Bio Resource Internship-GUATEMALA

Bio Resource – Internship Description

AIDG Overview:

The Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) works to provide rural villages in developing countries with affordable and environmentally sound technologies that meet their needs for electricity, sanitation and clean water. Through a combination of business incubation, education, training and outreach, AIDG helps individuals and communities gain access to technology that will improve their lives. Our model provides a novel approach to sustainable development by empowering people with the physical tools and practical knowledge to solve infrastructure problems in their own communities.

In support of AIDG’s mission, the Internship Program seeks to provide assistance to AIDG’s incubated businesses and technology research and development through specialized training and product investigation and development, bringing in talented young professionals and experts from around the world with a passion to contribute to the developing world and help make a difference.

Presently, AIDG-Guatemala is seeking an Environmental Engineer or Biologist to assist the Technology R&D Program. The role and responsibilities of this position are described below; for further information (such as program details, expectations, housing and food reimbursement, etc.) please visit the AIDG website (www.aidg.org).

Bio Resource Position:

This internship involves the following projects:

Ø       Development of a quality control system for producing organic fertilizer from municipal organic waste.

Ø       Collaboration in a biogas scrubbing system development project.

Ø       Continued experimentation with biodigester feedstocks at AIDG-Guatemala’s office biodigester and development of feeding guidelines.

Ø       Technical support of the AIDG-Haiti office and their work with biodigesters.

This role is a full-time role and will require the applicant to work 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. The successful applicant’s principal focus will be the compost and biodigester projects; 80% of the Intern’s time should be dedicated to these projects.  The remaining time is expected to be dedicated to collaboration with other Intern’s projects or participation in customer-needs evaluation teams as appropriate.  The intern will also be asked to participate in presentations to local students and organizations about waste processing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants interested in this Internship should possess the following skills:

·         Strong understanding of biological processes in low-tech waste treatment

·         Basic understanding and experience working with sustainable, appropriate technologies

·         Advanced level of Spanish speaking/written ability

·         Good project management skills

All applicants should have a willingness to get hands-on and dirty, possess a good sense of humor and the ability to work independently. They should be versatile, mature, highly motivated and friendly. Prior international experience is desirable.  This is a minimum 8 month internship, starting January 2010.

Application Instructions:

Applications for the Bio Resource Internship close on December 4, 2009. Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume to internships[at]aidg[dot]org.