Air Quality Department - Summer Academic Intern

Job Title: Air Quality Department - Summer Academic Intern Department: Air Quality Hiring Range: $15.00 - $15.00 Posted Internally and Externally Job Posting End Date: May 19, 2024 The Buncombe County Air Quality Department is hiring a student for an academic internship. This internship position supports the Asheville-Buncombe Sustainable Microbrewery Initiative, which launched last year. The position will work with community partners including local microbreweries, Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency, Land of Sky Waste Reduction Partners, and the student's academic/major advisor to conduct energy audits at local microbreweries utilizing the EPA’s Energy Star Treasure Hunt checklist. Project deliverables include written reports for the participating breweries with energy savings opportunities, estimated cost savings and emissions reductions associated with findings. This intern will make recommendations on ways to expand the program to include other environmental media including but not limited to water quality and wastewater, waste reduction and recycling, pollinator gardens, and air emissions inventories. The intern will participate in a recognition program for participants, promote the EPA Energy Star Challenge to reduce energy use by 10 percent over 5 years, and help recruit more participating microbreweries. Buncombe County's Internship program provides an employer-driven training opportunity where the student is learning by practical experience under a skilled worker to provide professional work experience that connects their classroom experiences and potential career choices. Students participate in meetings, educational tours and other activities designed to broaden their perspective of public service and local government. They are designed to provide substantive and career-relevant learning experiences. In addition to developing practical workplace skills in a variety of professional areas, apprentices and interns are effectively introduced to career options in public service. Any students involved in the internship program should be working closely with their major advisor/academic advisor/professor(s) to ensure the internship is meeting the academic institution's requirements. This position is up to 20 hours a week for 12 weeks. This position is not eligible for severance pay upon separation, paid holidays, sick leave, or any other employee-specified benefit per Buncombe County’s Benefits and Leave Policies Purpose of the internship / apprenticeship / fellowship: The purpose of this position is to provide on-the-job training and experience. Engages in various work assignments, projects, and activities of varying complexity, structured to enable the individual to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform at a professional level. Receives training and mentorship in planning and carrying out activities and assignments. Essential Projects and Learning Objectives: Provides entry- to intermediate-level services, under supervision of County staff, as appropriate to the day-to-day operating objectives of the department. Undertakes and/or participates in projects and programs designed to develop professional skills and expertise appropriate to the needs of the organization. Participates in the planning and implementation of unit projects and initiatives within area of expertise. Interacts directly with colleagues and/or other internal or external constituencies in the planning of assignments and the resolution of day-to-day operational problems. Receives guidance, training, and mentoring from professional personnel in planning and carrying out activities and assignments. Performs other related duties as assigned. Education or Experience Required: Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related fields. Additional/Preferred Education, Training and/or Experience: Experience with excel and social media preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of standard practices, materials and equipment related to the assigned field of work. Skill in the use and care of various tools and equipment employed in the work. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions. Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective. It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. In addition, Buncombe County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination. Applicants for employment are invited to participate in the affirmative action program by reporting their status as a protected veteran or other minority. In extending this invitation, we advise you that: (a) workers (applicants) are under no obligation to respond but may do so in the future if they choose; (b) responses will remain confidential within the human resource department; and (c) responses will be used only for the necessary information to include in our affirmative action program. We are a company that values diversity. We actively encourage women, minorities, veterans and disabled employees to apply. Refusal to provide this information will have no bearing on your application and will not subject you to any adverse treatment. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must reside within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility. Select a job and click the blue Apply button to complete your application. Please attach a resume and cover letter if possible. Then, submit your application by the Job Posting End Date to be considered. Our hiring managers begin reviewing applications after the Job Posting End Date and will contact applicants soon after. Thank you for your patience as we give each application the time and attention that it deserves. We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that is representative of our diverse community. If you have equivalent experience and/or education we encourage you to apply.