POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

ASSOCIATE SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST

LOCATED IN CHICAGOLAND AREA

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. PRI houses 5 large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology and archaeology. This position will be located in the Chicagoland area.

Our Mission is to encourage and assist citizens, businesses, and government agencies to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste to protect human health and the environment of Illinois and beyond.

ISTC integrates applied research, technical assistance, and information services to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; and materials recycling and beneficial reuse.

This is a regular, academic professional, full-time grant supported 12-month position, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The estimated starting date is March 16, 2015 (negotiable).

This position will work with Illinois companies, communities, and the manufacturing industry to identify and document their sustainability efforts and to identify trends and drivers of sustainability within a corporate/community environment and gaps in resources, tools and technologies creating barriers and challenges to actual implementation of sustainability, waste minimization and recycling opportunities. Will oversee the administration of the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Awards program. This includes expanding the awareness and profile of the award program and ISTC’s expertise and services. The incumbent will also conduct analysis of sustainable practices of Governor Award applicants present and past; develop relationships with applicants with the goal of ISTC Technical Assistance Engineers helping them address complex waste, recycling and sustainability issues; network with businesses, industries, trade organizations, etc. throughout the state to identify industry needs, trends and opportunities associated with environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and challenges common to industry sectors so that ISTC can provide assistance; identify emerging developments and trends in industry to help focus ISTC technical assistance efforts and services. This position will work with Technical Assistance Program staff to identify and address technical assistance and training opportunities, new markets of businesses and other entities to which ISTC may provide services; identify new and emerging sustainable technologies that are currently available commercially and facilitate awareness among ISTC staff and clients; develop, support and promote ISTC, particularly TAP, initiatives and services, including the Green Office Challenge and the Zero Waste Program. The incumbent will work with larger corporations, as well as small-mid-size, to identify and promote their successful sustainable efforts to their peers; develop case studies, fact sheets, reports, and other material – both paper and electronic – to communicate and highlight sustainability efforts and practices, particularly focusing on the entities that ISTC has worked with previously; and identify opportunities for ISTC to help sustainability leaders achieve even greater success. This position will also arrange and/or participate in area meetings/workshops/training with stakeholders to exchange ideas on sustainability practices and barriers and technology/technical assistance needs, and work on other projects and activities as assigned. As much as 50% travel required, within the state of Illinois.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in business, economics, environmental or related discipline.

Experience: Required: A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in business or industrial environment; excellent communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team; public speaking skills and inter-personal skills; familiarity with Illinois businesses and industries; excellent computer and data management skills; attention to detail. Must possess a valid driver’s license and access to transportation.

Preferred: knowledge of current sustainability issues within private sector manufacturing such as energy efficiency, water consumption, waste reduction, and recycling; and environmental/compliance experience.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and education

Benefits: Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Applications must be received by February 6, 2015. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a cover letter detailing qualifications and skills, curriculum vitae or resume’, working e-mail address, and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete information will not be reviewed. Applications may be reviewed prior to closing.

For further information please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, 217-333-6897,elhanson@inhs.illinois.edu. For technical questions, please contact: Deb Jacobson, Search Committee Member, at djacobso@illinois.edu.

Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).