Job description

R00032652
Poughkeepsie, NY

Department

Office of Sustainability

Job Family

Administrator

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact [email protected].

Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Sustainability, the Sustainability Fellow supports education and research in sustainability, supporting the work of the Office of Sustainability and serving as the laboratory assistant for the introductory environmental science course. The position offers an exceptional opportunity to develop skills while working on a variety of different projects and helping to advance sustainability at Vassar.

This is a full-time, 12-month position from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze campus sustainability data for use in decision-making, classes, student projects, and other research initiatives.
• Conduct research in support of the Office of Sustainability and the College Climate Action and Sustainability Committee.
• Assist the Director of Sustainability in mentoring sustainability interns working on campus focused projects (waste audits, mapping, energy metering, etc.) and in shepherding these projects.
• Support and expand outreach and education by the Office of Sustainability, while also gathering feedback from various constituencies, including publicizing Vassar’s sustainability efforts with a broad audience, including alumnae/i.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of Sustainability and student organizations that may be interested in learning more about implementing sustainability practices on campus (e.g. composting, waste reduction, sourcing locally, etc.).
• Assist faculty and students, as needed, with sustainability-related research projects; as opportunities arise, assist faculty in infusing sustainability-related content into their courses and student research projects.
• Under the direction of the instructor for Environmental Studies 124, Essentials of Environmental Science, serve as the laboratory assistant and help facilitate class projects that address college sustainability goals.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus on environmental studies, environmental science, earth science, geography, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Laboratory course experience in natural or physical science.
• Demonstrated data collection and analysis skills, with an interest in further development.
• Experience or engagement with sustainability and climate change issues.
• Commitment to learning, exploring new perspectives, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to furthering education and action in sustainability, broadly defined.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Ability to take the initiative, work independently, and complete tasks with little supervision.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to interact socially with others.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ability to use ArcGIS.
• Vassar College graduate, ideally from Class of ’25 or ’26.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $23 per hour.

How to apply

To complete your application, you will be required to attach a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript (Word or PDF format required for all attachments)
To apply, visit