Waste Management Review (Internship)

Description

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.

Terms of Reference - Review of Waste Management in Alderney

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.

Objectives

• 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.

Methodology

• 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 the final deadline.

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.

Background on Alderney

Alderney is the third largest of the British Channel Islands. Though small, only 5km², it has a large marine area of 160km², and a diversity of habitats and species which far exceeds what might be expected. Our community is tight-knit but welcoming. The Island’s government has responsibility for managing its environment and infrastructure, which makes Alderney an exciting place to work. However, the island lacks external support and only has limited financial resources which means that charities and the local government often collaborate for the public good.