Summer Internship for University of Toronto students.

Full-time contract: 13 weeks at 37.5 hrs/week, starting late May (date tbc)

Pay - $25 / hour

This full-time summer internship is funded by the CECCS Sustainability Summer Internship Program and is only open to current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at U of T, or recent U of T graduates who have graduated in the last year.

Overview:

The Toronto Environmental Alliance is seeking a full time intern to support a range of projects on zero waste, green jobs, multi-residential communities and climate justice. The intern will primarily focus on our work to shift Toronto from single-use plastics and disposable foodware towards zero-waste circular reusable alternatives, and to build a foundation for an equitable green economy through these actions. 

Background: 

For over 35 years, TEA has campaigned locally to find solutions to Toronto's urban environmental problems. As a not-for-profit organization, we advocate on behalf of all Torontonians for a green, healthy and equitable city. TEA is recognized Canada-wide for our municipal work on climate change, waste reduction, and other issues we believe are critical to the health and well-being of Toronto residents.

Position Description:

TEA is a small, collaborative organization, and the intern will have the opportunity to join and participate in meetings, meet multiple team members and get a close view of how a small not-for-profit operates. 

Waste and plastics

TEA has been promoting and advocating for a strong policy on single-use items and foodware (cups, utensils, containers etc) as part of a shift to a circular economy. The intern will assist TEA and the Reusable Toronto network to build awareness of the benefits of reuse and waste reduction, and to build a case for the economic and employment benefits of zero-waste solutions. Specific activities could include:

• Policy monitoring and research on waste reduction solutions in other leading cities 
• Supporting and attending meetings of the Reusable Toronto network, assisting with outreach and presentations, and direct field work. 
• Small business outreach - follow-up visits to small businesses that have been surveyed and interviewed in 2022 and 2023 on their experience with reducing single-use plastics and their thoughts on environmental policy. The work will include field research, analysis and sharing the results.

Green economy and green jobs

The intern will assist with TEA’s work to advocate for green job initiatives in Toronto, including researching and promoting examples of successful government-supported green jobs initiatives in other jurisdictions which delivered community benefits such as decent work, climate justice and/or climate resilience, transit/mobility and affordable housing.

• Researching zero waste and environment policies and results at other major world sporting events to contribute to TEA’s advocacy calling for Toronto to host an equitable and sustainable FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026
• Assist with planning collaboration sessions to advance a City-led green jobs strategy, including preparation for a fall Green Jobs Forum with workers, advocates, and key decision makers

Multi-residential communities

The intern will assist with sharing TEA’s ‘green high rise’ work on improving waste management, supporting resident green teams and addressing extreme heat impacts of climate change for tenants. The intern will work with a few different TEA staff as needed to assist with online events to share results and recommendations with resident communities and municipal officials.

The intern may also have the opportunity to support with other environmental projects, research and policy work as they arise and as suited to their skills and interests

Work term:

Starting late May (date tbc) for 13 weeks

Full-time of 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility available with hours. Some evening and weekend work will be required for events, community and business outreach. 

The work will be a mix of in-person meetings and weekly office days at the Centre for Social Innovation, field work in various neighbourhoods in Toronto, and will allow remote work at times, depending on the project phase. 

Pay is $25 an hour.  

Skills/experience required include: 

• Strong commitment to environmental justice and anti-oppression
• Knowledge of environmental policy and urban environmental issues, especially waste and single-use item reduction 
• Experience with qualitative research methods including interviewing and data synthesis
• Experience in customer service and/or interacting with and dealing with the public 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, plan and manage for on-time delivery
• Ability to take initiative and make sound decisions on job-related matters 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a team towards specific goals
• Strong interpersonal engagement skills 
• Ability to write for and communicate with a public audience
• Proficiency in Google Suite and various digital meeting platforms

Any of the following skills/experience will be considered assets:

• Experience leading a team or supervising others an asset
• Knowledge of municipal policy issues and community organizing
• Knowledge of zero waste, green economy/jobs, labour or climate change issues
• Experience in small business or food services 

Job requirements include: 

• Attending regular in-person and virtual community events and meetings in Toronto
• Able to work some evenings and weekends as needed for events and workshops
• Current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at U of T, or recent U of T graduates who have graduated in the last year.

Application Procedure:

Applicants should email a covering letter and resume as one document to [email protected] with “Summer Intern” in the subject line no later than 9:00 am on Tuesday April 30, 2024.  

Interviews will be conducted online. TEA is committed to providing accommodation for applicants at any stage of the recruitment process upon request by emailing [email protected] or by specifying required accommodations in your cover letter.

TEA is committed to employment equity and encourages members of equity-deserving groups to apply. Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ2S, and women, are encouraged to apply for this position and self-identify.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.