Compost Research Internship – Winter/Spring

Compost Research Internship

Hours: 5-15 Hours/Week
Timeline: Current-June 2017 – Flexible Start & Stop Times
Location: Boston Metro Area Preferred, Remote Considered

Compost Technical Services (CTS) is a leading consultancy in New England,
specializing in food scrap compost site planning and compost operator
education. In 2017, CTS’s owner James McSweeney will be completing a book
manuscript focused on the design and management of community scaled
composting operations. The topics covered in the book include planning and design for
small/medium scale and distributed composting infrastructure, with a focuson
food scrap recycling. All of the common composting methods are covered:
turned windrow, bin/bay systems, in-vessels, aerated static pile (asp), and
vermicomposting. Additional chapters cover composting with animals, compost
heat recovery, and small scale food scrap collection, as well as basic
composting science and compost site management.

The internship/independent study will be focused on researching the
technical aspects of composting, both in the literature and from primary sources. In
addition, interns with design/illustration skills may have opportunities to
support some of the systems design work for the book.

This is a unique opportunity to directly contribute to a greatly
anticipated book!

Other learning opportunities will be available to the intern, including
site visits with composting clients, site planning, and design assistance.

CTS is seeking one or more research interns with the following background/
skillsets:
– Degree or current enrollment in a relevant area of study
(environmental studies/science/planning, engineering, design, biology,
agriculture, etc.)
– Familiarity with composting science and/or passion for composting and
compost use
– Research/critical thinking skills
– Strong writing/editing skills

At this time no compensation is available. Your contribution will be
recognized in the book and you will receive a copy of the book when it is
published.

To apply, please send a letter of interest (LOI) and resume or CV to:

james@composttechnicalservices.com

In the LOI, please describe:
– The core competencies that you would bring to the project
– What specific interests areas you have related to the research

– What your availability is (ideal timeframe, hours/week)

Internships will be available until filled. I will get back to you within
one week of receiving your LOI. Interns in the Boston area will be preferred,
but remote applicants who are passionate about the work will be considered.