Director of Facilities Operations Sustainability

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The purpose of the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling is to promote zero waste initiatives, including waste reduction, recycling, composting, and reuse throughout all University operations, departments and buildings. OWRR exists to provide education and collection services and to support the University as it strives to become a zero waste community and to maximize material recovery as established by the NC Solid Waste Management Act (SB111) and subsequent executive orders, local regulations, and preferred best management practices. As stated in the UNC System policy manual for recycling and waste management, 'The University shall develop policies and programs that work toward achieving zero waste and will comply with the provisions of NC General Statute 130A-309.14 regarding recycling and waste management.'

The Director of Facilities Operations Sustainability provides leadership for sustainability programs and initiatives within the Facilities Services department as well as the campus community. The position also serves as the Manager of the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling (OWRR) and provides leadership and management of waste diversion and zero waste strategies to the unit and campus community as a whole. The Director strives to place the University as a leader in sustainability, waste diversion, and solid waste programs and strategies through innovation and collaboration. This position develops and manages multiple programs simultaneously, including comprehensive environmental programs, sustainable building operations, ecologically sound maintenance practices, efficient transportation, waste reduction, recycling, compost, reuse, green chemical usage, and outreach. Programs and services are provided to academic, administrative and research departments and those units that support campus activities including Housing, Dining, Campus Recreation, Athletics, Energy Services, and Transportation and Parking.

Duties include supervision, leadership, and direction for all OWRR programs and operations, coordination of waste management, education, program branding, and behavior change; and management of program expansion, development opportunities, and budget. This position will develop new and innovative ideas and programs to maximize sustainable operations, waste diversion, and engagement, and establish a vision and plan for future program needs. This position directly supports the Sustainable Carolina initiative, Solid Waste Advisory Group of Orange County (elected officials,) and serves as the main campus resource for campus facilities operations sustainability issues. This work includes coordinating the development and implementation of short- and long-term comprehensive sustainability management practices, recycling, composting, outreach, and preventive maintenance plans through the development of partnerships and program strategies with employees, students, faculty, staff, and the community. The position will collaborate with other campus units to set programmatic and operational development goals and ensure compliance and movement toward zero waste and sustainable building operations.

This position will also provide interactive training in sustainability programs to all branches of Facilities Operations. This includes training for 24 Housekeeping zones (370 employees), nine Groundskeeping zones (77 employees), and Building Services shops (217 employees). The position will be responsible for training Facilities Operations users in waste diversion, zero waste strategies, waste reduction, recycling, composting, and green chemical use.

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, of which at least one is supervisory or in a lead-worker capacity; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

A solid working knowledge of sustainability, sustainable building operations, sustainable design, sustainable construction, waste management, recycling, and composting. Management/supervisory experience. Ability to establish strategic goals and objectives and manage a budget. Excellent communication skills. Strong interpersonal and collaborative problem-solving and program development skills.

Experience with sustainable management program design, operations and implementation-specifically with recycling, organics management, and reuse programs in a university or collegiate setting. Experience with a variety of operations, maintenance, green products, integrated pest control, and site landscape in a wide range of settings like academic, administrative, research, student housing, athletics, retail, dining, library, maintenance, etc.

Experience working with a wide variety of customers, and excellent customer service skills. Accuracy in calculating data, communicating regulations and policies, keeping track of locations, and recording information for retrieval later.

Broad working knowledge of operational sustainability issues and opportunities. Experience implementing and/or managing sustainable operations/operational sustainability programs.

Valid North Carolina Driver's License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close.

Progressive work in the sustainability field and significant course work and experience in environmental studies, environmental sciences, communications, biology, ecology, architecture, planning, business, economics, public health, public policy or related field. Experience working in a college, university or state system.

LEED Green Associate (GA) accreditation or the ability to secure accreditation within six (6) months of hire.

ISSP - International Society of Sustainability Professional accreditation or the ability to secure accreditation within six (6) months of hire.

Experience with waste management program design, operations and implementation-specifically with recycling and compost programs in a university or collegiate setting.

Ability to read architectural construction documents and plan for sustainable building operations.

Involvement in local, regional, or national sustainability and solid waste industry organizations or trainings desirable.

Preferred professional training: APPA Institute, SWANA training (compost, C&D, recycling, outreach, or compost) or recycling-related organization training, Natural Resources Leadership Institute, or equivalent leadership and facilitation training.

Familiarity with the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, & Rating System (STARS), a self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance, or the ability to understand and engage with the Sustainable Carolina program around this framework.

Ability to move objects weighing up to 30 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. While the majority of this position's time will not be performing physical work, there are times when this position will need to move bins, roll full carts for short distances, move boxes of outreach or other types of supplies, and move items. There may be times when this position will assist with loading supplies into trucks and into buildings for events or site setups.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.