Easter Seals Jobs

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12357102 Academic Hourly-Green Business Research and Outreach Specialist

Smart Energy Design Assistance Center

Department of Landscape Architecture

University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts

The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) seeks a Green Business Specialist to support US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) grant-funded work in helping businesses implement sustainability strategies and reduce pollution. The Green Business Specialist will help businesses in Illinois to identify and adopt sustainable practices to improve efficiency and reduce pollution. This role includes researching sustainability strategies, working directly with businesses to encourage and track implementation, creating outreach materials, and delivering presentations about SEDAC\'s green business programs. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois, with potential options for hybrid remote or remote work.

SEDAC is an applied research center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign funded by federal and state agencies including the Illinois State Energy Office at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the US EPA; the US Department of Energy; local government agencies; and other funding sources. Our mission is to decrease the energy footprint of the State of Illinois through programs in energy efficiency, renewable energy development, greenhouse gas reduction, and clean energy workforce development.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research

Research various sustainability strategies, best management practices, and technologies to increase efficiency and/or reduce environmental emissions for businesses.

Research compostable, PFAS-free foodware alternatives for businesses that have received technical assessments.

Research, monitor, and track progress on the implementation of sustainability strategies for assessed businesses and their environmental outcomes.

Research, organize, and deliver presentations on the green business program work.

Develop energy and sustainability analyses, reports, and deliverables.

Outreach & Consulting

Conduct outreach to businesses for technical assessments across Illinois (email, phone).

Participate in site visits at businesses to identify sustainability and energy efficiency opportunities.

Develop action plans for businesses to achieve environmental outcome reductions.

Outreach to businesses served to collect feedback and implementation of sustainability recommendations.

Liaise with industry associations, economic development agencies, and other stakeholders to promote available business services and programs.

Participate in funder/client meetings to develop program initiatives.

Coordinate and perform social media activities and planning for green business work.

Develop and disseminate communications, including outreach materials and resources, related to sustainability in business (funding initiatives, case studies, etc.).

Operations

Track and report activities towards grants and project plans

Track and report business implementation of emissions-reducing actions.

Evaluate overall effectiveness of the program, recommend design and development modifications, and implement changes.

Support semi-annual and annual progress reporting.

Other relevant duties as assigned to further the mission of SEDAC.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing complex data and providing written and verbal reports or recommendations.
• In-state (IL) travel is required for this position nd the ability to travel in-person via reliable transportation to business sites must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master\'s degree in Environmental Sciences, Business Administration, Sustainability, Engineering, or related field.
• Three years of professional experience with energy and sustainability analysis in a related field.
• Project management experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Process knowledge of current developments and trends in sustainability and energy efficiency.

Ability and willingness to travel in-state for business site visits.

Ability to research and analyze information and data to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

Excellent organizational skills, such as time management, task prioritization, follow-through, and ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to work in teams.

Demonstrate a high level of customer service.

Knowledge of sustainability principles and best practices in areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, pollution prevention, or green buildings.

Ability to use softw