Academic Hourly Assistant - Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

Who: Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

What: The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. ISTC integrates applied research and technical assistance to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; renewable energy, greenhouse gas mitigation, materials recycling and beneficial reuse. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.  For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

An Academic Hourly Assistant position is available to work directly with manufacturing, industrial and public sector entities throughout Illinois to provide technical assistance in identifying opportunities and implementing solutions to improve efficiency associated with materials, processes, water and wastewater, and energy utilization. This position will focus on providing waste minimization and diversion assistance to our clients.  Work 20 hours per week at $25 per hour.

Duties and responsibilities will include:

• Participate and contribute to on-site visits.
• Assist in conducting research on planning and implementation of solid waste, recycling, compost, and other waste reduction and diversion programs.
• Assist clients with facilitation and implementation of recommended opportunities.
• Maintain up-to date knowledge of Illinois and US waste management and recycling regulations and policy.
• Provide assistance in maintaining ongoing communication with clients and partners.
• Assist with waste characterization and waste generation studies.
• Assist with conducting primary data collection and analysis on current practices and opportunities in waste management.
• Participate in pilot-scale projects for innovative processes in the area of industrial and municipal solid waste reuse, reduction, recycling, renewable energy and waste to energy methods.
• Collect, process, and analyze data from technical assistance activities for the purposes of identifying suitable technologies for introduction to U of I departments and Illinois companies.
• Present technical reports/papers/data to clients at professional events/conferences regarding ISTC services and/or research results.
• Prepare and disseminate technical reports and publications to be published in professional journals, newsletters, peer-reviewed journals, etc.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, business, economics, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be accepted/considered based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3-4 years of applicable experience working in business or industrial environment. Educational internships or completion of a master’s degree in any of the above listed disciplines may be considered as professional experience. Eagerness and ability to learn new skills and how sustainability relates to a variety of sectors, situations, and fields of study. Ability to keep abreast of new technological and research developments related to sustainability and industrial processes. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple dynamic priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software, GIS and graphics software, and knowledge of basic principles of relational databases and software.  Valid driver’s license. 

Preferred Qualifications:  Previous experience in solid waste, recycling, and organics collection.  Experience in understanding, identifying, and satisfying customer needs.

Position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Qualified candidates must submit via e-mail a 1) cover letter, 2) résumé/CV, 3) and the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three professional references to Debra Jacobson, Associate Director, Technical Assistance Program, at djacobso@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.  As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility