Zero Waste Engagement Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK

This position will be responsible for educating students, faculty, and staff about recycling efforts on campus through content creation as well as assisting in designing this program and implementing new procedures and initiatives. This position will cultivate and maintain positive relationships with campus contacts and deliver informational presentations to classes, student organizations, and departments. Additionally, this position will maintain a schedule of events aimed at engaging the campus population in recycling and sustainability initiatives. Enhancing Recycling's online presence through website updates, blog posts, social media, and newsletters will also be a key aspect of the position.

• Develop, maintain, and lead communications strategy for an identifiable brand or campaign for UT Recycling to increase engagement with the campus population.
• Promote engagement with the brand through classroom visits, tabling events, and social media campaigns.
• Seek out and establish ties with the student body by serving as an ambassador to all programs interested in recycling and sustainability.
• Collaborate with local grade schools to promote environmental education and awareness.
• Serve as a liaison between UT Recycling and The Office of Sustainability to collaborate and develop cohesive sustainability initiatives.
• Utilize campus partnerships to achieve common goals and further drive an eco-conscious culture at UT.
• Organize and execute new and existing sustainability-related events such as Earth Month, America Recycles Day, and student competitions like the POWER Challenge and The Race to Zero Waste.
• Work alongside necessary units and groups around campus to coordinate the execution of events. Maintain and provide direction on sustainable projects that are developed through the sustainability internship program.
• Lead recycling efforts in Facilities, Athletic Venues, and the University Community.
• Supervise AmeriCorps members working in outreach roles, providing work direction and mentorship.
• Oversee student workers and interns, ensuring continuity and effectiveness of sustainability programs.
• Maintain and enhance UT Recycling's online presence through developing original content for website updates, blog posts, social media, and newsletters.
• Serve as a zone leader for "Zero Waste Gameday," primarily in planning, education, and capturing relevant digital media in and around Neyland Stadium.
• Handle miscellaneous tasks as required to support the mission of promoting recycling and sustainability at the University of Tennessee.

• Required Education: 
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Communications, Marketing, or an Environmental field of study 
• Required Experience: 
  • 2 years of experience working in recycling or a related field

• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of recycling, compost, sustainability, Universal Waste and related federal, state, and local laws. 

  • Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and delivering presentations on recycling and sustainability topics.

  • Ability to conduct effective outreach to raise awareness of Zero Waste practices.

  • Experience in organizing and managing events, particularly those related to recycling, sustainability and environmental education.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Effective oral and written communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to work with diverse audiences.

  • Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other relevant software tools.

  • Familiarity with social media platforms and digital marketing tools.

  • Experience in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for sustainability projects and events.

  • Ability to learn how to effectively write grants/proposals.

  • Ability to work independently for up to 8 hours.

  • Ability to drive a motor vehicle.

• Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute.  The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.