Sustainability Specialist

Straus Family Creamery • Full-time • Petaluma, California, United States • $60k - $80k / year • 3d ago

JOB OBJECTIVE: To amplify sustainable impact at Straus Family Creamery (SFC) and the farms that supply SFC with agricultural products. The Sustainability Specialist (SSP) works closely with the VP Sustainability to lead, coordinate, and implement sustainability program initiatives. In this multi-disciplinary role, the SSP will provide hands-on direction and support for operational sustainability programs and farm-level project support through our Dairy Producer Sustainability Program. Additionally, the SSP will measure, track, and report on sustainability KPI's and metrics throughout the organization and will support the successful implementation of sustainability initiatives - identifying areas for improvement, performing research, communicating new practices, coordinating with key implementers, and assisting in the planning of projects. The position works between our offices in Petaluma, the Creamery in Rohnert Park, and at network dairy farms in Marin and Sonoma Counties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operational Sustainability Initiatives - 30%

Provide active leadership for operational sustainability programs such as the Green Business Program, TRUE Zero-Waste Program, Sustainable Sourcing Framework, & Sustainable Packaging Roadmap
Ensure compliance for sustainability certification such as TRUE Zero-Waste by leading training sessions for team members, conducting audits, and submitting annual compliance data to certifying organizations
Provide project management and research assistance for the sustainable sourcing programs
Engage with key operations leaders to provide expertise and ad-hoc assistance on various initiatives

Dairy Producer Sustainability Program - 30%

Work directly with network dairy producers to provide project and grant management assistance
Support dairy producers with carbon farm planning, regenerative farming project implementation, greenhouse gas reduction projects, grant applications and reporting, and greenhouse gas accounting
Monitor and report impacts associated with project implementation

Sustainable Impact Reporting & Analysis - 20%

Draft and design the annual sustainability reports
Co-create sustainability graphics and reports for the sales and marketing divisions
Track and report on organizational key performance indicators (carbon, energy, water, waste, etc.)
Prepare sustainability reports for leadership that include tables, graphs, and other visual reporting tool

Sustainability Research - 10%

Conduct research on corporate sustainability and regenerative farming topics that impact the business
Prepare brief summaries of research and industry news for the Sustainability Director
Track various sustainability and dairy related websites for new sustainability opportunities
Track & report on all grant and research funding opportunities for SFC and network dairies

Sustainability Brand Ambassador - 5%

Represent the company internally and externally at select meetings, events, and conferences
Co-host sustainability "lunch & learn" events within the organization

General Administration - 5%

Ensure areas of responsibility are kept neat and clean
Must comply with all health, safety, security and emergency requirements that are communicated to you, whether established by their manager, by the company or by law
Must work in a safe manner and communicate any safety hazard to a member of management
Must comply with all Company policies communicated to you through your Employee Manual, trainings, team huddles, notice boards or other postings, or by a member of management
Must participate in weekly team meetings, safety meetings and other Company meetings as requested
Must ensure work is done in the most sustainable manner, in accordance with Company Mission & Values
Other responsibilities as requested

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in sustainable business, sustainable agriculture, or environmental science and economics
• Passion for organics industry, sustainability, and responsible business, strongly desired
• Experience working in a professional office environment
• Microsoft Suite and smart technology proficiency. Excel guru, preferred
• Project management experience
• Comfortable speaking in front of small or large groups and interpreting information on the spot and without prior notice
• This position requires travel between locations <= 50%; must have reliable transportation, decent driving record, valid Driver's License, and minimal state required driving insurance

COMPETENCIES

Dedicated. Performs with high level of professionalism, integrity, and positive disposition
Consistently exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
Possesses strong listening skills and exceptionally strong attention to detail
Resourceful and creative problem solver that is able to work with limited or ambiguous direction
Proactive. Overcomes obstacles and demonstrates a sense of urgency in achieving objectives
Communicates clearly/promptly with diverse workforce, maintaining a respectful/positive work environment
Ability to gain trust and buy-in through positive and influential style
Efficient management of multiple tasks and maintaining records
Makes recommendations to continuously improve procedures, methods, etc.
Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes and pressure
Consistently looks for ways to improve oneself through growth and development opportunities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The senses of being able to see, hear and have full power of speech - required
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, required
Physical stamina to work in farm environments that can have uneven an/or muddy terrain, expose one to particularly strong odors from livestock, manure, and silage - required
Ability to work in high allergen environments
Ability to sort through solid waste produced by office and Creamery operations
Ability to work in confined spaces
The ability to climb stairs and balance
Ability to work in temperatures ranging from -15° to 100° Fahrenheit and to work in high humidity conditions
Extended periods of sitting and working on a computer, looking at the computer screen
Short periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and stooping, turning the head and torso, reaching, grasping, bending and flexing the arms, legs, wrists, hands, and fingers - repetitive at times
Ability to withstand noise produced by machinery up to 90 decibels
Ability to lift, hold and/or carry 25 pounds unassisted
Ability to travel between locations and in/around Sonoma and Marin Counties - varies with business need
Schedule flexibility. Must be available to support sustainability initiatives/needs and respond to issues as they arise - on call, after hours, and on weekends

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Vaccine Mandate

Employees working in this position will be required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Applicants will be required to show proof of vaccination status upon receipt of a conditional offer of employment. That offer of employment will be conditioned upon, among other things, an Applicant's ability to show proof of vaccination status. Please note the Company provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable state, federal and local laws