Post-Baccalaureate Sustainability Fellow

Position Overview

Primary Function:
Monitor, coordinate, assess, and divert all possible waste streams from campus landfill collection points. Coordinate and create communications and awareness campaigns for all campus stakeholders to educate about waste and diversion efforts with the goals of maximizing participation and efficiency in collections. Upon completion of an academic year, verify and prepare specific economic and procedural recommendations to the University in the form of a substantiated and data-driven business plan.

This position receives general supervision. Broad instructions are provided, and the staff member uses judgment and experience to carry out assignments. Completed assignments and finished products are reviewed by the supervisor after completion.

Position Appointment Details:

• Career Band: NE8
• Post-Baccalaureate Position
• Term

Position Description

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

• 
  Monitor waste, recycling, and compost receptacles and general content conditions.

• Prioritize waste sorting and handling improvements in coordination with the Sustainability Manager.

• Manage waste signage and communications program and monitor for effectiveness.

• Coordinate and mentor students and student organizations to elicit maximum participation and waste collection efforts.

• Assist with planning, layout, and design of new recycling and composting systems as directed.

• Maintain accurate data and records related to waste collection and diversion of all stream types.

• Update maps, waste receptacles, procedures, and signage as needed.

• Communicate with students, staff, and community about waste streams, about Scope 3 emissions, about the economic and geographic recycling landscape, plus obstacles and opportunities, and about Sewanee’s current waste diversion practices and future visions.

• Operate and maintain equipment needed to collect, sort, bale, transport, and/or store all landfill-diverted materials.

• Participate as needed in other sustainability and stewardship activities carried out by OESS staff.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Job Specifications/Position Qualifications (minimum):
Education
Recent college graduate with a Biology and/or Ecology degree with a focus, minor, or direct experience in business and sustainable practices.

Experience
Preferred: data collection, management, and analysis experience; familiarity or understanding of ecological and systems-level interconnections in the human/environment interface and greenhouse gas/climatic implications; experience analyzing and developing viable business plans

Job-Related Skills
Communication skills, judgment, diplomacy, and confidentiality. Knowledge of Sewanee policy, procedures, and organization-level planning documents and associated regional challenges.

Supplemental Information

Confidential Information
University planning documents related to sustainability and finance.

Working Environment
Field and office position

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to walk for extended periods
• Must be able to climb (many stairs, ladders)s of time
• Must be able to crawl and or kneel
• Must be able to push and/or pull objects
• Must be able to navigate steep and rough terrain
• Must be able to use feet for repetitive tasks
• Must be able to use feet for repetitive tasks
• Must be able to lift between 51-100 pounds (Heavy work)
• Must be able to carry between 51-100 pounds (Heavy work)

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The University of the South, familiarly known as “Sewanee,” is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities—Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose.

Support in the Hiring Process
If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or hr@sewanee.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.

University Benefits