Waste Management Review Internship 2025

States of Alderney, in collaboration with the Alderney Wildlife Trust, is seeking a motivated, environmentally-conscious individual to undertake a comprehensive review of waste management practices across the island. This is a short-term but critical assignment designed to support sustainable development, improve service efficiency, and inform future investment and policy decisions.

This role is particularly suited to a recent graduate (preferably with a Master's in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Sustainability, or a related discipline) seeking to gain practical experience through a meaningful and impactful project.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct an assessment of current waste management systems, including collection, disposal, and recycling operations.
• Analyze waste volume and type data from the past five years.
• Identify inefficiencies, gaps, and improvement opportunities in processes, facilities, staffing, and policies.
• Liaise with a range of stakeholders.
• Conduct site visits and public consultations, including surveys or focus groups as required.
• Produce an interim update and a final detailed report with practical, evidence-based recommendations.

Person specification

Essential

• A degree (ideally at Master’s level) in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Waste Management, or Sustainability.
• Strong research, data analysis, and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

Desirable

• Experience (academic or professional) in conducting environmental reviews or audits.
• Familiarity with UK and European waste management legislation and operational frameworks.
• Prior experience with stakeholder consultation or public engagement projects.

Support and remuneration

• Return travel from the UK covered (up to £600).
• Accommodation arranged locally.
• Weekly stipend of £65.

Purpose

To conduct a comprehensive review of waste management practices, systems, and infrastructure in Alderney, assessing their effectiveness, sustainability, compliance with environmental standards, and alignment with community needs. The review will identify areas for improvement and recommend actionable strategies for a more efficient, sustainable, and community-focused waste management system.

The review will

• Evaluate current waste management policies, practices, and services, including waste collection, disposal, recycling, and landfill operations.
• Assess compliance with relevant environmental regulations and best practices.
• Review waste volumes, types, and trends over the past five years.
• Examine the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the current waste management system.
• Provide recommendations for improvements, innovations, or alternative models for waste management on the island.
• Scope

The review will cover

• Household waste, commercial waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste, and special waste streams.
• Waste collection services, facilities, equipment, and staffing.
• Waste treatment and disposal methods, including landfill management, incineration (if applicable), and recycling facilities.
• Policy framework, including legislation, regulations, and operational procedures.
• Financial models, funding, and budgeting for waste management.
• Community engagement, education, and participation.
• Future trends and potential risks or opportunities.

Excluded from the review are

• Wastewater management (unless directly relevant to solid waste issues).
• Private sector waste activities outside the formal waste management system.
• Methodology

The review will include

• Desktop research and document analysis.
• Site visits to waste management facilities.
• Stakeholder consultations.
• Comparative analysis with best practices from similar jurisdictions.
• Data analysis of waste generation, disposal, and recycling rates.
• Governance and Reporting
• The review will be overseen by the General Service Committee, which will receive regular progress updates.
• Weekly updates will be provided to the Head of Operations.
• A draft report will be submitted for feedback before finalisation.
• The final report, including findings and recommendations, will be delivered to the General Services Committee - by [Deadline tbc].
• Deliverables
• Interim updates as agreed with the General Services Committee.
• Draft report for feedback.
• Final report including:
• Executive summary.
• Detailed findings.
• Analysis of current systems and issues.
• Recommendations for improvement and implementation roadmap.