Category: Green jobs

Like to Work Outside? The Chgo Park District’s Hiring Natural Areas Crew Positions for 2025

The Chicago Park District is now hiring seasonal positions with the Natural Areas Crew for 2025! The Natural Areas Crew is responsible for ecological restoration and management of the Chicago Park Districts prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Applications are due by Th 1/23/25.

Duties include:

  • Using conservation and restoration methods to improve the overall quality of natural areas, including mowing, herbicide application, hand pulling, and planting.
  • Identifying and learning both native and non-native flora relevant to the region.
  • Trail maintenance, fence repairs, garbage removal, and general park upkeep.
  • Engaging communities and working with volunteer groups to connect people to nature and promote environmental education.

Pay for the 2025 season is $23.41/hr. Applications are due by January 23rd, 2025.

Applications and more detailed info are at Natural Areas Seasonal Positions.

Questions? Contact Blake Struve (he/him)
Natural Areas Project Coordinator | Chicago Park District
Department of Cultural and Natural Resources
1000 E. Oakwood Blvd | Chicago, IL 60653
Phone: (312) 636-2166 Email: blake.struve@chicagoparkdistrict.com

Want to receive updates on employment opportunities and nature events in Chicago?Subscibe to the Chicago Park District newsletter!

RU Campus Job: Sustainability Student Associates for 2024-25

The Department of Law, Society & Sustainability (LSS) @RooseveltU is hiring up to two undergraduate students to work as Sustainability Student Associates for the 2024-25 academic year. Information and application instructions for this position can be found on the RU Student Employment website. To apply, just login to the Handshake job posting system and upload your letter of interest, résumé, and writing sample (deadline extended to 9/13/24). These positions are funded by the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program as well as Testa Produce; FWS and non-FWS eligible students are therefore welcome to apply.

These 15 hour/week student positions support the mission, pedagogy, and service work of the Sustainability Studies (SUST) as well as other related programs in the LSS Dept at Roosevelt by

  • developing & supporting campus sustainability projects in consultation with the SUST program director; Dept of Law, Society & Sustainability faculty; Operations and Planning admin/staff; and the RU Green student organization;
  • managing the Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab (RUSLab) & assisting with the WB Rooftop Garden;
  • providing logistical and communication support for sustainability-related activities, events, and projects, especially our ongoing efforts at strategic sustainability planning;
  • coordinating & promoting departmental events & campus outreach (e.g., Campus Sustainability Month in October, SUST Symposia, & Earth Month in April);
  • supporting student experiential learning, recruitment, retention, & career development efforts;
  • performing alumni and community outreach.

In 2024-25, up to two Student Associates will work under the direction of the LSS Dept Chair and SUST Program Director, Prof. Mike Bryson. Associates will utilize the RUSLab in AUD 526 as their home base at the Chicago Campus as well as perform some work remotely as needed. Both Federal Work-Study eligible and non-eligible students from any major are welcome to apply, but priority in hiring will be given to FWS students who are based in the programs of the new Department of Law, Society & Sustainability within the new College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences (formerly the College of Arts & Sciences).

The application deadline has been extended Friday 9/13/24. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be conducted starting the week of 9/3/24. Consequently, interested students should get their applications submitted ASAP and may contact Prof. Bryson in advance to indicate their intention to apply and ask questions about the position. A cover letter, updated résumé, and writing sample are required for the application.

The writing sample should be at least 1000 words and demonstrate your writing & research skills (this may be a paper submitted for a college class). Topic related to sustainability and/or the environment is recommended, but not required. This should be something that exemplifies your *best* writing for a general and/or academic audience, but not be overly technical.

Please note your FWS eligibility status in your cover letter. Applicants should explain their interest in advancing campus sustainability as well as highlight their prior knowledge about and/or skills in relevant sustainability issues and practices (e.g., recycling, gardening, event planning, data analysis, student outreach, etc.)

  • Priority Majors: Criminal Justice, Economics, English, International Studies, Paralegal Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Justice Studies, Sociology, and Sustainability Studies. Students from other majors will also be considered.
  • Required Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of and interest in sustainability; strong writing/editing skills; effective communication skills; dependability, strong work ethic, and ability to work independently.

Please email Prof. Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu) for questions about the position or application process.

Schaumburg IL Seeks Sustainability Planner (Position Announcement)

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF: Sustainability Planner (Community Development), VILLAGE OF SCHAUMBURG, IL

Human Resources Department
101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, IL 60193
http://www.schaumburg.com/

The Village of Schaumburg is a thriving community of 78,723 residents located 11 miles west of O’Hare International Airport and approximately 26 miles northwest of Chicago. Not only is Schaumburg the twelfth-largest community in the State of Illinois, but it is also home to the second-largest concentration of retail, office, and commercial activity. Notable village distinctions include being rated as an excellent or good place to live by 95% of respondents in the National Community Survey; having multiple highly-awarded and accredited departments; and being recognized as a Better Business Town by The Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois.

The village employs approximately 600 employees in 12 departments, including police, fire, engineering and public works, communications, community development, cultural services, economic development, finance, general government, human resources, information technology, and transportation. Our employees work to serve the residents and strive to make Schaumburg the best community it can be.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Interviews will be conducted as applications are received.  This position will remain open until filled.

STARTING SALARY RANGE:  $80,997.44 – $99,225.94 annually dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is $80,997.44 – $117,454.44.

Please attach as part of your application all necessary documents verifying that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position performs administrative and management responsibilities for the implementation of the village’s sustainability initiatives, plans, and programs; provides technical advice and assistance to other staff, departments, boards, and commissions related to sustainability initiatives, and manages and coordinates the farmers market.; The position also performs analysis of and reports about development proposals, acts as case manager/lead planner to assist developers through the zoning approvals/entitlement process;  researches and prepares code amendments; and administers other special projects.  May be eligible for flexible schedule/hybrid work options.  The ideal candidate will need to effectively communicate to a full range of people, organize time and prioritize responsibilities with accuracy.  We are looking to add a team member capable of remaining calm and professional under pressure and has the  functional skills to do the job at a high level.

JOB DUTIES:

1.    Manages development review projects and prepares written recommendations regarding development proposals including but not limited to, Development Plan Approvals/Amendments, Planned Unit Developments, Re-zoning proposals, Special Use requests, Variations, Teardowns, FAR Credits, and Plats requiring review by the Village Board, Plan Commission, or Zoning Board of Appeals.
2.    Schedules and presents at public hearings before the Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commission, and various village standing committees for development review projects and code amendments.
3.    Researches, creates and administers programs and projects that serve to achieve the goals stated in the Comprehensive Green Action Plan.  Monitors and prepares reports on the status of the Comprehensive Green Action Plan and other sustainability goals and presents them to village committees, boards, and commissions.
4.    Serves as the village’s main point of contact on sustainability issues.  Manages the Green Team; a multi-disciplinary team comprised of staff from all village departments; sets annual corporate goals to further the implementation of the Comprehensive Green Action Plan.
5.    Prepares outreach and promotion of the Comprehensive Green Action Plan and other sustainability projects and initiatives through the village website, village media, and various outside media outlets.
6.    Manages Farmers Market including the coordination of a seasonal intern that staffs the village booth.  Organizes and coordinates vendor participation, advertising campaign, entertainment schedule, special event days, annual booth fee rates, and collection of vendor booth fees.   Reviews contracts and invoices from performers and advertising vendors.  Prepares and recommends budget requests for advertising, entertainment, and materials needed for the Farmers’ Market to the Department Director.
7.    Serves as staff liaison to the Environmental Committee; prepares annual work plan and assists the Committee in promoting and implementing their programs such as Annual Recycling Events, Environmental Fair, and Award Programs.  Prepares and recommends budget requests to the Department Director.
8.    Administers the Annual Landscape and Environmental Award Programs; coordinates nominees and presents nominations to the Environmental Committee and village standing committee.
9.    Represents the Village of Schaumburg in a professional manner in dealings with other agencies, special interest groups, and the public, including serving on various regional and Village committees related to sustainability and the environment.
10.    Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.    Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, environmental or sustainability planning, landscape architecture, architecture, or related field.
2.    A minimum of three years of experience in planning.
3.    Experience in the sustainability field working on the implementation of sustainable environmental programs.
4.    Proficiency with current computer technology, job-specific software, and customer service systems.

BENEFITS:

The Village of Schaumburg has a competitive benefit package which includes: flexible benefit Section 125 plan including health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a retirement plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, tuition reimbursement, and more.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Candidate screening process may consist of an application review, skills testing, employability assessment, interviews, reference checks, and other job-related testing or verifications.  Chosen candidates will be subject to a background and criminal history investigation, and qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug screen (including cannabis).

RU Dining Center Student Job Opening

The Roosevelt University Chicago Campus Dining Center — known on campus as “The Caf” — is looking for a part-time student worker this Fall 2023 semester to fill a dual purpose:
  • Sustainability Initiatives: student engagement, tabling, signage, etc.
  • Social Media: posting to our Instagram account with sustainability news and other general information regarding specials and fun goings-on
RU Dining Center
The student, ideally, would be able to come up with independent novel ideas to help spread the word on what the Dining Center is doing and help come up with new ideas.
Hours/wage: 10 hours per week at $16 per hour

For more information or to submit an application, please contact Mr. Bill Reich at the email address below:

Bill Reich | Aladdin at Roosevelt University

Food Service Director
Bill.Reich@aladdinfood.com

Wanted: Sustainability Student Associates for Fall 2023 @RooseveltU

The Department of Law, Society & Sustainability (LSS) @RooseveltU is hiring up to two undergraduate students to work as Sustainability Student Associates for the Fall 2023 semester. Information and application instructions for this position can be found on the RU Student Employment website. To apply, just login to the Handshake job posting system and upload your letter of interest, résumé, and writing sample. These positions are funded by the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program as well as Testa Produce; FWS and non-FWS eligible students are therefore welcome to apply.

These 15 hour/week student positions support the mission, pedagogy, and service work of the Sustainability Studies (SUST) as well as other related programs in the LSS Dept at Roosevelt by

(1) developing & supporting campus sustainability projects in consultation with the SUST program director; Dept of Law, Society & Sustainability faculty; Operations and Planning admin/staff; and the RU Green student organization;

(2) managing the Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab (RUSLab) & WB Rooftop Garden;

(3) providing logistical and communication support for sustainability-related activities, events, and projects, especially our ongoing efforts at strategic sustainability planning;

(4) coordinating & promoting departmental events & campus outreach (e.g., Campus Sustainability Month in October, SUST Symposia, & Earth Month in April);

(5) supporting student experiential learning, recruitment, retention, & career development efforts;

(6) performing alumni and community outreach.

In 2023-24, up to two Student Associates will work under the direction of the LSS Dept Chair and SUST Program Director, Prof. Mike Bryson. Associates will utilize the RUSLab in AUD 526 as their home base at the Chicago Campus as well as perform some work remotely. Both FWS eligible and non-eligible students from any major are welcome to apply, but priority in hiring will be given to FWS students who are based in the programs of the new Department of Law, Society & Sustainability within the new College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences (formerly the College of Arts & Sciences).

The application deadline is Friday 9/15/23. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be conducted starting the week of 8/29/23. Consequently, interested students should get their applications submitted ASAP and may contact Prof. Bryson in advance to indicate their intention to apply and ask questions about the position. A cover letter, updated résumé, and writing sample are required for the application.

The writing sample should be at least 1000 words and should demonstrates your writing & research skills (this may be a paper submitted for a college class). Topic related to sustainability and/or the environment is recommended, but not required. This should be something that demonstrates your *best* writing, and not overly technical.

Please note your FWS eligibility status in your cover letter. Applicants should explain their interest in advancing campus sustainability as well as highlight their prior knowledge about and/or skills in relevant sustainability issues and practices (e.g., recycling, gardening, event planning, data analysis, student outreach, etc.)

  • Priority Majors: Criminal Justice, Economics, English, International Studies, Paralegal Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Justice Studies, Sociology, and Sustainability Studies. Students from other majors will also be considered.
  • Required Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of and interest in sustainability; strong writing/editing skills; effective communication skills; dependability, strong work ethic, and ability to work independently.

Please email Prof. Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu) for questions about the position or application process.

Green Landscape Technology Virtual Town Hall (Th 7/20)

As a manual reel mower and old-fashioned rake kind of guy, I’m keen to see non-polluting landscaping and yard care technology become a cutting-edge trend. (Get it? I know — lame dad joke.)

It’s not just that the loud noise and choking fumes from these infernal contraptions (mowers, week-whackers, and the worst of the worst, leaf blowers) are annoying if not intolerable, which they are. Consider the startling and sobering fact that gasoline-powered lawn and garden engines (GLGE), along with other non-road engines, account for 5% of GHG emissions in the US, according to the EPA. That 2015 study also noted that:

In 2011, approximately 26.7 million tons of pollutants were emitted by GLGE (VOC=461,800; CO=5,793,200; NOx=68,500, PM10=20,700; CO2=20,382,400), accounting for 24%−45% of all nonroad gasoline emissions. Gasoline-powered landscape maintenance equipment (GLME; leaf blowers/vacuums, and trimmers, edgers, brush cutters) accounted for 43% of VOCs and around 50% of fine PM.

We don’t have to accept this as the status quo, though. Join folks from the Urban Efficiency Group and the Cross Community Climate Collaborative for a virtual town hall this Th 7/20 to hear about green technology for landscape maintenance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLT Virtual Town Hall Flyer 2023-07-20

Learn about Sustainability Careers with the Chicago Wilderness Alliance (Fri 6/16)

Emerging and Intergenerational Thought Leaders: Introducing Professional Opportunities and Uplifting Your Voices on Topics Around Sustainability

Friday, June 16, 2023
2:00 PM CST Register for Zoom link
At this Chicago Wilderness online café we will introduce professionals and their pathways, opportunities in the industry, and talk about the current understanding of climate protection, sustainability, and equity. We will be challenging societal norms an aiming to redefine how we engage with society through this new narrative of sustainability solidarity.

This café session will introduce the concepts of our systematic approach to sustainability and then engage participants in a polling activity to identify regional key focus areas for an intergenerational sustainability action plan.We encourage registrants to complete a survey about your priorities as an emerging conservation professional.

For additional info, contact Laura Reilly (laura.reillycw@gmail.com)

RU Alumni Scott Rosenzweig & Jeff Kressman: Starting ESG Core Advisors LLC

Corporate/Industrial ESG — Operations, Management, and Organizational Culture
RU Alumni Scott Rosenzweig, MBA ’98, Founder and CEO of ESG Core Advisors (LinkedIn profile) and Jeff Kressman, MSMC ’83, VP Marketing of ESG Core Advisors (LinkedIn profile)

This Tuesday 4/25 at 5pm CST, please join us for our third virtual Master Class on the relations between sustainability business, when we host Mr. Scott Rosenzweig (MBA ’96), Sustainability Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of ESG Core Advisors, and sustainability consultant/strategist for mid-market companies seeking to integrate sustainability into their mission and operations. As a proud 1996 alum of RU’s Heller College of Business, Scott is highly engaged with our university in various capacities, notably serving on the HCB Advisory Board and mentoring business students as they seek out their career pathways.

Scott is a dynamic and engaging speaker who will share his compelling personal story of business and management success as well as why and how he started ESG Core Advisors to help transform and inspire corporations to lead us toward a sustainable future.

Joining Scott is his colleague and fellow RU alum Jeff Kressman (MSMC ’83), VP Marketing of ESG Core Advisors.

Zoom Login Info:

https://roosevelt.zoom.us/j/99002167623?pwd=Q3VKdndzVE1RdndEOTQzVUNpNVdZdz09
Meeting ID: 990 0216 7623
Password: 871074

This Earth Month 2023 @RooseveltU on Tuesdays we explore different aspects of the critical role of sustainability in today’s business world. Distinguished RU alumni from the Colleges of Business and Arts & Sciences are giving special guest presentations each Tuesday 5-6pm CST, in Prof. Jennifer Muryn’s MGMT 390 Contemporary Topics in Business online class. These SUST + MGMT alumni talks are open to the RU and Resilience Studies Consortium community via Zoom. Please join us!

Students @RooseveltU: Please Read this Petition from RU Green

Dear RU students — This is a message from the president of Roosevelt University’s student environmental organization, RU Green. In the spirit of disclosure, I must admit that I fully support and am inspired by this petition. I encourage you to read it and, if you agree with its spirit and are persuaded by its argument, please sign it. Add a comment if you are so moved. And share it with your fellow students for them to read and consider. Thank you. ~ Prof. Mike Bryson

Hi all!

If you haven’t heard already, this semester we have begun establishing a campaign to urge Roosevelt to establish an Office of Sustainability! In each of our meetings so far we have brainstormed ways to not only bring attention to RU’s lack of investment in sustainability efforts, but also ways to fix this. It has been so exciting hearing from everyone and seeing how much support RU Green has from students and faculty.

This week, we released a petition to show just how much the student body wants to see this change made. We would love it if you read our petition statement and considered signing to join us in this campaign! Here is the link:

https://chng.it/WZ5sZY22Mz

Feel free to share it with others and spread the word! We appreciate all of our members so so much. 💚

Best,
Natalie Seitz (she/her)
RU Green President (BA ’23)

How Arts & Humanities are Tackling the Climate Crisis

Mike Bryson, Professor of Sustainability Studies at Roosevelt University, joins Green Sense WBBM radio host / postcaster Robert Colangelo again to share his thoughts on what role the arts and humanities play in changing hearts and minds about climate change, water conservation, and sustainability. We discuss the current economic conditions and the job market for students working in the field of sustainability.

 

Listen to the full episode on your preferred streaming platform by visiting the Green Sense website