Campus Sustainability Operations Specialist (Internal Opportunity Only)

University of Massachusetts Lowell•Lowell, MA

4d•$54,217 - $69,126•Onsite

About The Position

This position, reporting to the Director of Sustainability, supports the operational, administrative, and programmatic functions of the Office of Sustainability. This position plays a key role in advancing campus waste minimization, surplus and asset management, sustainability programming, vendor coordination, and campus engagement initiatives. The position provides direct support to both the Assistant Director of Sustainability and the Director of Sustainability, helping ensure the smooth operation of day-to-day sustainability services and the development of long-term initiatives. The position directly oversees the day-to-day operations of the Eco-Rep team, managing up to 10 student employees while building professional development opportunities and career-connected experiences for UMass Lowell students. The Sustainability Coordinator supports reporting cycles, coordinates specialized recycling, manages surplus property listings, and ensures compliant and efficient sustainability operations across academic, research, and administrative spaces. The position collaborates broadly with departments including Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, IT, Aramark Dining, and academic units. This position requires strong operational oversight, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while supporting university-wide sustainability goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, Marketing, Sustainability, Environmental Science, or a related field; or an Associate’s degree with 2 years of experience; or HS Diploma/GED with 5 years of related experience.
Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
Ability to work independently, demonstrate creative problem-solving, and maintain accountability
Critical thinking skills and adaptability in complex operational settings
Knowledge of waste minimization, recycling operations, and sustainability practices relevant to a university setting
Flexibility to support occasional evening or weekend events
Commitment to professional growth and ongoing development

Nice To Haves

Experience with sustainability operations, surplus programs, asset management, or laboratory recycling workflows.
Experience with Microsoft Office, spreadsheet development, data management, and operational tracking tools.
Behavioral competencies: teamwork, independent initiative, customer service, diplomacy, and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the Eco-Rep team of up to 10 student employees, providing daily guidance, task assignment, and oversight. Maintain, update, and track service requests through multiple tracking systems.
Oversee accumulation areas and warehouses for universal waste, electronics, and surplus furniture.
Develop SOPs and training documentation for operational practices to ensure safety, compliance, and consistency. Lead the Satellite Accumulation Area project to ensure compliance with EPA hazardous waste regulations.
Coordinate with the Project Management team on campus relocations, special projects, and space cleanouts. Advise on laboratory equipment recycling, reuse, and disposal across UMass Lowell laboratory environments.
Conduct audits of current vendors for compliance, performance, and operational efficiency; research and evaluate prospective vendors.
Develop and maintain tools, logs, and spreadsheets to track vendor performance, work order status, and operational metrics.
Monitor and respond regularly to inquiries via the Sustainability department email account.
Oversee departmental vehicle fleet use, scheduling, and maintenance.
Manage the university’s GovDeals surplus sales platform, including creating and posting listings and reviewing student-submitted entries. Respond to buyer inquiries, coordinate pickups, and maintain timely communication with purchasers.
Partner with Tech Services to list, manage, and process electronic equipment for surplus.
Track invoices, payment status, and financial records.
Support the generation of approximately $50,000 in revenue and $100,000+ in cost savings annually through surplus sales and reuse initiatives.
Assign and oversee asset management tasks completed by the Eco-Rep student team.
Take on asset management tasks from the Assistant Director when appropriate to support operational continuity.
Support the identification of grant opportunities that align with university sustainability goals.
Assist in drafting, editing, and preparing grant applications, proposals, budgets, and supporting documents.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to gather data, narratives, and project details for grant submissions.
Track grant deadlines, deliverables, reporting requirements, and award cycles, including but not limited to AASHE STARS, MA LBE, and other state or institutional reporting obligations.
Serve as Chair of the Bee Council, leading pollinator health initiatives and supporting AASHE STARS grounds-related credits.
Participate as an active member of the UMass Sustainability Council, supporting system-wide sustainability collaboration among UMass campuses.
Support special sustainability projects, initiatives, and outreach efforts across campus.
Enhance campus engagement through events such as Eco-Fest, recycling drives, and student-focused outreach.
Collaborate with student clubs and mentor attendees of the UNFCCC COP assembly.
Contribute to AASHE STARS reporting and identify opportunities to earn additional credits and enhance institutional performance.
Organize and support campus and community sustainability-related event scheduling and planning for the Office of Sustainability.
Share responsibility for maintaining rooftop gardens at O’Leary Library and University Crossing, including watering and general upkeep.
Coordinate and schedule rooftop garden cleaning and maintenance activities. Collaborate with Mill City Grows on year-round food production in the East Campus greenhouse.
Serve as an active participant in the Cool Schools Program by coordinating events and supporting garden restoration for Lowell Public Schools.
Represent the university at urban agriculture events and participate in community partnerships as appropriate.
Collaborate with Aramark Dining to advance sustainability initiatives across campus dining operations.
Support procurement of locally sourced foods to promote regional agriculture and reduce environmental impact.
Coordinate with external partners, including local restaurants, businesses, farms, and food suppliers.
Represent the Office of Sustainability at UMass Lowell Dining events and outreach activities.