Sustainability Project Associate Sustainability Project Associate Pet Sustainability Coalition [...]

Seeds Renewables; Boulder, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 14,327,000 - 21,491,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Fully remote option

Discounts in pet/outdoor industry

Job summary

Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) is seeking a part-time Sustainability Project Associate to support research-driven sustainability projects. This temporary hourly role is ideal for students or early career professionals seeking flexibility while contributing to client-facing projects.

The position emphasizes independent, organized work with a small, mission-driven team and offers a flexible schedule, with possible Boulder, CO office presence and remote work options.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in sustainability.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in corporate sustainability, ESG and helping for-profit companies improve environmental and social impact.

Responsibilities

• This role will support a series of short- and medium-term projects, including but not limited to:
• Support Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory projects.
• Conduct competitive landscape reviews related to sustainability practices in the pet industry.
• Assist with materiality surveys and stakeholder interviews.
• Research and draft issue briefs on sustainability topics relevant to PSC members.
• Support sustainability positioning, goal setting, and impact reporting projects for member companies.
• Other project and initiative support as assigned.
• Research Support (≈10–15%) including desk research on trends and best practices and synthesizing insights.

Skills

Research

Analytical

Time management

Written communication

ESG knowledge

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in sustainability

Job description

• Duration : March–December 2026 (with option to extend)
• Compensation : $20–$30/hour, depending on experience
• Location : Hybrid or fully remote (preference for candidates able to occasionally work from our Boulder, CO office)
• Reports to : Director of Sustainability & Innovation
• Travel : None

About the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC)

The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) accelerates environmental and social sustainability in the pet industry through education, tools, project support, and collaboration. We work closely with brands, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers to help them identify sustainability opportunities that drive growth and business resilience.

PSC’s programs and awards are highly regarded across the pet industry and span areas such as sustainable packaging, sustainable ingredient sourcing, ESG strategy, and impact reporting. We believe sustainability should be practical, credible, and good for business.

Position Overview

PSC is seeking a part-time Sustainability Project Associate to support our research-driven and client-facing sustainability projects. This is a temporary, hourly role ideal for people who are interested in growing their career in sustainability, business impact, and applied research (such as undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates, or early career looking for flexibility).

This role is highly project-based and suited for someone who is self-directed, organized, and comfortable working independently while collaborating with a small, mission-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

This role will support a series of short- and medium-term projects, including but not limited to:

• Support Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory projects
• Conduct competitive landscape reviews related to sustainability practices in the pet industry
• Assist with materiality surveys and stakeholder interviews
• Research and draft issue briefs on sustainability topics relevant to PSC members
• Support sustainability positioning, goal setting, and impact reporting projects for member companies
• Other project and initiative support as assigned
• Research Support (≈10–15%)
  • Conduct desk research on sustainability trends, standards, and best practices
  • Synthesize research into clear, actionable insights and deliverables
• Track project timelines and deliverables
• Support documentation and internal coordination as needed

Qualifications

Don’t meet every requirement? No problem. Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they do, so we encourage you to apply anyway.

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in sustainability
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in and experience with corporate sustainability, ESG, and helping for-profit companies improve their environmental and social impact
• Interest in (or exposure to) the pet industry is a plus, but not required
• Experience or coursework related to any of the following is a plus:
  • Greenhouse gas accounting
  • Sustainability reporting or impact measurement
  • Market or competitive research
  • Life cycle assessment or carbon footprinting
  • ESG strategy or goal setting
  • Materiality Assessments
  • Third-party sustainability certifications (for example B-Corp)

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt hourly position expected to run from March through December 2026, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs and performance. The role is expected to average approximately 10 hours per week, with flexibility to support higher-volume periods as needed.

To support collaboration, at least 50% of weekly working hours should occur during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. MT).

The position includes a 30-day introductory period to ensure mutual fit.

Employment perks include a flexible schedule, a fully remote work option (with a preference for candidates who can occasionally work from PSC’s Boulder, CO office), and access to pet and outdoor industry discounts.

PSC believes the diversity of skills, backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences employees bring to their work will be a critical factor in our success. PSC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All applicants and employees are evaluated on the basis of personal skill and merit.

PSC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, condition of pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, breastfeeding status, medical conditions related to breastfeeding, marital status, disability, veteran status, and sexual orientation. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and participation in social and recreational programs.

The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) was founded in 2013 as the only independent, not-for-profit organization advancing sustainability in the global pet industry. With nearly 200 members representing producers, suppliers, manufacturers, brands, distributors, and retailers, PSC serves as the epicenter of collaborative solutions to address social responsibility and environmental impacts. ...