Sustainability Specialist

The Minnesota Chamber is a statewide organization representing more than 6,300 businesses of all types and sizes – and more than half a million employees – throughout Minnesota. The Chamber works tirelessly for its members; providing one-on-one business services, opportunities to grow their networks and knowledge base, and cultivating an economic environment where businesses stay and grow in our state. A business climate that allows for innovation and forward-thinking leadership will help grow the strength of Minnesota’s economy for generations to come.

Waste Wise and Energy Smart are programs of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation a 501(c)3 and an affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to promote environmentally sustainable practices to help businesses in waste reduction, resource conservation, and energy efficiency. Waste Wise and Energy Smart provide the resources necessary to assist businesses with environmental sustainability programs and initiatives.

Essential job duties:

• Engage the Minnesota business community through in person and other direct contact networking
• Schedule site visits for the Waste Wise program through phone calls, e-mails, and on-site door knocking
• Effectively communicate waste reduction, sustainability, energy conservation opportunities
• Perform on-site consultations to identify and encourage implementation of waste reduction, recycling, and organics diversion opportunities
• Conduct follow-up in order to drive businesses to complete waste reduction, reuse and recycling projects
• Maintain accurate records of business participation and promptly update database with program results
• Conduct waste reduction, reuse, and recycling research as needed
• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the Waste Wise Program Manager and Program Director

Qualifications:

• 1 to 3 years recent experience in business environmental sustainability consulting and business development
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required
• Comprehensive knowledge of waste reduction and business environmental sustainability issues
• Strong inter-personal skills and the ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with employees, owners of small to large businesses, waste hauler representatives, and others
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Bilingual, or experience in cross-cultural engagement, a plus
• Exceptionally strong data management, research, organization skills
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe desktop publishing software
• Able to multi-task and manage several projects simultaneously
• Able to think outside of the box and create opportunities out of challenges
• Vehicle required for travel, will be reimbursed for mileage at the federal rate