Campus Sustainability Atlas Zero Waste Student Internship
Employer: NIU Campus Sustainability
Location: Hybrid (remote work with occasional on-campus meetings)
Hours: 5-10 hours/week
Rate: $15/hour
Term: Spring 2026 semester (option to continue through Summer and Fall 2026)
About the Program:
Through a partnership with the Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN), NIU is participating in Atlas
Stage 3: Action Planning—a program that helps campuses develop comprehensive Zero Waste
Action Plans (ZWAPs). Interns employed by NIU Campus Sustainability will collaborate with
PLAN staff to advance waste-reduction initiatives across campus. Learn more about the
program at postlandfill.org/atlas-stage-3.
Position Overview:
As an Atlas Stage 3 Intern, you will work with NIU Campus Sustainability and PLAN staff to:
• Facilitate meetings with campus stakeholders (e.g. facilities, dining, student
organizations) to identify and advance zero-waste opportunities.
• Conduct research on waste-reduction best practices and benchmark NIU’s progress
against peer institutions.
• Help develop project proposals and ROI analyses for infrastructure, operations, and
engagement initiatives.
• Contribute to drafting NIU’s Zero Waste Action Plan and preparing presentations for
campus leadership.
Qualifications:
• Current NIU undergraduate or graduate student (Spring 2026).
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Interest in sustainability, waste management, or campus operations.
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible 5–10 hours/week schedule.
• Experience with data analysis, campus projects, or student leadership preferred.
How to Apply:
Submit a resume and brief cover letter to Dr. Courtney Gallaher at cgallaher@niu.edu by
12/1/25.
