Daily Sustainability Job Post

* The link and job description provided was active on September 8, 2022 – the date this was posted. Please refer to the employer’s website for up to date information. This is not our search, we are providing these links as a service to the community of sustainability and ESG jobseekers.

Position Overview:

Position Purpose: Serves as a campus leader by engaging with all facets of the campus community in reducing the environmental footprint of the college, with the goal of becoming a carbon neutral campus. Manages the various aspects of sustainability programs on campus including a revitalization and implementation of the climate action plan.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Campus Vision and Planning: Manages the revitalization, implementation, and execution of Union College’s Climate Action Plan, and energy master plans.Advises, develops, implements and evaluates comprehensive sustainability programs across the campus (particularly facilities, dining services, transportation and purchasing. Coordinates, supports and expands opportunities for students, faculty, staff and administrators to learn about sustainability and incorporate sustainable practices into their daily activities. Provides support in developing and implementing innovative solutions in the areas of procurement; waste management, energy and water management, building design, construction, and maintenance.
2. Educational Integration and Cultural Change: Collaborates with faculty and administrators to develop sustainability initiatives in education, research and interdisciplinary projects. Creates and fosters a Sustainability Internship and work study programs that fosters a student facing response team for sustainability and implements a seminar aimed at providing students with a background in sustainability and support for running campus-based programs. Oversees, facilitates, and fosters a reciprocal relationship and support activities on campus (such as: U-Sustain, Green Fee, Green Grants, Ozone House, and Environmental Clubs.)
3. Initiative Management and Reporting: Directly manages, leads, and mentors staff and interns directly reporting to the Office of Sustainability. Plans and prioritizes sustainability goals for the college, creates success metrics, and elevates Union College’s sustainability on campus. Manage and complete annual greenhouse gas inventory and energy audit (consultant), as well as other analysis and data gathering to include the responsibility for the administration of our response to the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment to include the development of goals and reporting to the organization.
4. Outreach: Develops effective relationships with local and national organizations, as well as peer institutions, to support sustainability efforts and host on campus events with student involvement. Identifies and sources grants and other available funds to leverage campus resources and further advance the sustainability agenda.Serves as a liaison between the sustainability office and the Vice President of Sustainability within the Student Forum.
5. Sustainability and Energy Budgeting: Tracks and manages all sustainability budgets, including operations, recycling and waste removal. Tracks and manages consumption of utilities as they relate to the campus’ energy profiles monthly, and reviews with campus engineer/Director for procurement of utilities. Works with the Director to track all carbon offsetting projects and engage with NYSERDA and other funding entities to attain funding for projects associated with sustainability. ManageS/superviseS the recycling and waste removal programs. Works with staff members within Facilities Services to aid in awareness and best practices.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Policy, or Energy Engineering fields and/or a related field  and a minimum of 3-5 years of related experience and/or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.
2. Previous staff supervision experience.
3. Broad knowledge of sustainability with expertise in climate action planning, implementation, and progressive thought towards carbon neutrality, and campus or business advancement.
4. Experience building strong business relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers.
5. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to be impartial and establish rapport with a diverse range of campus community members.
6. Ability to pay attention to details, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
7. Able to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
8. Able to support, contribute to, and strengthen a vibrant, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community of students, alumni, faculty, and fellow staff colleagues.

Preferred qualifications:

1. Previous project management experience within sustainability projects.
2. Knowledge of sustainability in higher education required, specifically national and New York State metrics and trends.
3. Knowledge of NYSERDA programs preferred.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities that request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.