Sustainability Lead

Sustainability Lead; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is seeking a Sustainability Lead to guide campus sustainability initiatives, support the Sustain U Department, and oversee the Grow Beach Garden program. The role involves coordinating activities, promoting sustainable living, and presenting updates to leadership and stakeholders.

The position requires student-level involvement, strong communication, and organizational abilities, with a focus on practical implementation and community engagement on campus.

Qualifications

• Must have leadership experience and a passion for sustainability.
• Strong communication and written skills for reporting and outreach.
• Strong organizational abilities and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead Sustainability Assistants in identifying and supporting campus initiatives.
• Coordinate and communicate with students, faculty and staff about sustainability actions.
• Promote sustainable living and help plan short- and long-term campus sustainability efforts.
• Monitor Sustain U and Grow Beach Garden programs and suggest improvements.
• Update Sustain U and Grow Beach Garden websites with accurate content.
• Represent ASI's sustainability goals at meetings and collaborate with external organizations.
• Create promotional materials and presentations for meetings and events.
• Serve as Student Chair of Sustain U committee and organize meetings.
• Assist in implementing green office and energy-saving programs across ASI offices.
• Prepare summaries and presentations for various meetings and reports.
• Maintain department communications and scheduling for Sustain U staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Verbal and written skills

Project coordination

Outreach

Tools

Driver's License

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT

The Sustainability Lead provides leadership and general support for sustainability initiatives within Associated Students Inc. (ASI). Assists the Special Projects & Sustainability Manager in the day-to-day operations of the Sustain U Department and the Grow Beach Garden program. Sustain U is committed to advancing sustainable practices within Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), including the sustainable waste management program and other corporate-wide initiatives. Grow Beach Garden is a student-run organic garden that empowers students to cultivate their own food while promoting sustainability on campus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following.

Other duties may be assigned.

• Work closely with ASI and Sustain U Department to identify, coordinate and support existing programs and identify new sustainability initiatives. Leads Sustainability Assistants in accomplishing these objectives.
• Identify, propose, implement and maintain projects and collaborations while effectively communicating with supervisors, 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 Department and Grow Beach Garden program toestablishgoals and methods for monitoring ASI’s in-practice sustainability performance. Monitor and evaluate program success and recommend and implement modifications to improve program effectiveness.
• UpdateSustainU and Grow Beach Garden program website to highlight campus sustainability initiatives. Develop content and coordinate contributions from outside groups. Ensure that content isaccurateand up to date and meets benchmarks.
• Represent ASI’s sustainability goals to the public; attend professional meetings as appropriate (e.g. Sustain U meetings, Sustainability Meetings, Waste Audits Meetings, Programming Meetings, Annual Reports Meetingsetc.); collaborate with external organizations to ensure cooperative efforts are enhanced and available resources are utilized.
• Coordinate and design promotional activities to include newsletters, press releases, promotional materials, and create presentations if needed. Serve as a resource for the campus community on sustainability related issues.
• Serve as Student Chair of the Sustain U committee including setting up and facilitating Sustain U and Grow Beach 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.
• Create and present to Special Projects Initiatives & Sustainability Manager and/or Sr. Director, Facility Operations and Sustainability summary write-ups and presentations for all meetings, project updates, and convention attendance
• Serve as primary contact between Special Projects & Sustainability Manager + Sr. Director Facility Operations & Sustainability and Sustainability Assistants keep all informed of department updates.
• Develop Sustainability Assistant Schedules ensuring maximal coverage of office and events.
• Maintain accurate inventory of Sustain U equipment and promotional items.
• Participate in hiring committee for incoming Sustainability Assistants.
• Update and maintain the Sustain U Manual.
• Create and maintain a “Trash Talker” schedule.
• Maintain USU bin map, alerting Manager to any alterations and fixing accordingly.
• Assist in the oversight of the ASI Grow Beach Garden, maintaining an accurate account for volunteers and garden plots.
• Perform prolonged physical labor, drive, and operate university vehicles to transport garden produce, event materials, and waste management reports across campus, and handle other operational tasks.
• Other duties as assigned,reasonably withinthe scope of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

Minimum of one semester employment as a Sustainability Assistant or equivalent experience. Must be a current and active CSULB student enrolled in a minimum of 6 units.

Knowledge and Abilities

Must have an understanding and passion for sustainability and be knowledgeable of environmental issues. 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.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

Current California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by ASI.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Schedule

This position is an annual, year-round position that works through the winter & summer academic breaks. Shifts are generally scheduled Monday–Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM, with occasional evening and weekend hours required for event support. Scheduled hours may fluctuate based on departmental needs and event activity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The 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 while conversing with 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.

Incumbent must be able to function effectively indoors and outdoors engaged in work of primarily an active nature. Requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Note: This is a union position. Please contact Human Resources with questions.

Weekly team meetings are held every Wednesday from 4 pm - 5 pm for the Fall 2026 semester. Dates and times are subject to change.