Paraprofessional Intern: Sustainability & Special Projects: Urban Forestry Focus

Job Summary:

The Sustainability & Special Projects Paraprofessional Intern’s primary responsibility will be to assist staff with the tree inventory and to provide additional support to a variety of sustainability projects from greenhouse gas reporting to recycling. The tree inventory will primarily consist of field surveys and data collection utilizing geographic information system (GIS) software. Other projects will involve basic work with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and developing outreach materials/activities for the sustainability table at the Sewer District’s annual Clean Water Fest. 

Project Title: Tree Inventory

Assist staff with field surveys to identify tree species at our urban and suburban sites, determine tree species using tools like an interactive dichotomous tree key or tree guides, evaluate tree health, assess the tree canopy, and find opportunities to increase tree canopy on Sewer District properties.

Collect data during field surveys utilizing GIS application software.

Collect data from GIS application software, Census data, and FEMA to assist in planning/prioritizing field survey locations.

Review/manipulate field data as required.

Enter information into iTree to assist with assessing carbon sequestration and stormwater reduction potential of evaluated sites.

Project Title: Support for External Tree Engagements

Assist staff with planning for the Cuyahoga Tree Symposium.

Assist staff as needed by collecting data or preparing notes for Tree Coalition meetings.

Project Title: Clean Water Fest Sustainability Outreach Support

Assist staff in preparing for a reduced waste Clean Water Fest 2023, for instance contacting vendors about composting, or drafting general composting guidance documents using Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.

Assist staff in creating an interactive short game or other manipulatives for the sustainability table at the Sewer District’s annual Clean Water Fest.

Assist staff in developing background notes/reference materials for the sustainability table using Microsoft Word.

Project Title: Sustainability Program – Support

Assist with updating recycling program at EMSC by changing containers, installing signage, and other tasks as assigned.

Assist staff in collecting and compiling data for our Sewer District greenhouse gas report.

Assist staff in entering data into Excel, formatting tables, and using basic formulas like SUM and AVERAGE to compile the results.

Project Title: Special Project Support

Provide support for various projects as directed by staff.

Support outreach activities, internal and external presentations.

Qualifications:

Candidate must possess a valid state of Ohio driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the must have a reliable form of transportation.

The District requires protective footwear (i.e., steel or composite-toed) when working in the plants, pump stations, construction sites, public rights-of-way and other posted areas. New hires are required to have protective footwear, meeting the following criteria, on the first day of employment: 1) Must be ANSI Z41-1999 or ASTM F-2412/2413 (2005) certified, 2) Must have a steel or composite protective toe, 3) Must be, at a minimum, a 6” work boot or 6” hiker-style boot (Note: shoes are not permitted), 4) Must have a slip-resistant sole. It is also recommended, but not required, that footwear be waterproof and have included a shank to protect the bottom of the foot.

Required Education:

Candidate must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or better with a declared major of Urban Forestry, Forestry, Field Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Parks and Resource Management, Plant Science, Biology, Environmental Engineering/Science, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a closely related field of study. Completion of a tree identification course, volunteer tree stewardship training or urban forestry or field ecology coursework is preferred. This position may include those that have graduated from a related program within 24 months of the date of application.

Availability

Candidate must be able to work 40 hours per week from a combination of Monday - Friday during normal business hours. Options for reduced hours to a minimum of 20 hours per week can be arranged, based on the candidate’s availability and with supervisors’ approval.

Candidate must be able to commit to up to a 4-month assignment with an option to extend the assignment at NEORSD’s discretion. This internship program provides for a time-limited role at NEORSD with no express or implied guarantee of employment for any period of time as the selected candidate is “at will.” This position is governed by all applicable NEORSD administrative policies, practices and procedures related to temporary employees, including employment at will.

NEORSD, an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, recognizing the full range of human differences and similarities. Through our unwavering efforts to leverage the potential of our diversity, we continually strive to build and foster an environment that respects everyone. We encourage and promote innovation, and provide opportunities for all employees to interact, communicate, and realize the full potential of their talents.

Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs

We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

DISCLAIMER: The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.

This internship is a temporary position, this position comes with no express or implied guarantee of future employment beyond the assignment period. This potion is governed by all applicable NEORSD administrative policies, practices and procedures related to temporary employees.