Recycling Manager

The University of Southern Mississippi•Hattiesburg, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Recycling Manager is responsible for developing long term material testing strategies and outreach associated with Mississippi Polymer Institute’s (MPI) recycling and re-use activities, from compost ability to plastic re-use. This role is central to advancing our sustainability mission by demonstrating the efficacy of bioplastics as a feedstock for composting, diverting food waste, and reducing plastic pollution in commercial and industrial settings. The position requires the Recycling Manager to work independently to analyze complex data and make high level decisions that accurately reflect ROI for external companies. The Recycling Manager is actively involved in developing, implementing, managing, and educating across all program areas and must be proactive, resourceful, and capable of working effectively at all levels of the organization and with external businesses.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Science, Technology Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or a related field.
Three (3) years of experience in commercial operations, conducting federal requirements for certification, and community engagement.
One (1) year of experience in grant writing.
One (1) year of experience in designing and implementing training programs.
One (1) year of experience in sustainability and data management.
One (1) year of experience with accredited laboratory methods and management.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Strong ability to plan, organize, and oversee programs from concept to execution, including managing staff, volunteers, and timeline
Ability to design educational content, workshops, and outreach materials for diverse audiences, including students, industry and community members
Demonstrated experience building partnerships with organizations, businesses, and community stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse groups, facilitate workshops, and engage stakeholders
Working knowledge of federal regulations regarding FDA, ASTM, and ISO.
Proficiency in researching funding opportunities, writing grant proposals, and managing grant reporting requirements
Ability to track program outcomes, analyze data, and use results to improve programming and demonstrate commercial and university impact and ROI
Independent contributor with ease managing multiple projects, maintaining accurate records, and meeting deadlines
Ability to work in dynamic environments and adapt programming based on community needs and available resources

Responsibilities

Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and large commercial equipment.
Analyze large and complex datasets with statistical models and software.
Operate and maintain the composting and polymer recycling lab facilities both as part of client projects and outreach activities.
Produce professional technical reports for clients.
Fluency in federal regulation regarding soil, compost, heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Identify and conduct ISO accredited laboratory testing related to compostable materials.
Spectrometry analysis of materials by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Chemical testing of materials by Total Organic Carbon Analysis and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen analysis
Ecotoxicity testing method OECD 208
Total volatile solids testing of finished compost.
Design, manage, and conduct informative outreach initiatives focused on sustainability: composting, bioplastics, recycling, and re-using. Includes assisting and teaching modules for Sustainability certificate courses offered by MPI.
Research, develop, write, and submit grant proposals to secure ongoing funding for the MPI Recycling Program.
Supervise student workers or volunteers.
Perform other duties as assigned.