Clean Energy Advocate – National Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a non-profit national environmental advocacy organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists.  We have offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Beijing.  Our staff of over 300 includes attorneys, scientists, policy analysts and educators working to protect the environment and public health through advocacy and education.

Position Description:

NRDC seeks to hire an individual who can lead NRDC’s efforts in the Midwest to advance regional and state energy efficiency programs, with an emphasis on advancing commercial and residential codes and standards reflecting best practices, and enhancing and increasing compliance with commercial and residential codes and standards. The individual will report to the Director of the Midwest Office and the Co-Director of the Energy Program. The individual will work closely with NRDC’s Energy Program as part of a team of attorneys and scientists who are working to foster clean energy policies and practices in the Midwest.

Skills & Knowledge Requirements:
We seek an individual with the following qualifications:
• BS in engineering, architecture or related field;
• At least three year’s professional experience in architecture, engineering, building science or an allied field;
• Knowledge of lighting and mechanical systems;
• Familiarity with ASHRAE and IECC codes;
• Experience with building performance modeling, such as EnergyPro, EnergyPlus or Micropas;
• LEED and/or CEM certification (desirable);
• Requires strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong team player who can participate in and build coalitions with multiple stakeholders; and excellent references.

NRDC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment and are committed to workplace diversity.  Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume at www.nrdc.org by March 17, 2008. You will be prompted to copy and paste your cover letter and resume in the main application; please then click on Add Documents in the Member Profile menu that will appear after you create your profile, and also attach a copy of your cover letter and resume for formatting reasons.

No phone calls or faxes. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit www.nrdc.org.

Clean Energy Policy Advocate – National Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a non-profit national environmental advocacy organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists.  We have offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Beijing.  Our staff of over 300 includes attorneys, scientists, policy analysts and educators working to protect the environment and public health through advocacy and education.

Position Description:

NRDC seeks to hire an individual who can support NRDC’s efforts in the Midwest to develop policy, legislative, regulatory and programmatic solutions to foster clean energy, including energy efficiency, demand response, clean distributed generation, advanced metering, and renewable energy.  The individual will report to the Director of the Midwest Office and the Co-Director of the Energy Program. The individual will work closely with NRDC’s Energy Program and as part of a team of attorneys and scientists working to foster clean energy policies and practices in the Midwest.

Skills & Knowledge Requirements:
We seek an individual with the following qualifications:
• Advanced degree in law, policy, business or related field, with an emphasis on environmental issues;
• Professional experience in the energy field with a focus on clean energy issues;
• Understanding of and success with legislative analysis/drafting and regulatory advocacy;
• Knowledge of utility regulation, ratemaking, practices and culture;
• Expertise in clean energy program development, administration, design, implementation and evaluation;
• Demonstrated ability to understand, synthesize and communicate complex technical issues, including science, engineering and economics issues;
• Experience leading large, multi-disciplinary teams;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent team player who can participate in and build coalitions with multiple stakeholders, and
• Excellent references

NRDC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment and are committed to workplace diversity.  Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume at www.nrdc.org by March 17, 2008. You will be prompted to copy and paste your cover letter and resume in the main application; please then click on Add Documents in the Member Profile menu that will appear after you create your profile, and also attach a copy of your cover letter and resume for formatting reasons.

No phone calls or faxes. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit www.nrdc.org.

Air & Energy Program Assistant – National Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a non-profit national environmental advocacy organization with more than 1.2 million members and online activists.  We have offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Beijing.  Our staff of over 300 includes attorneys, scientists, policy analysts and educators working to protect the environment and public health through advocacy and education.

NRDC seeks a Program Assistant to work within its Chicago, IL office.  The Program Assistant will provide administrative and research support to NRDC’s Chicago-based Air and Energy staff members. This program reports to the Director of the Chicago Office and to the Chicago Office Coordinator.  The successful candidate must have good problem solving skills and be able to handle administrative tasks such as: coordinating and booking travel, handling phone calls, scheduling meetings, coordinating meetings, processing expenses, proofreading and preparing materials.

Essential Functions:
Administrative tasks will include:
• Scheduling and facilitating various staff, donor and external meetings;
• Proofreading and editing correspondence;
• Managing and organizing paper and electronic files,
• Processing invoices and business expenses; and
• General administrative support for Air & Energy staff.

Research tasks will include:
• Research in technical literature, trade press, and similar to provide substantive information for NRDC projects and decision making
• Fact checking web pages, media releases and fact sheets; and
• Assisting Air & Energy staff in data collection and analysis and writing fact sheets.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements:
• Bachelors degree in environmental sciences or a related subject area (desired);
• Previous administrative and research experience is a plus;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with the capability to handle multiple tasks, work well under pressure and be detail-oriented;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

NRDC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment and are committed to workplace diversity.  Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume at www.nrdc.org by March 17, 2008. You will be prompted to copy and paste your cover letter and resume in the main application; please then click on Add Documents in the Member Profile menu that will appear after you create your profile, and we ask that you also attach a copy of your cover letter and resume for formatting reasons.

No phone calls or faxes. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit www.nrdc.org.

Manager of Education Programs, Outreach, and Marketing – USGBC Chicago Chapter

The U.S. Green Building Council – Chicago Chapter seeks an energetic and skilled professional with a wide range of programmatic and technical skills to oversee the management and development of Chapter education programs, outreach initiatives, and marketing. The position will also support the Chapter’s Executive Director in coordinating administrative and business functions of the Chapter.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Oversee program development and management (with Chapter committees) for the Chapter’s educational programs including: LEED AP Study Sessions, Urban Open/New Horizons, Regional Green Building Case Studies, Nuts & Bolts for Contractors, LEED Workshops, LEED Extra Credit, Emerging Green Builders education programs, State and Local Government tours and programs, and other programs
• Assist in supporting educational program development and implementation with the Chapter’s four suburban branch committees (North Cook/Lake, Fox River Valley, West Cook/DuPage, and South Suburban)
• Plan and implement all LEED workshops in conjunction with national USGBC education staff including venue identification, instructor contracting, day of logistics, and catering
• Develop methodology for getting appropriate Chapter education programs approved through USGBC’s Education Provider Program
• Implement regular training in pedagogical techniques for instructors of Chapter programs
• Implement and manage program evaluation for Chapter’s education programs and instructors
• Implement and oversee education program registration
• Implement and oversee marketing of education programs
• Attend regular evening committee meetings and programs
• Manage development of marketing materials, electronic communications, and web site updates
• Answer phones, email, and return messages as appropriate
• Assist with set up and management of events
• Management of automated event management system
• Maintain Chapter web site
• Assist in development of flyers and promotional materials for Chapter events
• Plan and schedule meetings
• Take, transcribe, and distribute meeting minutes
• Check and respond to general email/phone inquiries
• Perform general clerical work including letter writing, filing, faxing, copying etc
• Other administrative duties

Prerequisite Skills:
• Strong management skills
• Program development, coordination, and management experience
• Proven track record of program success
• Marketing experience
• Enthusiasm and interest in sustainability
• Experience in the building industry
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Flexibility
• Ability to work independently

Optional Skills:
• Ability to use a variety of business software including WYSIWYG web editing tools and Adobe Photoshop
• C‐Vent experience (event registration software)
• Experience with design programs including Quark or Adobe In‐Design
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) or willingness to pursue this designation within first nine months of employment

Other Requirements:
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Ability to drive a car or commute between City and suburban locations
• Ability to work multiple evenings per month and occasional weekends
• Ability to lift objects up to 25 lbs.

Salary & Benefits:
• $35,000‐$45,000 depending on experience
• Medical and dental insurance
• Two weeks’ vacation in first year
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Official Chicago Chapter Holidays

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and references to:

Doug Widener
USGBC – Chicago Chapter
445 N. Sacramento Blvd., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60612
dwidener@usgbc-chicago.org

No phone or in person inquiries, please.

Warehouse Staffer – Irv & Kelly’s Fresh Picks

Another full-time job opening with a new growing business!

Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks offers internet ordering and home delivery of local and organic food in Chicago and neighboring suburbs. Our mission is to help build a local food infrastructure, increase the supply of local organic food and connect people in the Chicago area with sustainable farmers that work to protect our health and the environment.

We are adding a new member of our staff to pack customer orders, clean customer bins, and weigh and bag produce. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 7 am start. Looking for good energy, organization and attention to detail. Want someone excited about growing the supply of organic foods from local farmers.

Pay depends on experience.

To apply: Email resume to recruiting@freshpicks.com.

Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks is located at 5625 W Howard St, Niles.

E-Commerce Customer Service Representative – ReusableBags.com

ResuableBags.com is a small, fast-growing, profitable, “green” e-commerce company dedicated to serving the triple bottom line has an immediate need for an outstanding person to fill the Customer Service representative position. We offer a selection of smart, innovative, eco-friendly products that help people consume less, thus giving consumers pragmatic solutions and intelligent alternatives. We target the rapidly growing $209 billion LOHAS market. Our first site ReusableBags.com has established a strong brand, a large passionate customer base, and is generating enormous buzz – recent highlights include Reader’s Digest, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Chicago Tribune, CNN, ABC News, NPR’s Marketplace and an endorsement in An Inconvenient Truth.

Description:
This position is responsible for providing outstanding service to our customers. The role includes working with our Customer Service lead to manage and improve most day-to-day customer service and order processes. May assist in various marketing and branding projects and be willing to take on additional projects and responsibilities as they arise.

The ideal candidate is bright, articulate, web-savvy and able to multi-task & maintain a consistent positive attitude during pressure situations while providing the highest levels of customer service. Must be comfortable with the dynamic and challenging nature of a high growth, fast paced entrepreneurial company. Should be driven for continuous improvement and be self motivated/managed. Possess a positive, team focused attitude — flexible and adapts easily to change. Must share our passion for sustainability, the environment and the kinds of products we offer.

Education: Bachelor Degree (preferably in marketing or related field).

Skills and Experience:
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• 1-2 years experience in customer service (online or mail-order)
• Strong ability to multi-task while conducting online and offline activities
• Must be internet savvy with very strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (word and excel)
• Excellent creative problem solving and listening skills
• Able to master new tasks quickly
• Strong conflict resolution skills, including the ability to deal with conflict openly, directly, and tactfully
• Demonstrate professionalism; excellent time management, follow-up, organization; meet deadlines
• Ability to recognize product trends (customer concerns, favorites, etc.) and communicate them to the team for stock management purposes
• Additional consideration will be given to applicants with: experience in E-commerce/catalog industries, cause related organization or sales experience
• Experience in simple HTML and Photoshop a plus
• Experience with IFM email manager (IFMod) and osCommerce a plus

Key Responsibilities Include:
Customer Service (55-65%)
• Serve as the main point of contact between the Company and customers
• Assist customers with questions by providing guidance via e-mail, telephone and live-chat
• Troubleshoot incoming customer issues and escalate as appropriate
• First point of contact answering customer service phones line and company emails; Take messages and route emails as necessary
• Receive and respond to customer calls, voice mail, email and live chats professionally and in a timely manner; Assist customers with technical and billing questions, inventory availability, order status and problems, and other questions
• Be a product champion – possess an extensive knowledge of all products we offer and make intelligent and trustworthy recommendations to customers
• Resolve product problems for customers; Utilize all available resources to troubleshoot problems; Solve problems proactively
• Manage product returns process
• Provide customers’ feedback to management regarding web site(s), products, etc.
• Seek opportunities for innovative approaches to addressing problems and improve internal processes; Provide feedback for implementation
• Help evolve and refine internal procedures and customer service policies – assist in writing, compiling and streamlining
• Suggest and help to implement customer centric improvements to website

Orders and Fulfillment (20-25%)
• Process orders received from phone and e-commerce web site(s) including tracking orders to ensure timely fulfillment, making adjustments, canceling orders and handling returns and chargebacks
• Answer questions, up-sell, and close sales transactions from customers who call to place orders
• Resolve delivery problems for customers
• Share information and interact with fulfillment house and suppliers to resolve order related issues
• Prepare regular status and activity reports using information pulled from various sources
• Suggest efficiencies and improvements to back-end systems

Other / special projects as needed (15 – 20%)
• General office and administrative duties
• Product selection and development
• Assisting with web site development and online marketing initiatives
• Gathering updated catalogs and other product related info from vendors

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

We offer a very competitive compensation package based on experience including a base salary and incentive/bonus program.

We have a casual work environment with a lot of autonomy. This position has a 40-50 hour work week with no travel required. Approximate hours: M-F, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Ability to work non-standard hours a plus.

We are an ethics-driven organization and pride ourselves on having a workplace with open communication, mutual respect and the golden rule. We are very selective – whether selecting products / vendors or hiring employees in order to insure a good fit.

To apply: We look forward to hearing from you – to initiate the application process, email your resume to Careers@ReusableBags.com.

Please do not call at this time or email to any other email addresses, no exceptions. All qualified email applications will be answered.

If you know the perfect person for this position, please forward this posting to them.

Instructor – Windy City Harvest

The Chicago Christian Industrial League, in partnership with Windy City Harvest, an exciting new urban agriculture jobs training program on Chicago’s west side, is seeking an experienced instructor to work with its first class of 15 adult trainees starting in September.

This program is based on a custom curriculum covering organic, four-season production of high end produce, bedding and ornamental plant production for landscaping and other uses, and outdoor seasonal growing. Hands-on activities in both greenhouse and outdoor settings are an integral part of the 50-week classroom and on-the-job training program, which enrolls trainees as continuing education students of the City Colleges of Chicago. Most trainees will come from work-challenged backgrounds and have overcome a history of substance abuse or incarceration.

Windy City Harvest is a partnership between the Chicago Christian Industrial League, the North Lawndale Employment Network, the Chicago Botanic Garden and key funding agencies. Program goals are based on the implementation of a successful, sustainable production operation and associated green industry training and employment activities.

Job Duties:
• Adapt written curriculum as needed for delivery in classroom and hands-on production setting
• Develop extension activities that enhance curriculum training and content knowledge
• Teach and supervise trainees daily between 9-3 p.m. and coordinate personnel issues with Windy City Harvest case management staff
• Coordinate transition from city college training site to new pilot greenhouse with program production manager in December 2007/January 2008

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited institution
• Minimum two years of experience teaching adults
• Experience in the horticulture industry and/or organic agriculture production
• Experience in working with and teaching alternative learners

Salary and Benefits:
• Competitive compensation package

The Chicago Christian Industrial League is seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. Please send resume and cover letter to employment@chicagobotanic.org.

Development Assistant – Angelic Organics Learning Center

Angelic Organics Learning Center, an educational nonprofit working to build local food systems, is seeking a responsible, detail-oriented, and organized individual to join our Chicago staff as our first Development Assistant. The position will work in our resource development and communications departments to assist with grant seeking, individual giving, special events, publications, a donor database, and more. One year of related experience is required. This 20-hour per week position begins in April and offers candidates the opportunity to contribute to a positive social mission.

Position Description:
The Development Assistant provides support for the organization’s resource development and communications departments, and works closely with the Associate Director(based at the Chicago office) and the Administrative Assistant (based at the farm office). The position is 20 hours per week (M-F) with occasional evening and weekend meetings/events.

General Responsibilities:
• Grants management support, including tracking deadlines; researching potential funders; and compiling, reviewing, and submitting proposals and reports – 20% (4 hrs/wk)
• Individual giving and special events support, including tracking major donors and researching potential donors; preparing mailing lists and stuffing envelopes; and assisting with event planning, ticket sales; and staffing – 25% (5 hrs/wk)
• Maintaining records in an eTapestry donor and contact database, including data entry, creating queries, and running reports – 20% (4 hrs/wk)
• Assisting in the production of print and electronic communications materials, including appeal letters, newsletters, brochures, and web pages – 10% (2 hrs/wk)
• General clerical and administrative support for resource development and communications departments, including developing procedures and managing hard copy and computer files – 10% (2 hrs/wk)
• Information systems support for the Chicago office, including routing internal requests, distributing troubleshooting and other technical documentation, and coordinating volunteers/vendors involved in technology projects or maintenance and troubleshooting – 10% (2 hrs/wk)
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor – 5% (1 hr/wk)
• May have opportunity to be involved in garden, greenhouse, and/or beekeeping activities at the Chicago office

Required Qualifications:
• At least one year of administrative support experience or equivalent
• Experience with data entry or database management
• Windows and internet literacy, with proficiency using Microsoft Word and Excel and ability to type at least 60 wpm
• Self-motivated
• Excellent ability to prioritize assigned and ongoing tasks and manage time effectively
• Highly organized
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to work with remote co-workers and volunteers via phone and email
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and promptly with volunteers, donors, and the general public verbally and in writing, including via email
• Commitment to the Learning Center’s work to build local food systems
• Interest in learning nonprofit resource development and communications principles
• Interest in learning about our programs and about local food systems/sustainable agriculture

Desired Qualifications:
• Nonprofit resource development experience, such as grant writing or individual giving
• Experience with a contact management database, such as eTapestry
• Marketing or special events experience
• Strong writing skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and image editing/management and page
layout software (such as Adobe In Design and Photoshop)
• Experience implementing, maintaining, and/or troubleshooting information systems in a technical or administrative support role
• Proficiency in a second language, especially Spanish

Salary: $10-13 per hour, depending on qualifications

To Apply: Please familiarize yourself with our website at www.learngrowconnect.org. Then send your cover letter and resume by email to jobs@learngrowconnect.org or by mail to:

Angelic Organics Learning Center
1547 Rockton Road
Caledonia IL 61011

If you submit your application via email, PDF format is preferred for all documents.

Application Deadline: March 3, 2008

Delivery Van Driver – Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks

Full-time job opening with new growing business!

Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks offers internet ordering and home delivery of local and organic food in Chicago and neighboring suburbs. Their mission is to help build a local food infrastructure, increase the supply of local organic food and connect people in the Chicago area with sustainable farmers that work to protect our health and the environment.

We are adding a new van delivery driver to our staff. Warehouse support for packing and check out of orders and loading. Looking for someone with good driving record, van driving experience, friendly, professional and articulate for dealing with customers. Good energy, problem solving, organization and attention to detail. Want someone excited about growing the supply of organic foods from local farmers.

Pay based upon experience.

To apply: Email resume to recruiting@freshpicks.com.

Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks is located at 5625 W Howard St, Niles.

Intern, Corporate Social Sustainability & Purchasing – Greg Christian Catering

Purpose of Position:
The Intern will assist Greg Christian, Founder/Owner in administering programs in Corporate Social Policy and Environmental-Sustainability at Greg Christian Catering. The intern will also assist Carlos Magallanes, Chef, in purchasing for Greg Christian Catering. This position is currently unpaid.

Responsibilities for Corporate Social Policy:
• Develop CSR & Environmental section of the GCC employee handbook.
• Manage and update GCC Food Miles database and online map. Assist Website Designer in adding information on GCC website.
• Work with Carlos Magallanes and Ken Dunn of the Resource Center in order to finalize policies and practices for the zero-waste kitchen.
• Provide communication support for outreach and marketing related to corporate social responsibility. Coordinate and participate in public relations activities to include the production of a website, brochures, newsletters, press releases, ads and fliers, and other promotional materials.
• Develop and implement activities including conferences, workshops, public events and other programs related to CSR/Sustainability at GCC.

Responsibilities for Procurement:
• Develop written policy for local food, organic, natural and conventional food procurement. Develop instructions and procedures for overall procurement work specific to Greg Christian Catering.
• Maintain daily records of goods ordered and received in database. Prepare and process purchase orders for sales. Check shipments upon receipt.
• Control purchasing budgets.
• Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them in order to determine product availability and terms of sale. Negotiate prices and grant contracts while also evaluating suppliers on price, quality, service support, availability, reliability, selection, etc.
• Develop relationships with farmers, purchasing managers, and company owners. Attend professional meetings, trade shows, farmer meetings, and conferences as appropriate; meet with external organizations to ensure cooperative efforts are enhanced and available resources are utilized.

Professional Skills and Qualifications:
• Experience in the natural foods and organic field. Passion for Sustainability issues like Natural food/Organics and Local Food and Corporate Social Responsibility.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects. Database management skills – preferably background in purchasing.
• Ability to prioritize information and understand issues that could affect GCC.

Time Commitment: Full-time.

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to Jill Zenoff, Purchasing Intern, Greg Christian Catering at jill@gregchristian-catering.com.