Environmental Purchasing Intern

Practice Greenhealth, the nation's leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices, is looking for an intern for 6 months (September - March) to support the development of a new Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) Specification Database for medical and non-medical products and services for health care. 

Practice Greenhealth serves over 1,100 health care facility members and over 80 business members supporting efforts to reduce the impact on the environment and on patient and staff health. 

Although based in Reston, Virginia, the Practice Greenhealth intern position can be based at any location and will report to the Director of the Environmental Purchasing Program in Northern California.  The intern would play a vital role in developing the first purchasing specification resource for the health care industry.

Responsibilities: 

• Conducting in-depth research on medical and non-medical products to identify chemical and material contents, environmental attributes, life-cycle impacts, standards and certifications, national and international policies, availability, and existing specifications.
• Writing product descriptions, summaries of standards, and other required product information as identified above. An outline of required information will be provided.
• Contacting product manufacturers, associations and others for product information.
• Participation in product educational sessions and advisory committee calls.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills
• Excellent proven research experience
• Demonstrated interest in environmental purchasing and chemicals of concern
• Work well independently and self-motivated
• Available a minimum of 10 hours per week (consideration may be given for more hours/week)
• Proficient in MS Office and have access to computer, internet, and telephone. Be able to send and receive documents electronically. (Applicable charges will be covered.)

Compensation: This position will pay $10/hour. This internship is intended for college graduates who are available 10 hours/week beginning September and lasting until March 2011.  

To Apply:

Please email a resume, cover letter, and 2 references to Beth Eckl, Director, Environmental Purchasing Program, Practice Greenhealth.  No calls please. Deadline is October 10th or until filled.