Sustainability Internships
Carolina Dining Services is committed to supporting the educational experience of our students, and we offer paid internships in various departments throughout the summer and academic year. Our Sustainability Interns provide support on a variety of projects addressing waste minimization, local and responsible sourcing, food access, and campus outreach. These includes initiatives such as Wipe Out Waste, Green Guides, Farm Stands, and more!
This is an excellent opportunity for students to explore the different facets of food sustainability within the frameworks of a university’s foodservice operations. There are opportunities for independent and collaborative projects, with the potential to develop new initiatives and events depending on the intern’s personal interests and performance.
Current Openings: Summer 2025 Sustainability Outreach Internship
We are hiring two part-time Sustainability Outreach interns who will provide support on various projects and events within our sustainable dining program, including initiatives addressing waste minimization, responsible sourcing, and student engagement. This is an excellent opportunity for students to explore the different facets of food sustainability within the frameworks of a university and Aramark, an international food service corporation. There will be opportunities for independent and collaborative projects, with the potential to develop a side project based on the intern’s personal interests and expertise.
Details:
- This 11-week internship will run from June 2nd-August 15th
- Starting rate of $14/hour
- Weekly pay
- Free employee meal per shift!
- Potential to extend internship into Fall 2025 semester pending performance and availability
Essential Functions:
- Educate incoming Tarheels about sustainability at CDS and the broader UNC campus through tabling events at new student orientation. This includes promoting our local purchasing program, Coolfood Meals/Plant Forward menu offerings, and campus partnerships around waste diversion initiatives.
- Create educational materials for distribution to the student body, and write content for the CDS website, social media, sustainability newsletter, and upcoming blog.
- Support long-term projects, such as sustainable food purchasing audits, waste audits, food recovery, event planning, etc.
- Research sustainability initiatives and best practices around the country and evaluate current sustainability programs at CDS.
Required Qualifications
- Must be a current UNC student
- Flexible weekday availability: Ability to work 10-30 hours per week, with preferred hours between 10 am-2 pm and 4-7 pm (once hired, you would work a set amount of hours every week depending on your availability)
- A positive, professional, and outgoing attitude
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, & meet project deadlines
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong written & verbal communication skills
- Ability to understand and use Microsoft Office/Google Drive
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge and interest in the field of sustainability, food systems, and/or student outreach
- 1-2 years of work experience
- Strong leadership skills
- Ability to lift up to 15 lbs
- Ability to sit, walk, and stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours