Sustainability Specialist

Opening

Full Time 40 hours Grade 052 Support Operations

Schedule

8 AM-5 PM

Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Manages, tracks, and evaluates the University's recycling, compost, reuse and waste minimization programs. Initiates best practices for resource conservation, recycling, solid waste management processes, and related sustainability programs; incorporates best practices within service contract specifications as appropriate. Manages participation in zero waste related competitions and organizes and/or participates in sustainability related events and conferences on campus (i.e. recycling collection events, Earth Day, America Recycles Day, and various tabling opportunities for program promotion).

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Manages the Universitys recycling, reuse, compost and waste minimization programs. Provides campus-wide coordination of solid waste management to achieve compliance with state laws, regulatory obligations, and University policies to safely dispose of materials and divert materials from landfills using recycling, composting, repurpose, and source reduction strategies. Serves as the University of Rochester's recycling and waste reduction expert. Acts as the primary conduit of communication with the waste management service vendor account manager; holds vendor accountable to the highest standard of service. Serves as the chair of the University Waste Minimization Steering Committee, organizing and facilitating meetings, and communicating recommendations through appropriate channels.
2. EDUCATION AND REPRESENTATION: Manages participation in the annual Campus Race to Zero Waste, a nationwide collegiate recycling competition, and other zero waste related competitions. Organizes other waste minimization related events and conferences on campus (i.e. recycling collection events, America Recycles Day, and various tabling opportunities for program promotion) and participates in other sustainability related events as appropriate. Works with office team and Communications to develop, create, and update promotional and educational marketing material such as websites, signs, flyers, handouts, brochures, and labels to encourage all members of the University community to support the University's recycling and waste minimization programs .Engages in the University's sustainability social networking media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Attends and participates in professional meetings and organizations such as Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), New York Coalition for Sustainability in Higher Education (NYCSHE), the College and University Recycling Coalition (CURC), and the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3).
3. ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH STAFF AND STUDENT PROGRAMS: Works closely with Facilities Team Green student interns to assist with education and representation projects, perform research or work on sustainability projects with well-defined deliverables. Develops and recommends recycling and waste minimization related policies to be implemented by Facilities staff and other related University staff to maximize efficiency of cost and efforts in sustainable practices. Provides training and educational sessions to various academic and supportive departments, employee teams and groups, various student organizations, and academic courses. Works with student groups, such as the EcoReps, Student Government, Student Activities Office, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, and other interested parties to foster a culture of sustainability.
4. DATA COLLECTION, REPORTING, PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT: Manages data collection and reporting for solid waste, recycling and reuse, and other metrics. Provides quarterly waste diversion data reports. Researches best practices for resource conservation, recycling, solid waste management processes, and related sustainability programs and develops operational plans for implementation by the appropriate University Facilities and Services personnel or for incorporation into service contract specifications. Stays abreast of waste reduction initiatives at other peer institutions and in the local community.
5. OTHER DUTIES as needed by the Sustainability Office or University Facilities and Services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental or public administration required or equivalent combination of education and experience. 3-5 years of experience preferred in recycling, waste management; or environmental programs or similar experiences that demonstrate knowledge and the skill sets necessary to effectively manage a large and complex waste stream. Excellent communications skills, ability to work well with a diverse team and manage multiple priorities preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University's mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled