Zero Waste and Sustainability Coordinator

CSU Careers•Northridge, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do, and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. Under the general supervision of the Director of Energy and Sustainability, the Zero Waste and Sustainability Coordinator provides administrative, technical, and programmatic support by performing advanced professional sustainability work in support of campus sustainability and zero waste programs and initiatives. The incumbent's responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, research, development, implementation, and oversight of sustainability and zero waste projects and programs; recycling and waste reduction. Utilizes ingenuity and innovation to independently research, develop, and implement programs and projects in CSUN’s Road Map to Sustainability under the general supervision of the Director of Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability. Develops, implements, and maintains campus zero waste programs — including Matador Move Out and Move In, Zero Waste Events, Zero Waste Labs, and composting/organics diversion (including on-campus composting operations) — to reduce waste generation and increase diversion across university operations. Serves as a facilitator for sustainable food systems initiatives, coordinating with Dining Services and other campus food partners to align their programs and practices with State, CSU systemwide, and campus goals related to food recovery, edible food donation, and waste diversion. Utilizes waste data to evaluate building-level performance, adjust schedules, and understand areas where education is needed. Tracks and reports on contamination rates in campus recycling and organics streams to guide targeted education, signage, and container improvements.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience.
Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of sustainability and zero waste principles, practices, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to independently research, develop, implement, and evaluate programs and initiatives related to waste reduction, recycling, organics diversion, sustainable food systems, and campus-wide waste diversion goals.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to interpret waste and financial data, evaluate program and contract performance, develop recommendations, estimate project costs and savings, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and effectively communicate sustainability practices, requirements, and program objectives.
Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse campus and external stakeholders, cultivate collaborative partnerships, deliver sustainability presentations and educational outreach, provide work direction and mentorship, and represent University sustainability initiatives in campus, regional, and systemwide forums.
Knowledge of sustainability reporting, certification, grant, and environmentally preferable purchasing practices, with the ability to analyze and prepare reports, support certification protocols and institutional sustainability efforts, prepare grant applications and award submissions, interpret program requirements, and incorporate emerging sustainability standards and best practices into campus programs.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Degree specifically in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field
TRUE Zero Certification or willingness to get certification is highly desired.
Working knowledge of additional sustainability rating and recognition programs, such as Sierra Cool Schools, AASHE STARS, or the WELL Building Standard.

Responsibilities

Provides administrative, technical, and programmatic support by performing advanced professional sustainability work in support of campus sustainability and zero waste programs and initiatives.
Performs research, development, implementation, and oversight of sustainability and zero waste projects and programs; recycling and waste reduction.
Independently researches, develops, and implements programs and projects in CSUN’s Road Map to Sustainability.
Develops, implements, and maintains campus zero waste programs — including Matador Move Out and Move In, Zero Waste Events, Zero Waste Labs, and composting/organics diversion (including on-campus composting operations) — to reduce waste generation and increase diversion across university operations.
Serves as a facilitator for sustainable food systems initiatives, coordinating with Dining Services and other campus food partners to align their programs and practices with State, CSU systemwide, and campus goals related to food recovery, edible food donation, and waste diversion.
Utilizes waste data to evaluate building-level performance, adjust schedules, and understand areas where education is needed.
Tracks and reports on contamination rates in campus recycling and organics streams to guide targeted education, signage, and container improvements.
Performs other duties as assigned.