Student - Zero Waste Coordinator Eco Rep

Southern New Hampshire University; Manchester (NH); On-site; USD 17,908 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

Southern New Hampshire University is seeking a Zero Waste Eco Rep who will support and lead waste-reduction initiatives on campus. You will help run campaigns, present to peers, and develop accessible educational materials aligned with local waste guidelines.

The role focuses on promoting recycling, composting, and sustainable behaviors while coordinating volunteers and tracking program impact. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Enrolled as SNHU student in good academic standing.
• Interest in sustainability or environmental studies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organized, reliable, and comfortable engaging diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with recycling/composting practices or willingness to learn.
• Able to support colleagues at events after class times, including evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support zero waste campaigns including recycling education, composting awareness, and waste audits.
• Facilitate peer engagement through tabling, workshops, and classroom/club presentations.
• Develop inclusive, accessible educational materials aligned with campus and local guidelines.
• Promote behavior change strategies to encourage reduction, reuse, and proper sorting.
• Coordinate zero waste efforts at campus events with waste stations, signage, and volunteers.
• Partner with event organizers to implement sustainable practices like reusables and donation.
• Track and report waste diversion outcomes from events.
• Assist with waste audits and data collection on recycling, compost, and landfill streams.
• Maintain simple tracking tools (spreadsheets, dashboards) to measure program impact.
• Contribute to reports highlighting participation, diversion rates, and engagement metrics.
• Collaborate with campus partners to expand zero waste initiatives.
• Support recruitment and coordination of volunteers for sustainability events.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for sustainability, modeling zero waste behaviors.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Organized

Recycling/composting knowledge

Education

Currently SNHU student in good standing

Tools

Excel

Google Sheets

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Program Implementation & Outreach
  • Lead and support zero waste campaigns (e.g., recycling education, composting awareness, waste audits)
  • Facilitate peer-to-peer engagement through tabling, workshops, and classroom/club presentations
  • Develop inclusive, accessible educational materials aligned with campus and local waste guidelines
  • Promote behavior change strategies that encourage reduction, reuse, and proper sorting
• Event Support & Waste Reduction
  • Coordinate zero waste efforts at campus events (e.g., waste stations, signage, volunteer support)
  • Partner with event organizers to implement sustainable practices (reusables, composting, donation)
  • Track and report waste diversion outcomes from events
• Data Collection & Impact Tracking
  • Assist with waste audits and data collection on recycling, compost, and landfill streams
  • Maintain simple tracking tools (spreadsheets, dashboards) to measure program impact
  • Contribute to reports highlighting participation, diversion rates, and engagement metrics
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Collaborate with campus partners (Dining, Facilities, Student Organizations, ERGs) to expand zero waste initiatives
  • Support recruitment and coordination of volunteers for sustainability events
  • Serve as a visible ambassador for sustainability, modeling zero waste behaviors

Qualifications

• Enrolled in SNHU classes and currently a student in good academic standing
• Interest in sustainability, environmental studies, or related field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Organized, reliable, and comfortable engaging with diverse audiences
• Familiarity with recycling/composting practices (or willingness to learn)
• Must be able to support colleagues with attending or working at other events after class times, including winter, spring, and late‑week events, Arboretum After Dark in October, and Campus Race to Zero Waste

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with event planning, outreach, or peer education
• Knowledge of local/state waste guidelines (e.g., NH recycling/composting practices)
• Experience with data tracking tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets)
• Driver’s license or ability to obtain one

Learning Outcomes

• Develop skills in program coordination, facilitation, and peer education
• Build competency in behavior change strategies and sustainability communication
• Gain experience with data tracking, reporting, and impact measurement
• Strengthen leadership, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills

Zero Waste Eco Rep Learning Goals

• Waste Diversion & Resource Management
  • Explain principles of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and circular economy practices
  • Identify common waste streams on campus and recommend strategies to improve diversion and reduce landfill waste
  • Assess waste management practices and recognize opportunities for operational improvement
• Data Collection & Evaluation
  • Collect, track, and analyze waste diversion data using established procedures
  • Interpret waste audit findings and use data to support recommendations and decision‑making
  • Communicate waste reduction metrics and program outcomes to stakeholders
• Environmental Education
  • Educate peers about proper waste sorting and sustainable consumption practices
  • Design and deliver engaging educational outreach that increases awareness of zero‑waste initiatives
  • Apply behavior change principles to encourage participation in waste reduction programs
• Program Operations
  • Plan and implement recycling, composting, surplus, and waste reduction initiatives
  • Demonstrate understanding of logistics involved in campus waste management programs
  • Maintain organized records, inventories, and program materials
• Problem‑Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Evaluate contamination issues and propose solutions to improve diversion rates
  • Apply systems‑thinking approaches to understand connections between purchasing, consumption, waste generation, and disposal
  • Develop recommendations that balance environmental impact, operational feasibility, and community engagement
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate effectively with Facilities, Dining Services, Residence Life, student organizations, and other campus partners
  • Build professional relationships that support sustainability goals and program success
  • Facilitate conversations that promote shared responsibility for waste reduction

NACE Competency Alignment

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Equity & Inclusion
• Technology
• Career & Self‑Development

Work Schedule/Hours

10 hours a week, typically Monday‑Friday, with some nights and weekends depending on events. Team meetings occur every other week.

Additional Information

• Resume‑Ready Outcomes
  • Sustainability program implementation
  • Waste audits and environmental data collection
  • Recycling and composting operations
  • Public speaking and peer education
  • Event sustainability planning
  • Program assessment and reporting
  • Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
  • Project management and problem‑solving

Compensation

The hourly pay range for this position is $13.00 – $15.00, based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.