Sustainability Graduate Assistant

Associated Students•Long Beach, CA

10d

About The Position

Assists the Special Projects Initiatives & Sustainability Manager of the day-to-day operation of the Sustain U Department and the Grow Beach Garden program. Sustain U is dedicated to sustainable practices within Associated Students Inc. (ASI) including sustainable waste management program and/other corporate wide initiatives. Grow Beach Garden is a student run university organic garden that allows students to cultivate their own food while making a sustainable impact on campus. The candidate assists as needed with the sustainable waste management program including opening and closing of the Sustain U Department and Grow Beach Garden program, and the campus collection service.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four-year college or university; and one to two years related experience in program, sustainability, student affairs or project management; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Working knowledge of proper methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the collection, sorting, processing and selling of recyclable materials; working knowledge of plant management; general knowledge of current solid waste management issues in California and familiarity with current recycling trends.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from senior managers, campus administrators, students, customers, and the general public; ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume; ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry; ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
California Driver's License necessary as incumbent will drive university vehicles as needed including ASI carts.

Responsibilities

Manages the Sustain U Department and Grow Beach Garden program. Serves as a program liaison on sustainability issues. Organizes educational events, educates student/multi-area user groups, including Associated Students Inc. (ASI) programs, and student clubs to enhance waste reduction/recycling/composting goals.
Manages the Grow Beach Garden program for Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Works with student employees to recruit student volunteers, educational workshops, maintenance and general upkeep of the garden.
Assists Special Projects & Sustainability Manager with student recruitment, training, reports, and supervising Sustain U student employees.
Assists with the formulation and development of programming events and procedures for activities sponsored by Sustain U and Grow Beach Garden program. Guides students’ employees and volunteers in achieving problem-solving strategies related to program, and administration of campus wide initiatives.
Meets weekly with the Special Projects & Sustainability Manager regularly. Meets monthly with the Associated Students Inc. Sr. Director of Facilities Operations & Sustainability.
Assists Special Projects Initiatives & Sustainability Manager with opening and closing of Sustain U Department & Grow Beach Garden program and assists with scheduling of student staff and volunteers.
Establishes goals and projects to develop more efficient systems to increase recycling and composting, reduce waste and promote safety. Assists in advocating established goals while promoting the intent of ASI sustainability efforts.
Develop comprehensive reports, projects, collaborations, and presentations encompassing waste audit analyses, annual sustainability outcomes, and training programs for both student staff and volunteers.
Organize and execute sustainability-focused events and initiatives, cultivate partnerships across campus, and provide support to relevant committees.
Oversee sustainability projects and initiatives, including conducting research, planning event programs, and managing marketing materials.
Assist in coordinating and managing budgets and finances related to sustainability efforts.
Prepares work schedules and ensures that all tasks are appropriately staffed. Fill in for absent employees as needed.
Creates brochures, signs, and activities to promote recycling and composting, waste reduction, and proper sorting techniques to promote recycling and encourage student participation.
Serves on campus wide sustainability committees as needed and works collaboratively with university wide initiatives.
Perform prolonged physical labor, drive, and operate university vehicles to transport garden produce, event materials, and waste management reports across campus, and handle other operational tasks
Perform other job-related functions as required.