Sustainability Internship - Net Zero Water

Sustainability Internship

• Net Zero Water

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) prides itself in saving wild places and spaces. As one of the cornerstones of the organization, the Sustainability Department plays a pivotal role in upholding and advancing the organization's strategic vision. We are committed to ensuring everything we do pursues excellence in four areas: People, Animals, Environment, and Resources. Behind each of these key commitments is the Sustainability Department, which is responsible for fostering a positive relationship between people, animals, and the environment we share. We provide technical expertise to ensure that each department and role within the organization upholds our standards and exemplifies our sustainability expectations. As a member of this team, you will help support the Zoo's operations, systems planning, project design, implementation of initiatives, partner coordination, internal and external communication, community engagement, event planning, and technical research.

This is a full-time, seasonal opportunity to align with the 2024 summer semester. The right candidate will have an interest in the responsible management of water and stormwater - with the primary goal of healing watersheds impacted by urban landscapes. We are seeking a candidate able to work a minimum of 30 hours per week for a 12-week period. Typical office hours are Monday

• Thursday between 8:30 a.m.

• 4:30 p.m. Flexible hours may be considered with an agreed upon schedule to accommodate a class schedule.

The Net Zero Water Intern reports to the Manager of Sustainability and will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the DZS' Net Zero Water Strategy. This role offers an opportunity to learn and apply best management practices, while having flexibility to take ownership over projects. The Sustainability Internship program is geared towards aligning projects and tasks with specific areas of responsibility based on personal interest, department needs and experience.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Assist the Manager of Sustainability in implementing specific initiatives towards achieving our vision as a Net Zero / Net Positive facility. More specifically, the following projects are top priorities:

• Build-out Spatial Data Mapping

• Add features and their associated metadata to ArcGIS Online

• Verify, revise, or add water and stormwater infrastructure to ArcGIS Online

• Implement the next phase of a Water + Stormwater Monitoring Program

• Procure monitoring equipment

• Perform installation of equipment (meters to be installed by the DZS Plumber)

• Set up a dashboard

• Monitor water use patterns

• Mitigate erosion of the island in Island Lake

• Assist in the planning, design, and construction of erosion control measures

• Initiate the planning and development of a sewer discharge monitoring program

• Perform an assessment of sewer infrastructure to identify a preliminary set of discharge monitoring locations

• Research equipment and processes for monitoring flow rates

• Calculate storm water management potential using I-Tree

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Attending regional Water Festivals or other community education events.

• Assist in public engagement, including planning and facilitating sustainability-driven events or specific initiatives within Zoo events.

• Assist in writing articles, blogs, or other external communications.

• Support all levels of the organization providing guidance on sustainability developments and concerns.

• Additional projects and duties to be assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate credit in environmental sciences, natural resources, biology or other related majors, at a junior or senior level at an accredited college or university.

• Graduate students are desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word and Excel).

• ArcGIS

• AutoCAD Civil3D

• Excellent organization and communication skills.

• Excellent writing skills (a sample of written works may be requested).

• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a timely manner.

• Creative, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented.

• A systems-thinker who can communicate their ideas in a professional setting.

Preferred

• Interest in non-profit experience is desired.

• Experience working with an environmental organization, academic department or company.

• Leadership experience in a team or group setting.

• Volunteer experience.

Working Conditions

Candidates should be prepared to work in all weather conditions and are expected to provide their own work clothing and footwear. Work will be conducted indoors as well as outdoors. Expect to get dirty on occasion.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to perform all principal duties satisfactorily. Able to perform moderate physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and standing for an extended period of time. Able to lift up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

Compensation

Internship

$6,000 total paid out in $2,000 increments every 4 weeks. All compensation is paid as a lump sum, but is taxed at the end of year via Form 1099-MISC.

On-grounds housing is available. All DZS rules and regulations must be agreed upon and adhered to.

The duration of the internship is anticipated to occur over 13 weeks, allowing for 1 week of non-work / vacation time in addition to the 12 weeks of work.

The Zoo is open over Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Interns may be asked to work the holidays, however, arrangements are to be made independently with the supervisor.

Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.