The Lower East Side Ecology Center has just posted a new internship description for a program at our Gowanus eWaste Warehouse. We work to improve the rate of local reuse of discarded electronics before even choosing recycling as a disposal option. Many of the materials that New Yorkers throw away function perfectly, but are simply replaced by newer devices.
At our warehouse, more items come in than we have the capacity to test. We want to improve access to second-hand and discounted electronics for all New Yorkers, and are hoping that by hiring skilled interns, we will be able to find the items (which often include audio equipment) that work and can be reused or resold.
I have attached a description for this internship – students would indeed be helping with daily operations at the warehouse, but we are seeking individuals with an interest and academic background in music, a/v, and computer hardware and software so they can help us to efficiently expand our ReUse program through testing and repair.
Let me know if you need any other information and please do take note: while the attached description lists computer science as a recommended field of study, I’m reaching out to NYU specifically for students with audio/visual backgrounds. We have an enormous need for interns with knowledge that your students have.
Gowanus E-Waste Warehouse and ReUse Center Internship Opportunity
The Lower East Side Ecology Center’s electronic waste recycling program started in 2003, and in 2012 we opened a permanent drop-off location in Gowanus, Brooklyn. We are looking for bright and dedicated student interns to assist in the daily operations of the warehouse, while assisting to foster growth and provide skilled assistance to our ReUse program. This is an unpaid internship, and students seeking credits are welcome. The ReUse program at the Gowanus eWaste Warehouse supports local recycling and advocates for extending the life cycle of discarded but still functioning electronic devices before they are sent through energy-intensive recycling processes.
Through the Warehouse Internship program, students will help to improve the efficiency of warehouse operations and also allow the Ecology Center to provide more effective and well-rounded services, while also playing a part in making New York City a more sustainable place. Interns will pair their existing knowledge of computers and networks with the needs of the ReUse center, which has continuous need for testing of donated materials including computers, tablets, and other devices and peripherals.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
§ Test and assist in reconditioning electronic materials for reuse, such as computers, audio/video, and other electronics
§ Assist with the unloading and sorting of materials dropped off for reuse and recycling
§ Help maintain the quality of inventory and overall experience in the ReUse Store
§ Organize warehouse and work areas for orderliness at all times
§ Help clean, organize, catalogue, research, and photograph items in our prop library
Requirements:
§ Must be willing to work in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures
§ Must be able to lift 50 pounds safely
Qualifications:
§ Must be enrolled for credit in an undergraduate or graduate program
§ Interns should be studying computer science and/or demonstrate interest in recycling, fixing, and tinkering with computers, audio/video, and/or electronics
Please apply by e-mail with your resume and cover letter to info@lesecologycenter.org No phone calls.
The Lower East Side does not discriminate based on race, color, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin.