At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainability initiatives and influence climate action across the university.
- Company: Bournemouth University, committed to sustainability and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating sustainable environments and inspiring change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while engaging with students and staff.
- Qualifications: Organisational skills, data analysis, and strong communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you looking for an opportunity to influence climate and sustainability action in a big organisation? Are you looking for a chance to support operational implementation of sustainability actions and to use your communication skills to influence change? If you are organised and great with data, you may have what we are looking for to support our sustainability team to deliver our challenging carbon emission reduction targets.
You will be working in an established Sustainability team, where we work with staff and students from across the university to reduce the environmental impact of our activities. You will be providing technical support, gained from your degree and experience to guide our sustainability activities. This will be in support of the University's Environmental Management System, Climate and Ecological Crisis Action Plan (CECAP) and Travel Plan.
You will have core responsibilities including:
- Assisting in the fulfilment of policies both in helping departments to achieve the requirements and in keeping the policies under annual review.
- Providing important support for the assessment of how embedded the UN Sustainable Development Goals in our educational and research content and helping to improve this.
- Pulling together case studies and data from across the university to show how we help towards the UN SDGs.
- Developing events and engagement programmes around sustainability topics such as Fairtrade, waste, biodiversity, procurement and many others.
- Using data to support evidence-based communications that influence behaviour, including writing annual reports, data submissions and website/social media content.
You will be a champion for sustainability at BU and your work will help further strengthen BU's reputation through external rankings and community engagement activities. We will provide a supportive environment, where your contribution is valued and there is ample opportunity to make a difference.
This job is perfect if you want to make a real difference across a big university estate, reaching students and staff. We will give you opportunity to apply your knowledge about sustainability to a busy, thriving university environment, where your work needs to catch the attention of students and staff and give them the chance to make a difference to their own carbon footprints and that of our university.
We are looking for you to demonstrate in your application and at interview your experience, skills and passion and your willingness to learn. We look forward to seeing what you can bring to our sustainability team.
Our Estates & Facilities team are a multi-disciplinary department that create inspirational and sustainable environments in which teaching, research, sport, enterprise and living can thrive. We offer a range of diverse roles as we continue to develop our sites and help to drive BU's Climate & Ecological Crisis Action Plan. At BU, sustainability is a key component when undergoing works to improve our estate. This involves increasing biodiversity around our campuses and taking inspiration from the non-human world to live in harmony with nature.
Bournemouth University's vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross-section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community. BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society.
To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
More than just a job! Working for BU provides you with access to a fantastic range of benefits.
Core Package:
- PAY: a competitive salary with opportunities for pay progression;
- PENSION: a valuable defined benefit pension with generous employer contributions;
- HOLIDAY: Annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays and winter closure (pro rata if part time);
- WORK LIFE BALANCE: flexible working arrangements including opportunities for hybrid working and flexitime (role dependent).
You will also have access to a wide range of voluntary benefits:
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
- Financial & Discounts: Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
- Travel: Cycle to work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
- Sports & Activities: Sport BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
- Family: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on-site nursery with discounts for BU staff
- Modern, vibrant campus locations: Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on-site food outlets and coffee shops
Sustainability Support Officer (Fixed-term) employer: Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises sustainability and employee well-being. As a Sustainability Support Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on climate action within a dynamic university environment, supported by a competitive salary, generous benefits, and flexible working arrangements. Join a diverse team dedicated to inspiring learning and enriching society, while enjoying access to a range of health, financial, and family support initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Support Officer (Fixed-term)
✨Make the Most of Local Events
Get out there and attend sustainability and environmental management events in your area. Local meet-ups, eco-fairs, or community clean-up days are not just great for networking but also for getting to know the players in the field—plus, you might just land a temporary gig with someone you meet!
✨Join Environmental Groups
Look for online and offline communities focused on sustainability. Joining groups like the Environmental Professionals Network or local environmental clubs can help you connect with others in the field. Often, these groups share temporary job opportunities that you won't find on typical job boards.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you're still studying or recently graduated, tap into your university’s career services. They often have leads on temporary roles, internships, or projects with local organisations looking for extra hands, especially during peak seasons.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Get active on social media by sharing your insights on sustainability topics. This could include short articles, infographics, or even participating in discussions on platforms like Twitter. Showing your commitment to the cause can make you a memorable candidate when applying for temp roles at places like Bournemouth University.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Support Officer (Fixed-term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for a temporary role in sustainability and environmental management, it's crucial to let your passion shine through. Share any personal projects, volunteer work, or relevant coursework that demonstrates your commitment to the field. We want to see that you not only have the skills but also a deep interest in making a positive impact.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any previous experience in sustainability, whether through internships, volunteer roles, or academic projects. Mention specific contributions or achievements that relate to environmental management — like waste reduction initiatives or conservation efforts. This will help us see the value you can bring to Bournemouth University.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:We can't stress enough the importance of tailoring your CV specifically for this temporary role. Focus on skills and experiences that align with sustainability, like data analysis techniques for environmental surveys or knowledge of regulatory compliance. This targeted approach will make it easier for us to see why you're a great fit.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, it's key that you clearly outline your availability in your application. Let us know your start date and how long you can commit, as this helps us plan effectively. Don’t forget to mention any flexibility you might have — that can set you apart from other candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth University
✨Show Off Your Eco-Knowledge
Dive deep into the realm of sustainability practices and environmental policies. Brush up on current trends and regulations relevant to the field, like the Circular Economy or net-zero targets, as these might come up in technical discussions with Bournemouth University.
✨Bring Your Adaptable Mindset
As this gig is temporary, employers at Bournemouth University will be keen on your ability to hit the ground running. Share instances from coursework or past experiences where you quickly adapted or contributed to projects, showcasing your eagerness to learn and tackle tasks with minimal hand-holding.
✨Highlight Relevant Tools
Get familiar with key tools and software commonly used in sustainability, such as GIS for environmental mapping or life cycle assessment software. Demonstrating your proficiency with these tools will boost your profile during the interview with Bournemouth University.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate your problem-solving skills in environmental management. Think of examples where you've successfully tackled an environmental concern, whether in studies or during internships, to illustrate your practical knowledge and organisational fit.
