Sustainability Officer - University of Leeds C/D 20 July 2009

Estate Services

Sustainability Officer
(Full time, 35 hours per week)

This role will focus on managing the University’s Transport Plan and will also support the University’s Sustainability Development objectives including active travel and sustainable procurement.

Ideally qualified to degree level in Environment, Transport or a related discipline, you will also have:

• Wide knowledge of sustainability / environmental issues.
• Experience in working with Travel Plans.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills and experience of website management.

The post requires working with University staff, students and outside organisations to manage existing programmes and also identify, promote and implement new initiatives. You should be self-motivated, enthusiastic and willing to be a proactive member of the Sustainable Development team.

University Grade 6 (£24,152 – £28,839 p.a)

Informal enquiries to Keith Pitcher, Environmental Officer, email k.f.pitcher@leeds.ac.uk tel +44 (0)113 343 7255.

To download an application form and job details please visit www.leeds.ac.uk and click on jobs. Alternatively these may be obtained from Miss Kate Ledger, email esoffice@leeds.ac.uk, tel +44 (0)113 343 5938.

Job ref 038016 Closing date 10:00am 20 July 2009

Outline of job:

This post is to develop and manage programmes within the University’s Sustainable Development section. The focus will be to support the Sustainability Manager’s work to deliver the University’s sustainable development / environmental management objectives working with University staff, students and outside organisations. The role will be proactive to identify projects with a specific requirement on managing sustainable methods of transport for business and travel to work. The post will also assist in the delivery of the university’s sustainable procurement programme and in the implementation of an Environmental Management System. The post will require a high level of autonomous working and be a proactive member of the SD team.

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Work in the University’s sustainable development section to deliver parallel sustainable development and environmental management projects including transport and sustainable procurement.
2. As a member of the SD team, proactively identify new environmental projects including transport and sustainable procurement. In conjunction with the University’s SD Manager, the role holder will be responsible for running projects from start to completion, which will include submitting bids for approval, and achieving objectives for key areas.
3. Identify and develop sustainable development (SD) and environmental management projects for approval. Project manage and implement new projects with university departments including procurement (e.g. office supplies, IT.
4. Provide training to staff and students on SD issues e.g. environmental regulations, climate change and transport. These include staff induction courses, training for student environmental reps and SDDU environmental courses. Where required plan and organise training with external providers.
5. Provide behavioural change skills to staff and students for improving their environmental responsibilities. Develop requirements including engagement at university department and individual levels, agree priorities, implement and monitor performance.
6. Provide assistance to the SD Manager in the implementation and operation of an Environmental Management System across the University.
7. Develop and maintain the university’s SD website and environmental management data. Provide designs for approval and input content using web management software.
8. Manage the University’s Transport Plan ensuring that its financial and performance targets are achieved. Identify and instigate new staff and student travel benefit schemes initiatives for approval. Provide and implement recommendations to meet the Transport Plan targets.
9. Manage staff and student online transport surveys. Establish records and a database of transport statistics and report changes to travel patterns. Identify changes required from staff and student feedback and develop programmes and projects in the transport plan to meet these requirements. Ability to produce reports from data that is received.
10. Design and deliver promotional literature and information to staff & students to achieve university SD targets e.g. Carbon Plan, Transport Plan. Promote communication on SD and environmental issues by means of annual travel guides, ‘The Reporter’, displays and newsletters. Give presentations to groups and meetings on SD and environmental issues.
11. Liaise with the NHS Trust, West Yorkshire Metro, Leeds City Council and other organisations for joint travel initiatives including car sharing, National Liftshare Day, ticketing, shuttle buses and car clubs. Represent the University on various networks including Leeds Travel Plan network (which includes LMU and Leeds City Council), EAUC transport group.
12. Work with the UTravelActive Project Manager to ensure related transport projects are included in the SD programme e.g. student cycle scheme.
13. Role holder will be expected to be able to deal with complex issues surrounding project bidding, financial planning (matching funding), and taking the lead on these areas in order to take projects forward.
14. To be aware of Health and Safety issues and to take reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of yourself and other persons at all times.
15. To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed.

 

Career Expectations

The University of Leeds is committed to developing its staff. All staff participate in the Staff Review and Development scheme and we continue to work with individuals supporting them to maximise their potential.

Progression to a higher grade is dependent on an individual taking on an increased level of responsibility. Vacancies that arise within the area or across the wider University are advertised on the HR website to allow staff to apply for wider career development opportunities.