Part Time Internship: Student Sustainability Architects, Facilities Directorate

Are you excited about trying out new ideas and making a positive difference at the University? Do you want to gain experience of delivering an exciting sustainability related project? Do you want to be part of a dynamic and committed team to help drive forward sustainability initiatives at the University?

As part of our aim to help expand sustainability knowledge and engagement across the student and wider communities, the Sustainability Service are seeking to appoint 19 Student Sustainability Architects for the 26/27 academic year. 

Student Sustainability Architects are part-time paid positions which build our capacity to deliver sustainability projects, bringing new ideas, enthusiasm, and the student voice. They take the lead on delivering projects that align with our strategic objectives and develop their own ideas to increase student opportunities in sustainability at Leeds. Each role supports delivery of a core project in-line with the University’s strategic approach to sustainability, with particular emphasis on student engagement, working across the institution and externally. 

You will be required to work flexibly, which may include working evenings and weekends when appropriate and working variable hours (approximately 4-6 hours per week up to a maximum of 100 hours per project, split over the project duration).

During the application process, you will have the option to select your preferred Student Sustainability Architect project theme (see the 'Projects Appendix' document attached within this advert for more information and guidance). Please note: projects will be allocated after interviews and assessments have taken place and though we will try to satisfy personal preference, it is not guaranteed.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the University’s strategy and underpins every element of our Climate Plan. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Sustainability Service, who support the University to deliver on our sustainability commitments. Through our strategic approach to sustainability, we draw on the diverse expertise of our students, staff, and partners to collaborate in finding sustainable solutions to global challenges, and to maintain our position as world-leaders in sustainability. Delivering this strategy requires significant engagement and collaboration, with the whole University community and externally, to facilitate behaviour and process change.    

For further details on the Student Sustainability Architect programme, please see sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/get-involved/make-an-impact/student-architects.

Responsibilities for all Student Sustainability Architect roles will include:

• Supporting the delivery of a core sustainability project in-line with the University’s strategic approach to sustainability (see attached ‘Projects Appendix’ for more details).  
• Working with your supervisor to set objectives, plan and manage the project, and monitor performance against these objectives (e.g., including time, quality, and budgets).  
• Where required, promoting Sustainability Services at key events, e.g., University Open Days, Careers Fairs, and Welcome, Induction, and Transition events.  
• Supporting the marketing of the Sustainability Service and communication of sustainability at Leeds by, for example, using social media to publicise events or contributing to the Sustainability Service blog and news posts.  
• Researching, applying, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and sharing best practice.  
• Supporting student facing activities and assisting with other sustainability campaigns and projects when necessary, including the Student Sustainability Research Conference.  

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.  

Qualifications and skills

• You will be a current University of Leeds student and have a keen interest in current sustainability issues facing large organisations.
• You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to interact well with others. You will be able to work effectively as part of a team, but also on your own initiative to look for creative and innovative solutions to problems.
• You will have high-level organisational skills with an enthusiastic and pro-active approach. You will also have excellent time-management skills with the ability to prioritise your academic work and deadlines as necessary.
• You will have excellent communication, written, and IT skills with the ability to present information to different audiences in different formats, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.