Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Position Title:  Energy and Sustainability Specialist

Department:     Custodial and Sustainability

Reports to: Director of Custodial and Sustainability

Salary Range:  Q

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, professional resume, and one letter of recommendation by Monday, 12/16/2024.

For questions regarding the opening or the application process, please contact Bend-La Pine Schools Recruitment & Retention via email: hr-recruitment@bend.k12.or.us

JOB DEFINITION:

Under the direction of the Director of Custodial and Sustainability, the Energy and Sustainability Specialist is responsible for supporting, monitoring, and tracking the implementation of the District’s Sustainability Plan. This role requires a proactive approach to ensuring the successful implementation of sustainability projects across the district through leadership, collaboration, and clear communication.

The Energy and Sustainability Specialist performs independent work while contributing to the overall team effort, utilizing leadership skills to guide and support colleagues, students, and school staff to promote and implement the district’s sustainability initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Under the direction of the Director of Custodian and Sustainability, support the implementation of the District’s Sustainability Plan.
• Collaborate with school and department staff to develop and execute energy-saving and waste reduction strategies and improve cost-efficiency.
• Collaborate with school administrators, the Custodial department, and the waste management company to reduce waste district-wide, including conducting waste audits and optimizing pickup schedules
• Implement and maintain a standardized waste collection and reduction practice in all elementary school cafeterias
• Work with school sites to establish and maintain a standard recycling program
• Develop and execute a plan for managing excess school furniture, coordinating with maintenance for recycling and disposal of unwanted items.
• Assist school-based Green Team leaders with sustainability efforts and education related to the Custodial and Sustainability department initiatives and goals
• Collaborate with the Facilities Support Supervisor as the Energy Coach in the District’s Strategic Energy Management Program.
• Facilitate partnerships with community organizations to enhance and leverage district sustainability initiatives.
• Assist in designing and implementing marketing strategies to increase participation in sustainability efforts
• Conducting audits on current systems and practices relating to waste management, sustainability, and energy usage at all district sites
• Maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information and collaborating with district staff and external entities
• Respond to and resolve technical, workflow, and system issues; work with supervisors to assess and address problems
• Perform other duties as assigned to support district sustainability goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Understanding of sustainability practices and principles, particularly in educational settings.
• Familiarity with waste reduction, recycling, and energy management strategies.
• Knowledge of district policies and state and federal regulations related to sustainability and environmental management.
• Awareness of community resources and partnerships relevant to sustainability initiatives.
• Knowledge of data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques for monitoring sustainability efforts.
• Understanding of effective communication and marketing strategies to promote sustainability.
• Familiarity with project management principles and techniques.
• Awareness of confidentiality requirements and best practices in handling sensitive information.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, including school administrators, staff, students, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze data and assess the effectiveness of sustainability practices.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for outreach, presentations, and reporting.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing educational programs and professional development related to sustainability.
• Ability to lead initiatives and work independently while also supporting team efforts.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address technical, workflow, and system issues.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments, ensuring sustainability goals are met.
• Ability to efficiently travel between multiple locations as needed
• Skill in managing resources effectively to maximize budget and reduce waste.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in sustainability, environmental management, or a related area.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public sector experience in waste and/or sustainability management
• Experience working effectively with public agencies for

Working Conditions:

The Energy and Sustainability Specialist will be a part of a flexible working environment, including both office and field settings. The Energy and Sustainability Specialist will work in an office setting, at various school sites, and occasionally at partner locations. Duties may involve exposure to waste and dirty environments, working outdoors in various weather conditions, and navigating through inclement weather as needed. The role requires physical activity, including walking, sitting, standing, typing, moving between different locations, and handling materials. The specialist must be able to perform tasks that involve lifting, bending, and other physical movements necessary for implementing sustainability initiatives.

The position requires working knowledge of several technical procedures or work activity areas and ability to teach them to others. In-depth knowledge of work-related district policies and practices is necessary. Job proficiency can be acquired in twelve to twenty-four months.

Expectations of Professional Conduct

Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are expected to adhere to all Bend-La Pine Schools policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with established procedures and expectations. They are to prioritize the well-being of students, aligning their conduct with the core values of public education and the mission, vision, and goals of Bend-La Pine Schools. This entails maintaining consistent and punctual attendance while adhering to site and/or district protocols for reporting absences.

Professionalism extends to personal presentation, with employees expected to maintain attire and grooming appropriate to their roles. While carrying out everyday tasks independently, it’s essential to maintain professionalism in how you communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, with students, parents/guardians, the public, and colleagues. This includes valuing and respecting cultural and background differences. Employees of Bend-La Pine Schools are entrusted with fostering a respectful working and learning environment, upholding confidentiality regarding student, staff, and district information at all times.

Benefits Information:

Bend-La Pine Schools provides its employees with a range of competitive and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, life and disability insurance, an employee assistance program, options to enroll in employee funded 403(b) and/or 457(d) retirement savings plan, and various leave and professional development programs.

Bend-La Pine contributes the required 6% of employees’ annual salary on a pre-tax basis to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP) on the employee’s behalf.

To learn more about the additional benefits or compensation options available for each employee group, please visit our website.

Summary

This position is currently represented by the Oregon School Employees Association, Chapter No. 6

The statements herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work and physical requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work or otherwise to balance the workload.