This description is a summary of our understanding of the job description. Click on 'Apply' button to find out more.

Role Description

The Data Science Intern will support the Strategic Modeling Team which leads the development of advanced analytics as part of the Data & Analytics team. There are two main projects that this intern will support:

• Leverage AI & LLMs to automate the gathering of producer-specific product and packaging data to support validation of producer supply reports.
• Support research into the cost for producers to reduce or eliminate their plastic packaging to inform the incentive mechanism aimed at achieving a 25% reduction in plastic packaging in California.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys quantitative analysis, structured problem-solving, data automation, and supporting companies to transition to a circular economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Producer Packaging Data Automation
  • Build and update scripts that will automate data gathering from generative AI tools about the specific products sold and packaging utilized by each of our member producers.
  • Process and classify data to ensure output matches standard categories.
  • Leverage clustering algorithms to identify producers with similar reporting trends.
  • Compare actual producer reports to predictions and identify potential incorrect reports.
  • Integrate the output into tools and visualizations for other team members to utilize for follow-up with producers.
• Packaging Cost Curve Research and Modeling
  • Leverage internal and external experts to identify specific opportunities for producers to reduce or eliminate plastic packaging, including:
    • Lightweighting
    • Elimination of plastic components
    • Shifting to a non-plastic package format
  • Research and model costs for achieving the packaging reductions and calculate $/lb reduced, $/component eliminated.
  • Aggregate data, cluster by producer type and source reduction pathways.
  • Conduct analysis to assess fee impacts, material-specific considerations, and producer-level implications.

Qualifications

• Currently in a program to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Business Analytics, Engineering, Software Development, or related field.
• Experience with data analysis, data cleansing, and data processing.
• Experience with Excel and data visualization tools such as Power BI.
• Experience with Python scripting, integrating with APIs, processing results from LLMs, and interacting with databases.
• Interest in sustainability, recycling, or EPR systems is a plus.

Requirements

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills; able to interpret complex datasets and identify actionable insights.
• Familiarity with data validation, governance, and data system integration best practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to work with remote teams across multiple time zones.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Compensation & Other Information

• Location: Fully Remote
• Pay Rate: $25.00 per hour. Since this is a temporary position, it is not eligible for benefits.
• Interns must have their own laptop and access to high-speed internet.
• Reports To: Tim Elliot, Director of Strategic Modeling.