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Sustainability Coordinator

San Diego Supercomputer Center • United States • Added on Jun 15, 2026
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The Sustainability Coordinator at UC San Diego acts as a dynamic bridge between high-level campus environmental strategy and the daily actions of the university community. You will own the coordination of inclusive sustainability programs, translating complex climate action plans into tangible initiatives for students and staff. Your work involves gathering critical data for annual reporting while simultaneously managing green certification programs and supporting outreach across digital channels.

This role is vital because it moves beyond theoretical benchmarks to drive the cultural shift required for a large-scale research institution to maintain its STARS Platinum status. By integrating sustainability into campus orientations and leading Earth Week activities, you ensure that environmental stewardship becomes a core part of the university identity. It is an opportunity to directly influence the ecological footprint of a major academic and scientific hub.

This suits someone who possesses a strong blend of analytical precision and interpersonal energy, moving comfortably from detailed GHG reporting to mentoring student interns. You should be a passionate advocate for environmental policy who thrives on multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Job-FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

As a Sustainability Coordinator, you will lead the implementation of several campus-wide programs aimed at operational efficiency and co-curricular engagement. This includes managing Green Certification Programs and assisting with the university’s Climate Action Plan. You will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data for critical benchmarks such as the AASHE STARS reporting, ensuring the university maintains its high-performance status. Beyond data, the role is heavily focused on community building. You will coordinate major events like Earth Week, develop sustainability-focused training for diverse campus audiences, and oversee student interns. You will also serve as a representative on system-wide working groups, contributing to larger University of California sustainability discussions.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep exposure to institutional sustainability frameworks, particularly the AASHE STARS rating system and LEED building standards. Working within a major research university provides a unique vantage point to witness how climate action plans are operationalized across complex organizational structures, from procurement to waste management. Additionally, the role offers significant experience in program management and mentorship. By supervising student fellows and leading system-wide working group calls, you will develop the leadership and diplomatic skills required to navigate large-scale academic and governmental bureaucracies.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, policy, or a related field like urban planning. You should have a working knowledge of environmental policy and familiarity with rating systems such as LEED or STARS. Strong technical proficiency in Excel and data management is essential for the reporting aspects of the role. Soft skills are equally important; the university seeks someone who can build collaborative relationships across different departments. A proven ability to lead and motivate students is a major plus, as is the ability to communicate technical sustainability concepts to non-experts through social media and public presentations.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, highlight any experience you have with data synthesis and reporting. Showing that you can handle large datasets (like those required for STARS or GHG inventories) while remaining organized is key. If you have previously managed volunteers or interns, emphasize the 'inclusive' nature of your leadership style to align with UC San Diego's Principles of Community. In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with the University of California’s specific sustainability goals. Showing that you understand the challenges of a massive, decentralised campus will demonstrate that you are prepared for the logistical complexities of this coordinator role.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on campus operations and behavioral change. It is not just about the technical aspects of building performance, but about how the community interacts with those systems. You will likely spend significant time on waste management initiatives, food systems, and sustainable procurement policies. A major focus will be on Climate Action Planning. You will help turn high-level decarbonization goals into actionable steps that students and staff can follow, ensuring that sustainability is woven into the social fabric of the university through events and orientations.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be the breadth of stakeholders involved. Navigating the needs of students, facility managers, faculty, and administration requires high emotional intelligence and patience. You may find it challenging to drive consistent engagement across such a diverse population with varying priorities. Another challenge is the rigor of reporting. Managing the documentation for AASHE STARS or climate benchmarking requires extreme attention to detail and the ability to track down information from departments that may not prioritize sustainability data collection.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a Sustainability Committee meeting to discuss the progress of the Green Certification Program. By midday, you could be analyzing waste diversion data or drafting a newsletter to promote upcoming Earth Week events. You might also spend time outdoors, driving a university vehicle to check on event logistics or lead a sustainability-themed campus tour. Afternoons are often dedicated to mentorship and coordination. You might meet with student interns to review their project outcomes or participate in a UC system-wide call to align sustainability strategies with other campuses. The role balances desk-based analytical work with active, on-campus engagement.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position serves as an excellent stepping stone to senior sustainability management within the higher education or public sector. By mastering the coordination of a Platinum-rated campus, you build a high-value portfolio of achievements that are recognized nationally. There are also opportunities for specialization. Depending on your interests, you could move deeper into environmental policy, LEED coordination, or ESG communications. The university’s emphasis on professional development means you may have access to further certifications and system-wide networking.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will report directly to the Campus Sustainability Officer and work closely with the Utilities & Sustainability department. A large portion of your daily interactions will be with undergraduate and graduate students, both as project participants and as interns you supervise. External to your immediate department, you will collaborate with faculty, the Sustainability Committee, and administrative staff from procurement, facilities, and housing. On a broader scale, you will engage with UC system-wide colleagues to share best practices and ensure alignment with statewide mandates.

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