News: Summer Intern Program Helps Firms Cut Costs By Reducing Environmental Impact

Businesses seeking interns

Does your company want to save money and improve environmental performance? If so, the University of Missouri Environmental Assistance Center (EAC) is seeking companies interested in hiring a pollution prevention intern during summer 2009.

Mizzou Pollution Prevention program interns are highly trained upper level engineering students who can help companies cut energy use, improve environmental performance, advance company sustainability goals, and save money, according to Marie Steinwachs, EAC director.

"We just completed our first year of the program, during which interns at three host companies identified savings of over 797,000 kWh of electricity, 84 tons of waste, and 14,100 MMBTU of natural gas," says Steinwachs. "These efforts reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,450 metric tons and cut company costs by more than $260,000."

Interns are matched to company needs by a careful screening process. During the summer program interns have the advisory support of engineering faculty members and the national pollution prevention network.

Among the industial areas the interns cover in the training are: environmental management systems, lean manufacturing, regulatory compliance, energy efficiency, heat recovery, hazardous waste, workplace safety, and tools for calculating savings.

Download information/forms for businesses

• Business application letter (PDF)
• Business project proposal (Word)

Interns are expected to work full time (40 hours per week) for 11 weeks and to be paid a minimum of $15 per hour by the host company. For more information contact Steinwachs at (573) 882-5011 or steinwachsme@missouri.edu.

NOTE: Application deadline has been extended; we will not reject proposals submitted up until March 20. However, we will, if necessary, give priority consideration to those applications that come early.

Students seeking summer jobs in environment

Are you looking for a challenging summer job that allows you to make a real difference in the environment? Do you want hands-on experience working with experts in one of Missouri’s top companies? Are you interested in earning a great salary while building your resume? The EAC is recruiting some of the best MU engineering students to engage in summer internships to identify, assess and recommend pollution prevention strategies for host companies.

Download information/forms for students

• P2 intern information (PDF)
• Student application (Word)

This story was featured in the November 2008 newsletter