The University of Arizona Office of Sustainability Compost Cats Program seeks one to two highly qualified undergraduate or graduate students to assist with educational and outreach activities on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, K-12 and community-focused STEM programming/curricula, education and/or outreach events for a wide range of audiences at compost demonstration sites, trainings for commercial business employees, potential operation of small-scale equipment for maintenance of composting systems (please be prepared to get dirty), collection and reporting of metrics or data to the Compost Cats Program Manager, Outreach Coordinator, and/or Public Education Coordinator; participation in zero-waste effort events, and more. The successful candidates will inform and inspire the Tucson community about food waste reduction, materials cycling, soil health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship.
Compost Cats currently employs 12 student employees, two full-time Coordinators, and one full-time Program Manager. Since it began in 2011, Compost Cats has diverted over 30 million pounds of food scraps, brush, animal bedding, and other organic waste from Tucson landfills, transforming it into nutrient-rich soil amendments for local farms, gardens, and landscapes, including U of A grounds. This program is unique in the United States and sets U of A apart as an innovator and leader in waste diversion and environmental engagement initiatives. Compost Cats is currently expanding its capacity to serve a greater portion of the Tucson community in close partnership with the City of Tucson. These student employees will assist the Compost Cats Program as it expands its offerings in training, education, and research while working closely with the City of Tucson to continue increasing organic waste diversion from landfills.
Additional responsibilities may include supporting broader Office of Sustainability initiatives to promote a campus culture of sustainability. This position may also occasionally assist with administrative and office support tasks within the Compost Cats program.
Work-study is preferred but not required.
To be selected for an interview, you must provide a resume and cover letter. If you need support in crafting a Cover Letter or Resume for this position or assistance in strengthening your interview skills, please reach out to the team at Student Engagement and Career Development. They provide free guidance and coaching as a service to all current University of Arizona students.
https://www.career.arizona.edu/jobs/resumes
https://www.career.arizona.edu/jobs/interviewing
Program Location: Office of Sustainability (ENR2 N495); off-campus demonstration/educational & training sites (including, but not limited to the University of Arizona Community Garden, Los Reales Landfill, Tucson Village Farm, Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, local schools and businesses, etc.)
Hours per week: 10-25
Pay rate: $15.00/hour
You must be a currently enrolled University of Arizona student, with a graduation date of December 2026 or later, to be considered for this position.
This position does not require prior experience or knowledge in composting or sustainability. All skills and required knowledge will be provided by the Compost Cats program and the Office of Sustainability.
Responsibilities:
- Complete required University, safety, and operation trainings (10-25+ paid hours);
- Conduct introductory, experiential composting workshops and trainings for a range of audiences, including K-12 students, adult community members, and business partners;
- Develop and deliver composting or sustainability curricula for a range of audiences at outdoor demonstration sites and classrooms;
- Develop and conduct virtual and in-person trainings for local businesses and community partners (FoodCycle or Bucket Program participants);
- Take part in educational events, presentations, special projects, events, film screenings, and other occasional/periodic campus and community happenings (when appropriate);
- Attend weekly general employee meetings and other meetings as assigned;
- Maintain clear and open lines of communication with everyone in the program, particularly the Program Manager and Coordinators, and any relevant student leads;
- Early morning, evening, and weekend work will be required.
- Maintain small compost systems, operate small-scale equipment, and collect samples and data; on an occasional basis.
Required Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license and successful completion of the U of A defensive driver training is required;
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to positively represent Compost Cats and the Office of Sustainability to our campus and community stakeholders;
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including a strong proficiency in public speaking;
- Ability to push, pull, or lift 25 pounds;
- Ability to work outdoors in extreme cold or warm weather;
- Ability to work 4+ hours in an outdoor setting;
- Must be available for in-person shifts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 8:30 am-12:30 pm;
- Must be available to work in-person early days and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications (highly desirable, but not required):
- Access to personal vehicle – must be able to provide your own transportation to various off-site locations;
- Background/interest in sustainability and/or environmental conservation/management;
- Experience in marketing communications, media releases, business reports and/or outreach materials, or similar documents;
- Experience/interest in public education, community engagement, and volunteer recruitment activities;
- Experience/interest in working in an educational setting with K-12 students, college students, or community members.
About the University of Arizona Office of Sustainability
As a Tier 1 research and land-grant institution, the University of Arizona addresses global challenges through research and teaching and translates research into action. The U of A uses its campus as a living laboratory to pilot and implement innovative, place-based solutions that advance sustainability. The Office of Sustainability furthers this progress by elevating and institutionalizing best practices in sustainable operations and development. We work across the university to build relationships and networks that foster a culture of sustainability. We also provide student, faculty, staff, and community engagement opportunities, offering unique and meaningful experiences.
