The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Together, ESD employees positively impact every resident and business in San Jose.
Our department is an exceptional place to start or grow your career. We have a supportive leadership team, numerous professional growth opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming of your talents!
To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X (formally Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
About the Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Division:
ESD’s Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Division leads one of the largest and most advanced solid waste management systems in the United States through creativity and innovation. Division staff collaborate with other City departments and establish strong partnerships with private companies, other government agencies, nonprofits, and the community on a variety of key efforts. Experience fast-paced work and learn new skills that contribute to the bigger purpose of protecting the environment at a local level.
Position Duties
Duration of Assignment:
Approximately 12 weeks starting September 2025, with the possibility to extend.
Salary Information:
The Environmental Services Department is currently seeking to hire part-time unbenefited Undergraduate Interns into the Integrated Waste Management Division.
Salary ranges for this classification are:
- Undergraduate Student Intern: $15.86 - $22.65 per hour (unbenefited)
This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.
About the Residential Recycling Internship:
The Residential Recycling intern will provide project support to the Integrated Waste Management Division. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Grant Assistance:
- Assist with CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant, including help with tracking, organizing, and documenting related activities
- Assist in the organization and distribution of recycling tote bags and enclosure signs to multi-family properties throughout San Jose
Field Work:
- Work in teams of two to conduct deliveries in the field of recycling tote bags and enclosure signs to multi-family properties throughout San Jose
- Staff pick-up events for properties to pick up tote bags and enclosure signs
- Track progress of tote distribution and plan and coordinate scheduling of deliveries
Data Management:
- Develop and manage tracking of distribution of grant related materials including tote bags and enclosure signs to multi-family properties
- Input and track data in spreadsheets using Microsoft Office Suite tools
Outreach and Community Engagement:
- Assist in contacting properties to coordinate delivery of program materials.
- Provide outreach to multi-family properties informing them of grant program, residential guide, multi-family toolkit, and other resources to help them Recycle Right.
- Assist the Residential Program with projects as they arise.
Administrative Support, as needed:
- Handle mailings, phone coverage, and monitoring of email inboxes and hotlines.
- Perform basic data entry, data comparison, and update contact lists.
- Assist with sorting, filing, and organizing non-urgent projects.
- Support in creating simple documents, flyers, and other materials as needed.