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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Director of Facilities Operations Sustainability

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

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Director of Facilities Operations Sustainability Posting Open Date: 09/24/2025 • Application Deadline: 10/23/2025 • Open Until Filled: No

Agency: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Working Title : Director of Facilities Operations Sustainability

Location : North Carolina, US

Overview A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. UNC-Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities for career growth and lifelong learning.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit The Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling (OWRR) promotes zero waste initiatives, including waste reduction, recycling, composting, and reuse throughout University operations. OWRR provides education and collection services and supports the University as it strives to become a zero waste community.

Position Summary The Director of Facilities Operations Sustainability provides leadership for sustainability programs within the Facilities Services department and serves as the Manager of OWRR. The role leads waste diversion and zero waste strategies for the unit and campus, with a goal of establishing UNC-Chapel Hill as a leader in sustainability, waste diversion, and solid waste programs through innovation and collaboration. The position develops and manages multiple programs, including environmental programs, sustainable building operations, ecologically sound maintenance practices, transportation efficiency, waste reduction, recycling, compost, reuse, green chemical usage, and outreach. Programs support academic, administrative and research units including Housing, Dining, Campus Recreation, Athletics, Energy Services, Transportation and Parking.

The Director supervises OWRR programs and operations, coordinates waste management, education, program branding, and behavior change; manages program expansion, development opportunities, and budget. The role develops new ideas and programs to maximize sustainable operations and engagement, and sets a vision and plan for future needs. The position supports Sustainable Carolina, the Solid Waste Advisory Group of Orange County, and serves as the main campus resource for campus facilities operations sustainability. Responsibilities include coordinating short- and long-term sustainability management practices, recycling, composting, outreach, and preventive maintenance plans through partnerships with employees, students, faculty, staff, and the community. Collaboration with campus units ensures goals and compliance toward zero waste and sustainable building operations.

The position provides interactive training in sustainability programs to all branches of Facilities Operations, including 24 Housekeeping zones (370 employees), nine Groundskeeping zones (77 employees), and Building Services shops (217 employees). Training covers waste diversion, zero waste strategies, recycling, composting, and green chemical use.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, with at least one supervisory or lead-worker experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Solid working knowledge of sustainability, sustainable building operations, sustainable design, sustainable construction, waste management, recycling, and composting.

Management/supervisory experience with ability to establish strategic goals and manage a budget.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, collaboration, problem-solving, and program development skills.

Experience with sustainable management program design, operations and implementation—specifically recycling, organics management, and reuse programs in a university setting.

Experience with operations and maintenance, green products, integrated pest management, and site landscape across diverse settings (academic, administrative, research, housing, athletics, dining, etc.).

Strong customer service skills and accuracy in data, regulations, and records management.

Broad working knowledge of operational sustainability issues and the ability to implement sustainable programs.

Valid North Carolina Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential University operations during adverse conditions.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Progressive work in sustainability with coursework/experience in environmental fields or related disciplines; experience in college/university or state systems.

LEED Green Associate (GA) accreditation or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

ISSP accreditation or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Experience with waste management program design and implementation in a university setting (recycling, compost).

Ability to read architectural construction documents and plan for sustainable operations.

Engagement with sustainability and solid waste organizations or trainings; familiarity with STARS or Sustainable Carolina program.

APPA Institute, SWANA, NRLI, or equivalent leadership/facilitation training.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Ability to move objects weighing up to 30 pounds with or without accommodations. Occasional manual material handling may be required for events or site setups.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link : https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307068

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact

Name: Stephen Scharver • Email: stephen.scharver@unc.edu

Office of Human Resources

Contact: (919) 843-2300 or employment@unc.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Higher Education

Note: This refined description removes boilerplate and unrelated postings while preserving core responsibilities, qualifications, and contact information.

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