Sustainability Assistant

The Sustainability Assistant at Associated Students, Inc. in Long Beach, CA supports various sustainability initiatives within the University Student Union. Key responsibilities include coordinating projects with the Sustain U committee, promoting sustainable living, managing the Grow Beach Garden, conducting waste audits, and updating sustainability communications. The role involves collaboration with students, faculty, and external organizations to enhance campus sustainability efforts.
GENERAL STATEMENT

Provides general support for the various sustainability initiatives in the University Student Union. Performs a variety of tasks in order to plan and execute projects that Sustain U committee suggests. Works with partner, either collaborate or divide work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Work closely with ASI and Sustain U committee to identify, coordinate and support existing programs as well as identify new sustainability initiatives for the University Student Union.
• Identify, propose, implement and maintain projects while effectively communicating with students, faculty and staff to keep them knowledgeable about campus sustainability actions.
• Promote a culture of sustainable living among students, faculty and staff; identify and prioritize areas for campus sustainability efforts; planning and development of short and long-term plans while engaging other campus leaders to promote sustainability across campus.
• Work with Sustain U to establish goals and methods for monitoring ASI's in-practice sustainability performance. Monitor and evaluate program success and also recommend and implement modifications to improve program effectiveness.
• Update Sustain U website to highlight campus sustainability initiatives. Develop content and coordinate contributions from outside groups. Ensure that content is accurate and up to date at all times.
• Represent ASI's sustainability goals to the public; attend professional meetings as appropriate (e.g. Sustain U meetings, Zero Waste Working Group, Sustainability Task Force, etc.); collaborate with external organizations to ensure cooperative efforts are enhanced and available resources are utilized.
• Coordinate and design promotional activities to include in newsletters, press releases, promotional materials, and create presentations if needed. Serve as a resource for the campus community on sustainability related issues.
• Provide support to the chair of the Sustain U committee in setting and facilitating Sustain U meetings.
• Assist in implementation of approved green office and energy saving programs in all ASI offices. Conduct office evaluations, assess results and work with area supervisors on applying strategies to improve office sustainability practices.
• Manage the daily operations of the Grow Beach Garden, including planning and implementing planting schedules, maintenance, and harvesting. Ensure daily donations of produce to the Lauren Chalmers '83 Beach Pantry.
• Collect, analyze, and report on sustainability initiatives, maintain accurate records and prepare detailed reports.
• Monitor and manage the inventory of supplies and materials necessary for garden and sustainability operations.
• Train and oversee volunteers participating in various sustainability projects, tasks, and assignments.
• Assist in drafting and editing content for the annual sustainability report, ensuring data accuracy. Collect, synthesize, and present relevant sustainability information.
• Conduct regular waste audits to identify opportunities for waste management improvement. Develop strategies to reduce waste and enhance recycling and composting efforts, in alignment with the ASI Sustainability Policy.
• Evaluate and provide recommendations for implementing initiatives in alignment with the ASI Sustainability Policy.
• Perform other job-related functions as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

Minimum or no previous job experience is necessary. CSULB student enrolled in 6 or more units and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Must have an understanding and passion for sustainability, and be knowledgeable of environmental issues.

Knowledge and Abilities

Must have working knowledge in outreach and/or involvement in environment related organizations. General knowledge in sustainability practices and must have the motivation to make a difference on campus. Ability to prepare work independently; must possess good verbal and written skills and good organizational skills; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to communicate and analyze situations in the most appropriate manner. General knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure of a university and some working knowledge of university policies and procedures preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear in the course of conversing managers and co-workers. The employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods. The employee is occasionally required to stand for extended periods and walk to locations throughout campus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Incumbent must be available to work over the summer (May-August).