Careers

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.

Energy Smart and Waste Wise are part of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit and program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. These programs inform and implement environmentally sustainable practices in business by providing technical assistance and access to resources.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: Program Coordinator, Waste Wise

JOB PURPOSE: The Sustainability Specialist is responsible for conducting new business outreach, on-site waste consultations, diversion project technical assistance & grant application management, maintaining the program database, and assisting other teammates as needed. This position is also responsible for providing targeted program services to members of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Provide technical assistance to businesses:

  • Intake prospective participants, determine eligibility, and schedule on-site consultations.
  • Identify, review, and describe technical aspects and benefits of waste handling improvement opportunities to business owners during on-site consultations.
  • Complete follow-up report for all consultations, including waste handling recommendations, hauling bill review, and applicable financial incentives for identified projects.
  • Provide ongoing technical assistance & follow up to implement waste stream handling improvements according to contract specifications.
  • Calculate diversion amount, GHG reduction, and potential cost savings as needed.
  • Complete, submit, and manage participant grant applications with county administrators to ensure accurate documentation and timeline requirements are met.

Track all activities in SalesForce CRM:

  • Record all company, contact information, and waste handling opportunities for each participant.
  • Manage and track project details to ensure accurate program reporting to stakeholders.

Develop and maintain relationships with business associations, industry partners, municipalities, etc.:

  • Conduct outreach to businesses, business associations, and other entities for participant lead generation.
  • Respond promptly to questions, concerns, and updates from participants, contractors, business associations, and other entities. Collaborate with Waste Wise team on items that require group or supervisor input.
  • Regularly communicate with representatives at counties, trades, municipalities, and utilities to stay informed on industry changes.
  • Engage in self-led professional development to expand industry knowledge, technological understanding, professional networks, and other relevant skills.
  • Abide by the Chamber’s core values of member commitment, professionalism and problem solving and makes consistent best effort to help further the mission of the Chamber.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. One year of experience in a field related to environmental sustainability.
  2. Associate, technical, or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
  3. Comprehensive knowledge of waste reduction and environmental sustainability topics.
  4. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and maintain positive working relationships with employees, owners of small to large businesses, waste hauler representatives, and others.
  5. Strong oral and written communication abilities, including the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
  6. Exceptionally strong data management, research, and organizational skills.
  7. Able to manage, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  8. Able to think outside the box and create opportunities from challenges.
  9. Vehicle required for travel, will be reimbursed for mileage.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to use the keyboard, computer, and/or mouse for up to 8 hours per day.
  • Ability to work at least 40 hours per week; evenings and weekends are rare.
  • Ability to use the phone and/or virtual meeting platform for approximately 1-3 hours per day.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to conduct in-person business site visits and waste sorts, which includes extended periods of standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending and/or lifting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR SITE VISITS:

  • Indoor and outdoor facilities with a variety of equipment and machinery.
  • Exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and noise levels.
  • May be required to work at heights or in confined spaces.

ANNUAL SALARY:

The estimated base pay range for this job is: $50,000-$55,000

Pay may vary depending on job-related factors and individual experience, skills, etc. and follows the Chamber’s compensation policy.

BENEFITS:

The Chamber is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance employees’ professional growth, well-being and work-life balance, including:

  • Health insurance: From the first day of employment, Chamber employees and their eligible family members – including spouses, domestic partners and children – are eligible for medical and dental coverage with a portion of the monthly premium subsidized by the Chamber.
  • HSA contribution: Any Chamber employee who is enrolled in one of the Chamber’s qualifying medical plans will automatically receive monthly funds into their Optum Health Savings Account (HSA) to help cover medical expenses throughout the year.
  • 401(k) retirement plan: The Chamber matches up to the first 6% of deferrals of each employee’s 401(k) plan.
  • Competitive annual incentive program based on individual, team and organizational goals met.
  • Hybrid work schedule: The Chamber is proud to support a hybrid work environment with in-office work days established by each department.
  • Paid time off: New employees receive 18 days of PTO per year, increasing to 20 days per year after two years of service. In addition, all employees receive one floating holiday per year.
  • Volunteer time off: All employees receive 1 day of VTO per year in order to engage with local 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in our communities.
  • 100% employer paid parking: The Chamber reimburses employees for any parking expenses incurred when coming into the office.
  • Other benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), voluntary vision plan (employee paid), flexible spending arrangements (FSA), long-term disability coverage, group term life insurance and AD&D, and referral bonuses.

Benefits are subject to change at any time and this information is not intended to explain all provisions of coverage available under these plans. In all cases, the plan document dictates coverage and provisions.

Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Katie Klein (kklein@mnchamber.com) by May 31.

 

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce values diversity in the workplace and provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.

Apply here