a full-time role requiring more hands-on work in waste collection, disposal, and site maintenance. Both roles are essential in the waste management industry but serve different career stages and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solid Waste jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Solid Waste jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Internship Solid Waste jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Internship Solid Waste job openings:

Sustainability Intern

Chatham, County of (NC)

Pittsboro, NC • Hybrid

$14 - $16/hr

Temporary

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

WELCOME TO CHATHAM COUNTY'S APPLICATION PROCESS. To Apply: Become a part of the best local government in North Carolina click "Apply" in the top right corner. All sections of the application, including work experience, MUST be completed.

Please include the last ten (10) years of employment history. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applications are stored on a secure site accessible only by authorized personnel.

Your application can be saved and used to apply for more than one (1) job opening. Chatham County is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law. Chatham County participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S

Chatham County does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for our positions at this time. *Please Note: After submitting your application: Log into your GovernmentJobs account daily. You will receive emails and notices from hiring managers asking you to complete tasks.

You do not want to miss these. The references you provided will be asked to complete a form. This does NOT mean you will be interviewed.

It is an automated process in NeoGov. We recommend you sign up for text message alerts when you create your account. If you have issues with submitting your application, please contact Neogov Applicant Support at 1-855-524-5627.

Return to the Chatham County Homepage. Job Description This internship provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of Chatham County's Climate Action Plan (CAP) while working alongside County staff, consultants, and community members. The selected intern will gain practical experience in sustainability planning, community engagement, research, and data analysis.

The internship will begin in the fall of 2026, preferably early September. The expected schedule will be approximately 15-20 hours per week for about 15 weeks, with some hours worked in the office, at community sessions, and the remainder worked remotely. The exact ratio of hours spent in the office can be flexible, but preference would be to work at least one day per week in the office.

Specific arrangements will be made upon hiring. This position reports to the Director of Solid Waste and Sustainability. The Environmental Quality Main Office is located at 28 County Services Road, Pittsboro, NC and is open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Essential Functions The following essential functions serve as a general guide for this position. Position functions are subject to change based on departmental needs and external factors including, but not limited to, regulatory requirements. Collaborating with County staff and the project's consulting team to collect, organize, and analyze data needed to develop the Climate Action Plan.

Assisting with community engagement efforts by supporting public meetings, workshops, and outreach events. Helping coordinate meeting logistics, which may include reserving facilities, arranging translation services, preparing meeting materials, and assisting with event promotion. Creating informational and outreach materials for community members.

Conducting research, benchmarking sustainability best practices, and gathering data to support the County's environmental initiatives. Performing other related duties and special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Current undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate, pursuing a degree in Public Administration, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.

An equivalent combination of education, volunteer experience, research, or demonstrated interest in sustainability, climate action, or environmental stewardship may also be considered. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A general understanding of environmental science, including how human activities and natural processes affect the climate. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience interacting with the public, planning events, or coordinating projects is preferred. The ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements This position requires frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds. Duties regularly involve using hands to handle or feel objects, sitting for extended periods, and performing repetitive motions. Occasionally, the position requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.

Standard vision, hearing, and verbal communication abilities are required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Special Requirements Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license or reliable transportation. Chatham County is fully committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and issues this anti-discrimination/EEO compliance clause to support and maintain employee's rights and responsibilities relating to equal employment.

The core of equal employment opportunity is the right to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability, and potential, free from prejudice or discrimination. In accordance with the applicable anti-discrimination statutes, executive orders, and other authorities, Chatham County protects employees against discrimination, to the fullest extent of law, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, whistleblower activity, parental status, and military service (past, present, or future), and against retaliation for participation in EEO activity or opposition to discrimination.