Sustainability Specialist - Straus Family Creamery
Petaluma, CA 94952
About the Job
THIS POSITION IS FULL-TIME,ONSITE - NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REMOTE WORK.
We want to be transparent about our hiring process. Due to our commitment to thorough evaluation and ensuring the best fit for our team, our vetting process may take longer than usual. Be assured we diligently review all applications and conduct assessments. We value your candidacy and will keep you informed of any updates.
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
Founded in 1994, Straus Family Creamery is a mission-driven, family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to making premium organic dairy products, with minimal processing. The Straus Dairy Farm and Creamery, located in the small town of Marshall on the Northern California Coast, was the first certified organic dairy farm west of the Mississippi River and the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States.
In addition to the Straus Dairy Farm, Straus Family Creamery buys certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified milk from 11 other organic family farms in Northern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties. The combination of rich soil, one of the nation’s most diverse grassland systems, and a mild coastal climate create the ideal setting for organic dairy farming. Land stewardship and sustainable farming are deeply rooted principles in certified organic farming practices.