Zero Waste and Sustainability Coordinator

CSUN strives to be a destination workplace, where everyone understands that they belong to a community that is vital in advancing student success and providing exemplary service to all stakeholders. We foster an environment of success, both for our students and our employees. We have a relentless passion for celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as being an employer of choice. You will also have the opportunity to realize your own personal goals and be recognized for the work you do, and enjoy the unique value the CSUN community can offer. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more: https://www.csun.edu/about-csun.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Energy and Sustainability, the Zero Waste and Sustainability Coordinator provides administrative, technical, and programmatic support by performing advanced professional sustainability work in support of campus sustainability and zero waste programs and initiatives. The incumbent's responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, research, development, implementation, and oversight of sustainability and zero waste projects and programs; recycling and waste reduction.

• Utilizes ingenuity and innovation to independently research, develop, and implement programs and projects in CSUN’s Road Map to Sustainability under the general supervision of the Director of Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability.
• Develops, implements, and maintains campus zero waste programs — including Matador Move Out and Move In, Zero Waste Events, Zero Waste Labs, and composting/organics diversion (including on-campus composting operations) — to reduce waste generation and increase diversion across university operations.
• Serves as a facilitator for sustainable food systems initiatives, coordinating with Dining Services and other campus food partners to align their programs and practices with State, CSU systemwide, and campus goals related to food recovery, edible food donation, and waste diversion.
• Utilizes waste data to evaluate building-level performance, adjust schedules, and understand areas where education is needed.
• Tracks and reports on contamination rates in campus recycling and organics streams to guide targeted education, signage, and container improvements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*NOTE: To view the full position description, including all of the required qualifications, copy and paste this link into your browser:  https://mycsun.box.com/s/os2fvx4pii2ja7xiimjlxt9azkixh13s

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience.
• Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Preferred:  Degree specifically in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field
• TRUE Zero Certification or willingness to get certification is highly desired.

• Knowledge of sustainability and zero waste principles, practices, and regulatory requirements, with the ability to independently research, develop, implement, and evaluate programs and initiatives related to waste reduction, recycling, organics diversion, sustainable food systems, and campus-wide waste diversion goals.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to interpret waste and financial data, evaluate program and contract performance, develop recommendations, estimate project costs and savings, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and effectively communicate sustainability practices, requirements, and program objectives.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse campus and external stakeholders, cultivate collaborative partnerships, deliver sustainability presentations and educational outreach, provide work direction and mentorship, and represent University sustainability initiatives in campus, regional, and systemwide forums.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting, certification, grant, and environmentally preferable purchasing practices, with the ability to analyze and prepare reports, support certification protocols and institutional sustainability efforts, prepare grant applications and award submissions, interpret program requirements, and incorporate emerging sustainability standards and best practices into campus programs.
• Working knowledge of additional sustainability rating and recognition programs, such as Sierra Cool Schools, AASHE STARS, or the WELL Building Standard.

• Applications received through October 14, 2026 will be considered in the initial review and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
• This position is sensitive as designated by the CSU.  
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
• The person holding this position may be considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
• Per the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
• Please note: California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
• Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
• Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN online application. To apply and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers
• The CSU recommends that faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on Age, Disability (physical or mental), Gender, Gender Identity (including Nonbinary or Transgender), Gender Expression, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Nationality, Pregnancy or related conditions, Race or Ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), Religion or Religious Creed, Sex (including Sex Stereotyping or Sex Characteristics), Sexual Orientation, and Veteran or Military Status. Our nondiscrimination policy is outlined in the Interim CSU Nondiscrimination Policy. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Talent Acquisition at 818-677-2101.

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