UT Farm Stand Zero Waste Student Assistant

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

UTSaver retirement program

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin is hiring a UT Farm Stand Zero Waste Student Assistant to support campus waste reduction initiatives, composting, and outreach. The role emphasizes hands-on experience in zero waste systems and environmental education on campus.

Ideal for sustainability-minded students, the position is on-campus, involves outdoor market work, and requires availability for a full semester with part-time hours. Compensation is $13.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as a student at the University of Texas at Austin.
• Must be available to work a full semester in the position.
• There is no prior experience required; only a willingness to work hard and a passion for sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Improve the efficiency of the UHD waste management operations
• Collect compost, coffee grounds and other recyclable materials from various sites across campus
• Attend multiple meetings throughout the week regarding zero waste and UT Farm Stand programs
• Assist in other UT Farm Stand’s activities when needed
• Communicate with university departments regarding sustainability goals
• Maintain/Expand UT Farm Stand’s campus and social media presence
• Expand composting and recycling operations, including exploring new locations and strategies for growth
• Create marketing materials for zero waste advertisement and education purposes

Job description

Job Posting Title

Job Posting Title: UT Farm Stand Zero Waste Student Assistant ---- Hiring Department: University Housing and Dining ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 15 ---- FLSA Status: To Be Determined at Offer ---- Earliest Start Date: Ongoing ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS ---- Job Details:

Purpose

The mission of UT Farm Stand is to promote a local and sustainable food system to the UT Austin community. With two sustainable food gardens, a biweekly farmer’s market, and a strong zero waste focus, UT Farm Stand is supported by three pillars: Farm, Table and Waste. Rooted in experiential education, UT Farm Stand provides students with diverse opportunities to develop their professional skills while advancing sustainability on campus. This position focuses specifically on zero waste initiatives and offers hands on experience in campus waste reduction efforts. Zero waste team members help lead and support programs such as compost system management, the Grounds for Grounds coffee ground composting program, and general zero waste outreach and education. Responsibilities may include event planning, waste audits, educational campaign development, data collection, and collaboration with other sustainability-focused campus groups. By working with the Zero Waste team, students gain practical experience in zero waste systems, environmental communication, and resource recovery, while contributing to UT Austin’s commitment to sustainability. This role is ideal for students passionate about waste reduction, circular systems, and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

UT Farm Stand Zero Waste Assistants will have a primary focus in zero waste programing, though there will be opportunities available in the markets and gardens.

• Improve the efficiency of the UHD waste management operations
• Collect compost, coffee grounds and other recyclable materials from various sites across campus
• Attend multiple meetings throughout the week regarding zero waste and UT Farm Stand programs
• Assist in other UT Farm Stand’s activities when needed
• Communicate with university departments regarding sustainability goals
• Maintain/Expand UT Farm Stand’s campus and social media presence
• Expand composting and recycling operations, including exploring new locations and strategies for growth
• Create marketing materials for zero waste advertisement and education purposes

Required Qualifications

Must be enrolled as a student at the University of Texas at Austin. Must be available to work a full semester in the position. There is no prior experience required; only a willingness to work hard and a passion for sustainability.

Compensation

$13.00 per hour

Career Competencies Gained

Working on a team and communicating within subgroups, whole team, and external collaborators. Knowledge of composting, sustainability, food systems, waste management, etc. Leading volunteers through zero waste activities and educating them. Opportunities available for leading work efforts and starting initiatives.

Working Conditions

This position is in-person, primarily at outdoor UT Farm Stand markets and related events in the on campus gardens. Some office work in the Sustainability Student Office will also be required. Garden and market work is typically performed outdoors in varying weather conditions, including sun, heat, wind, light rain, and seasonal temperature changes. Position may require frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials such as tables, tents, crates of produce, and boxes of supplies (generally up to 25-40 lbs. with or without accommodation).

• Work Shift Primarily Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Occasional weekend shifts may be required based on business needs.
• Employees may work up to 15 hours per week.

Employment Eligibility

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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