Student Worker - Functional - Howard University

Student Worker - Functional - Howard University

The Sustainability Intern will support Dining & Hospitality Services in advancing sustainability efforts across campus dining operations. This role will focus on food waste reduction, recycling and waste diversion, student engagement, sustainability education, and community partnerships within a collegiate food service environment.

Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is $18.40. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist with conducting food waste audits across dining locations using USDA and EPA best practices.
• Collect, track, and analyze pre-consumer and post-consumer food waste data.
• Identify opportunities to reduce food waste, improve portion control, and support operational efficiency.
• Support the implementation of sustainability initiatives, including composting programs, waste reduction strategies, and responsible dining practices.
• Assist with dining-specific recycling initiatives, including proper sorting of plastics, aluminum, cardboard, packaging materials, and other recyclable items.
• Monitor waste stations to reduce contamination and improve waste diversion rates.
• Help create and update signage, educational materials, and communication tools related to recycling and waste sorting.
• Develop engaging sustainability content for dining services social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram.
• Promote sustainable dining practices such as waste reduction, reusable options, responsible consumption, and food recovery.
• Assist with planning and executing sustainability-focused dining events, including Earth Day activities, local food promotions, tabling events, and student engagement programs.
• Support partnerships with campus departments, community organizations, food recovery programs, and food banks.
• Assist with surplus food donation efforts while following applicable food safety standards.
• Serve as a sustainability ambassador within dining facilities by educating students and peers on responsible dining behaviors.
• Encourage student participation in sustainability initiatives, educational programs, and service-learning opportunities.
• Gain hands-on experience in sustainability practices within food service operations while developing skills in auditing, data analysis, communication, and program implementation.

Qualifications:

• Current Howard University undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in sustainability, nutrition, environmental science, hospitality, public health, food systems, or a related field.
• Strong interest in sustainable food systems, food waste reduction, recycling, and environmental responsibility.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced dining or campus environment.
• Comfortable engaging with students, staff, campus partners, and community organizations.
• Basic knowledge of food safety, sustainability practices, or waste diversion preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience or comfort creating content for social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
• Ability to collect, organize, and analyze basic data related to food waste, recycling, and sustainability initiatives.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to supporting a sustainable campus dining environment.