Sustainability Officer

Salary: £29,605 to £30,487 with progression to £32,982 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 20 October 2023

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Sustainability Officer to join our dynamic, friendly, and supportive Sustainability Team. The team is made up of several experienced and specialist professionals who have a broad range of expertise and who are passionate about embedding and delivering sustainability at Newcastle University.    

The Sustainability Team works across all areas of environmental sustainability, energy management and waste management across our varied estate. This includes academic and accommodation buildings, sports grounds and two farms. This means you will have the opportunity to deal with a wide range of interesting and diverse colleagues and places – no two days are the same!   

The University is ranked 4th in the UK and joint 24th in the world for action in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Newcastle University is committed to taking action to address the climate and ecological crises and has a range of ambitious targets including Net Zero by 2030   .  To find out more about sustainability at the University, click here.

We are looking for a confident, personable, and adaptable professional with a passion for sustainability and experience of project management or handling complex data.  We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who have work experience in the fields of energy and carbon, sustainable travel and/or biodiversity.   

There are opportunities for funded training and qualifications in environmental auditing, monitoring and targeting, and other sustainability-related courses to support your learning journey with us. You will also be supported by one of our experienced managers and have access to a wide range of internal learning and development opportunities.

We are currently working with a hybrid approach of some home and place-based working.   

We will be holding an assessment centre on Wednesday 8th November for shortlisted candidates. 

If this role excites you and you want to learn more, reach out to Luke Whittaker (Energy and Carbon Manager) at Luke.Whittaker@newcastle.ac.uk or Melissa Stephenson (Waste Manager) at Melissa.Stephenson@newcastle.ac.uk.

To apply, please upload a CV and letter of application that outlines why you are a fit for this role based on the job description found here.

Key Accountabilities

• Undertake assessment and auditing of existing procedures and practice, revision and/or recommending changes (as appropriate) to assist in achieving certification under a recognised Environmental Management System (EMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS). To monitor and maintain accurate information relating to the EMS and EnMS for audit purposes and to produce reports where necessary
• Assist managers in the team with ensuring statutory compliance by monitoring current and future legislation and maintaining essential compliance records e.g., Display Energy Certificates
• Produce information for inclusion on the sustainability web site and ensure information is maintained and up to date enabling the regular dissemination of information to staff and students about all aspects of the University's performance on sustainability related issues
• Develop awareness raising activities relating to sustainability and the delivery of events and workshops working with minimum supervision; producing materials and information appropriate to the intended audience and to regularly provide information to staff and students at by a variety of communication channels (e.g., website, emails, printed materials, events)
• Develop, monitor, analyse and communicate complex datasets relating to utilities. Use a range of IT systems including Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and Monitoring and Targeting (M&T)  software to support functions including energy budgeting and carbon emissions reporting
• Liaise with external service providers on issues relating to service delivery, billing queries and to provide a point of contact for their representatives. Elevating issues when necessary with the relevant manager, organising meetings if required and recording minutes of meetings
• Conducting first line investigation of heating/ventilation issues using BEMS; ensuring that timely and accurate information is provided and escalating the issue where appropriate
• Working with colleagues in Estates and Facilities to carry out feasibility work relating to carbon reduction schemes including calculation of savings/payback periods and maintaining records
• Assist in the recruitment of temporary student volunteers and student placement positions. To be responsible for their induction and coordination of their office based and on-site activities, including undertaking appropriate risk assessments and providing guidance and support with their respective projects
• Provide administrative and practical support to the ESS Sustainability Team, collecting and maintaining up to date, robust data

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• An understanding of the principles of M&T in relation to energy and carbon
• An understanding of Building Energy Management Systems and the ability to interpret BEMS graphics
• Detailed knowledge of methods, systems and procedures relating to Energy and/or Environmental Management Systems
• Experience of data collection, producing meaningful reports including graphics
• Experience of conducting audits to identify efficiencies for energy, carbon and water
• Good interpersonal skills, including relationship building. Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Customer focussed and highly motivated, with the ability to engage staff and students, and use influencing skills to change attitudes and behaviours
• Able to work as part of a team, and on own initiative
• Experience of developing and delivering marketing or promotional initiatives, presenting information and engaging with a wide audience
• Well developed IT skills.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Has an eye for detail, spotting errors and ensuring accurate information
• Chooses communication tools appropriately and tailors content to audience
• Enthusiastic and positive outlook
• High level of motivation, able to work well independently and as part of a team

Qualifications

• Educated to HND or equivalent in a relevant discipline or substantial experience in administration and marketing/promotion of sustainability
   

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 26145