Sustainable Systems Coordinator

SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS COORDINATOR- Part-Time

OUR MISSION: I Love A Clean San Diego leads and inspires our community to actively conserve and enhance the environment through example, outreach, and local involvement.

OUR VISION: A zero-waste, litter-free, and environmentally engaged San Diego region.

DEPARTMENT: Community Engagement

REPORTS TO: Waste Recovery Manager

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Part-time, Non-exempt

RATE: $20.00- $23.00 per hour (depending on experience) and mileage reimbursement (at current CA reimbursement rate).

SCHEDULE: 20-25 hours a week. Expected to work 1-2 Saturday events per month (typically a 4-8 hour shift on Saturday). Saturday time will be issued as comp time and will not qualify for overtime pay.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Sustainable Systems Coordinator will assist schools, businesses, and residents to implement environmentally conscious practices in San Diego County. This position supports I Love A Clean San Diego’s School Recycling Program, programs involving waste reduction for businesses, and ILACSD’s Zero Waste Database, WasteFreeSD.org. Programming involves assessing local schools and businesses to identify infrastructure needs, training stakeholders, and providing materials and hands-on technical assistance to improve their waste diversion rates and comply with state and local legislation.

The Sustainable Systems Coordinator will be responsible for creating and maintaining positive relationships to activate sustainability initiatives in the workplace and schools. Additionally, this position will support the overall Waste Recovery and Community Engagement team with event support; events may include community cleanups, swap events, repair workshops, oil filter exchange events, operating our Zero Waste Database and hotline service, and administrative tasks as needed.

The ideal candidate will be available weekdays from 9 am-2 pm and support 1-2 Saturday events per month. Hours may vary from week to week, averaging 25 hours per week September – November and January – April and approximately 20 hours per week in other months. Daily schedule will fluctuate, starting as early as 8:00 am 2-3 times per month.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Assist and Support the School Recycling Infrastructure Program 50%

• Perform inspections and waste assessments, taking detailed notes on waste production and management; coordinate scheduling and logistics with haulers, schools, and district faculty.
• Deliver trainings on organic waste recycling, traditional recycling, and effective waste management strategies to school and district custodial staff, kitchen staff, campus supervisors, teachers, and administrative staff.
• Determine infrastructure needed for each school site. Purchase materials and oversee shipment/delivery while adhering to budgets.
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with school and district leaders to provide guidance on recycling initiatives.
• Deliver assemblies for large groups of approximately 200 students at a time. Create educational materials for school staff and K-12 students on organic waste recycling, waste practices, and sustainable initiatives.
• Monitor the success of school and district waste sorting programs and report on the progress of the recycling program over time.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the School Recycling Infrastructure Program to local schools across San Diego County.

Develop and Support Waste Reduction Programs for Businesses 30%

• Assist in developing and refining the framework for local business waste reduction assistance
• Research and correspond with local San Diego businesses.
• Coordinate meetings with stakeholders such as business owners, managers, staff, property managers, and haulers.
• Perform inspections and waste assessments of businesses/properties. Offer solutions for waste diversion such as organic waste recycling, switching to reusable food ware, and food waste reduction.
• Work with businesses to procure needed materials and deliver trainings to staff/business stakeholders.
• Manage and develop business relationships and steward sponsorship opportunities.
• Oversee rain barrel rebate program focused on encouraging rainwater sequestration. This may include performing onsite visits with residents, providing educational trainings, and assisting residents with administrative tasks.

Event and Administrative Programming Support 20%

• Attend organization meetings, events, booths, and cleanups.
• Operate a multi-line phone system and response to inbound recycling, household hazardous waste, and storm water calls and request from the public as needed.
• Update and assist with ILACSD’s Zero Waste Database, WasteFreeSD.org.
• Assist with monthly and ongoing contract reports and other administrative tasks.
• Other duties as assigned to support the ILACSD team.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Flexible daily start and end times dependent on event schedule
• Reliable transportation; ability and willingness to travel across San Diego County for in-person programs
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word
• Located in San Diego County
• Ability to work weekend events
• Ability to pass a background check prior to employment
• Ability to move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. to off-site locations and occasionally remain stationary for long periods at a time
• Bilingual (English/ Spanish) preferred but not required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eager to troubleshoot and work independently to tackle challenges
• Highly motivated; proactive self-starter
• Flexible and eager to learn
• Positive and dynamic interpersonal skills. Ability to confidently and empathetically respond to concerns from schools, residents, and businesses
• Knowledge of environmental challenges facing San Diego County, especially waste and recycling issues
• Effective written and spoken communication skills for diverse audiences; comfort public speaking to audiences of all ages and various sizes both in-person and virtually
• Good customer service skills
• High level of organization and attention to detail; ability to multi-task
• Professional representation of ILACSD in all settings
• Ability to work well independently and on a team

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Part-time, non-exempt
• $20 – $23 per hour, depending on experience
• Mileage reimbursement at current CA reimbursement rate
• Hybrid in-office/remote work schedule dependent on position
• Paid time off (PTO) plan, including birthday PTO
• Opportunity to grow into full-time role at ILACSD

I Love A Clean San Diego is a values-driven organization. It is essential all team members exhibit the following core values and office culture:

Core Values:

• Live the mission
• Inspire environmental change
• Value partnerships
• Exhibit positive attitude

Office Culture:

• Communicate openly to ensure collaboration
• Understanding and supportive of each other and the team
• Respect others and value their opinions
• Encourage learning and growth

I Love A Clean San Diego provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

HOW TO APPLY: Please send resume and cover letter to Amy Unruh, Waste Recovery Manager, at [email protected] with “Last Name, Sustainable Systems Coordinator-PT.”