Bellevue College’s Office of Sustainability recently released an update regarding the new environmental changes implemented on campus. Throughout the past quarter, Building L adopted a “centralized waste and mini-max program,” according to the BC Office of Sustainability. This new program “aims to streamline and standardize waste management on campus,” as the system “increases awareness, ownership and responsibility.” Offices implemented a desk-side bin system, which “includes a recycling bin, a small hanging waste bin and a small hanging compost bin.” Additionally, to give everyone three waste stream options no matter their location in the building, Building L’s old receptacles were replaced with tri-stream bins for waste, compost and recycling. BC also added paper towel composting in bathrooms to eliminate “a large amount of waste from BC’s landfill stream.”
If you’re interested in increasing your involvement in environmental advocacy, check out some of BC’s sustainability-focused clubs, such as the Garden Club, Climate Justice Club and Beekeeping Club.
Another way to get involved in BC’s environmental sustainability measures is through the two new student positions open in the Office of Sustainability. Both positions require applicants to have a minimum cumulative BC college-level GPA of 2.7 and be registered for a minimum of six BC Credits during the Winter and Spring quarters. The application period will open soon and close on Feb. 2, 2023. Prospective applicants must include a résumé, a cover letter and academic transcripts with their application. If invited to an interview, they will be asked to provide one writing sample, not exceeding five pages, and at least two references, including one professional and one academic.
Both positions require students to work part-time for roughly 11-19 hours per week at a rate of $16 per hour. The positions are expected to conclude on June 30, 2023 “with the possibility of extension through the summer quarter,” Elissa Gordon, the sustainability program manager, shared.
Gordon continued to note that the first open position is for a Student Sustainability Outreach Coordinator. This role involves acting as an ambassador to the BC community, introducing sustainable opportunities and initiatives and helping to foster a sustainability-oriented campus mindset. The coordinator will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including event planning, report creation, classroom talks and communication with staff, faculty and students. Gordon says the ideal candidate is a well-rounded student with an interest in sustainability and climate justice and a willingness to learn on the job.
You will be joining a team of two full-time employees, one part-time employee and another student employee. The team works closely throughout the year and collaborates on projects. This position will require in-person work for most hours, but there will be some flexibility for telework. As the Sustainability Coordinator, you will serve as the primary liaison between students and the opportunities and resources offered by the Office of Sustainability. This position offers educational and résumé-building benefits in areas such as communications, public speaking, project and event planning, interpersonal coordination, business, environmental studies, science, marketing and government, among others. These skills are transferable to any field and will enhance your résumé when applying for jobs after graduation or further studies.
The second position open is that of Transportation Coordinator, which involves acting as an ambassador to the BC community to introduce sustainable transportation options and methods. Whether it’s helping another student find a bus route to and from campus or creating new programs like BC’s bike rental program, the Transportation Coordinator plays an important role in reducing Bellevue College’s greenhouse gas emissions associated with driving to campus.
As a member of the transportation coordinator team, you will be joining two full-time employees, one part-time employee and one other student employee. The team works very closely throughout the year and collaborates on projects, so you will not be limited to working on transportation projects alone. This position is unique in that it is stationed at the Transportation Desk across from the PALS Center and offers a great window for you to interact with students that come by. The position is designed to function as the customer-facing presence of the Office of Sustainability and act as the primary liaison between students and the transportation opportunities and resources offered by the office.
This position provides educational and résumé-building benefits in areas such as communications, working with nonprofits, public speaking, customer service, project and event planning, interpersonal coordination, business, environmental studies, science, marketing, government and more. Skills developed in this role are transferable to any field and will enhance your résumé when applying for jobs after graduation or further studies. Many students in this position have gone on to full-time employment or to study at the University of Washington. Plus, you will have a great team and two advisors to guide you throughout the year!
To find more information about the available positions, visit BC’s dedicated page for the positions here.
