Sustainability Coordinator

Prairie State College is a 2-year community college offering associate degrees, technical and career certificates, and adult, corporate, and continuing education. Prairie State College was the first Illinois community college to guarantee all credits will transfer to other Illinois colleges and universities, an assurance that has grown through the Illinois Articulation Initiative.

Position Overview:

The Sustainability Coordinator will assist College leadership in developing a campus-wide program of environmental stewardship and education and coordinate the implementation of initiatives focusing on energy conservation and alternative energy technologies, recycling, and environmental safety. The person will assist academic leadership and faculty on curricular initiatives that prepare students for careers in sustainability-related positions and that integrate green concepts and environmental literacy into the curriculum and promote applied environmental science and policy research where appropriate. The person will also coordinate community outreach on sustainability issues and activities.

Responsibilities:

• Assist college leadership in developing a practical plan and goals to promote sustainability efforts across the College.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of policies, procedures, practices and performance measurement that promote sustainability goals and plans and measure progress and effectiveness.
• In cooperation with academic affairs, continuing education and corporate training leaders, assist with research and development of sustainability-related enhancements to credit and non-credit curriculum.
• In cooperation with the Grants Office, coordinate grant research and applications to bring external funding to promote sustainability initiatives.
• Serve as the liaison to various external sustainability organizations and government agencies.
• Coordinate with campus departments to identify, initiate, support, and institutionalize resource conservation policies focused on waste reduction, energy and water conservation, environmental purchasing, dining services, landscaping, etc.
• Develop and present in-service programs to inform employees on sustainability topics.
• In cooperation with student affairs staff, encourage and coordinate sustainability efforts by student organizations.
• Coordinate with Facilities staff and project managers on construction, remodeling and renovation projects to incorporate green technologies where feasible.
• Perform other duties or responsibilities as required or assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences, environmental studies, ecology, public policy or related field.
• Strong interest and commitment to advancing sustainability education and practices.
• Entrepreneurial and motivational style.
• Strong human relations skills and a demonstrated ability to deal effectively with a broad variety of people.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills and an ability to balance a number of functions and duties simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in the natural sciences, environmental studies, ecology, public policy or related field.
• Familiarity with the operations of higher education institutions.
• 3 to 5 years work experience in environmental or related fields.
• Grant writing experience.

Working Conditions/ Physical Requirements:

Employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions. Employee may be involved in light work which may require lifting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and must be able to operate equipment involving arm and leg controls.

Anticipated Work Hours: Monday-Friday; 8am-4:30pm.