Sales / Operations Hybrid Internship Summer 2026

About Us

WASTE CONNECTIONS, Inc. (NYSE: WCN) is a non-hazardous solid waste services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling services across the U.S. and Canada. Our employees foster a culture built on Servant Leadership and strong Operating Values.

Our goal is to create an environment where self-directed, empowered employees consistently fulfill our commitments to customers, communities, and one another. Operating within a highly decentralized structure, we seek individuals who bring energy, initiative, and creativity to their work.

At Waste Connections, you'll thrive if you are friendly, dedicated, and enjoy a work hard/play harder culture-while helping maintain our reputation as the premier waste services company in the markets we serve.

Internship Overview

Sales & Operations Intern (Hybrid Role)

As a Sales & Operations Intern, you'll gain hands-on exposure to both the commercial and operational sides of the business. This hybrid role is designed for students who want a broad, real-world understanding of how customer acquisition, service design, and day-to-day operations work together to deliver exceptional service.

You'll support the sales team in identifying and developing new business while also partnering with operations to ensure services are executed efficiently and aligned with customer expectations. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals interested in leadership development, logistics, and customer-focused solutions.

Location:
Knoxville, TN

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience supporting B2B and B2C sales and service operations

• Exposure to the waste management, logistics, and environmental services industry

• Mentorship from sales leaders, operations supervisors, and managers

• Understanding of how pricing, routing, and service execution intersect

• Opportunity to contribute to sustainability and community-focused initiatives

• Potential consideration for full-time employment upon graduation

Key Responsibilities

Sales Support

• Assist in identifying, qualifying, and tracking new sales leads

• Support outbound prospecting

• Help prepare proposals, quotes, and sales presentations

• Maintain CRM records and customer interaction notes

• Conduct market and competitive research to identify growth opportunities

• Shadow sales representatives during client meetings and site visits

• Other duties as assigned

Operations & Hauling Support

• Assist with daily route planning and coordination

• Participate in ride-alongs to observe field operations and customer service delivery

• Monitor service performance and help identify improvement opportunities

• Support communication between drivers, dispatch, customer service, and sales

• Assist with resolving service issues and customer concerns

• Contribute to basic operational reporting and performance metrics

• Other duties assigned

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between sales and operations to ensure service alignment

• Help evaluate operational feasibility of potential new accounts

• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for efficiency and growth

• Engage in rotational exposure across departments to build organizational understanding

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Business, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Communications, or a related field

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (CRM experience a plus)

• Comfortable working both in office and field settings

• Valid driver's license required

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.