Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Portland State University
Position Details
Proposed Start Date06/01/2025Classification TitleProgram Technician 2Working TitleSustainability Program and Utility TechnicianDepartment600026 - PSR Campus Sustainability OfficePosition NumberD91890RepresentationOP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503Position FTE1.0End date, if applicable
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
For information about the Planning and Sustainability Office, please visit https://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/planning-sustainability-office
Position Summary
The Sustainability Program and Utility Manager provides project and program management which includes researching and implementing a variety of methods and tools to collect, manage, analyze and report on diverse data sets and make recommendations for improving campus sustainability projects and programs.
The Sustainability Program and Utility Technician supports the university’s $1.5M Green Revolving Fund and $5.5M utility budget by conducting billing, tracking, projection analysis to identify billing and usage issues, plan for future market and campus changes, and to quantify utilities savings projects. They work with campus departments to implement strategies that minimize resource utilization to fulfill the Climate Action Plan.
This position assists with management of waste contracts, waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs. They work with campus departments to implement strategies that minimize waste generation. The position tracks and reports waste diversion rates, ensuring compliance with local regulations and institutional sustainability targets. Partner with vendors and stakeholders to enhance waste hauling, recycling, and disposal processes.
This position plays a lead role in advancing the PSU climate action and energy goals by identifying and leading internal and external partnership opportunities which involves managing relationships, new and existing collaborative projects and initiatives, and service contracts with diverse utility firms, PSU departments, and other organizations.
Other duties include representing the Planning and Sustainability Office on various campus committees. This position may also manage student employees and provide general office support for the department.
This is a permanent full-time position within an innovative team-oriented environment located in downtown Portland, and includes a comprehensive benefits package with at least 38 days of paid time off each year, 95% employer-funded premium healthcare, 100% employer-funded retirement plans, and 70% off of tuition for the employee, dependent children, and your spouse or domestic partner. This position is represented by SEIU 89. Some of the union benefits include annual eligibility for a salary increase of nearly 5%, access to hardship funds, direct support from Local Stewards, and frequent sponsored activities to strengthen your community at PSU and within your region!
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
-Two years of experience with responsibility for program or project monitoring and coordination. The experience must have included program evaluation responsibility.
Preference may be given to individuals with experience in specialty are specific to the position opening.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Data Analysis or related fields.
- Three years experience in project management and data analytics.
- Experience managing utility billing and monitoring utility usage.
- Demonstrated interest in sustainability issues.
- Experience with developing and maintaining relationships/partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to understand and synthesize a broad range of sustainability topics.
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, and to work with shifting priorities and schedules.
- Demonstrated excellence and experience in oral and written communication including speaking publicly.
- Proficient technology skills and the ability to develop written communications to effectively and efficiently communicate complex information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous work at an institution of higher education.
- Demonstrated creativity in developing new initiatives and programs.
- Supervision of employees, interns or volunteers.
- Experience with strategic short-term and long-term planning.
- Experience interacting with sustainability networks to gain information on new ideas in order to enhance a program.
Key Cultural Competencies
Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/HoursMonday to Friday, 40 hours per weekTotal Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting hourly salary rate for this position will be between $28.25 and $32.55. The starting salary will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
Portland State has an excellent benefits package including 95% employer-paid health insurance premiums (employees and eligible dependents) and significantly reduced tuition rates for employees and eligible dependents at any of the Oregon Public Universities. After completing six full months employees are eligible to the employer-paid pension program in addition to two voluntary retirement programs. Wellness options include access to the PSU Rec Center at a reduced rate and free wellness programs. For a comprehensive view of all PSU benefits, visit the PSU Total Compensation Calculator.
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Please name the specific field/discipline in which you received your degree.
(Open Ended Question)
- * Please describe your experience managing utility billing and monitoring utility usage.
(Open Ended Question)
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- PSU Website
- Indeed.com
- HERCJobs
- Urban League of Portland
- Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
- Oregon Employment Department
- Social Media
- Person Referral
- Career Builder
- Glass Door
- Other - Please describe in the next Question
- If you selected Other, please describe.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents Required Documents- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Professional References
Optional Documents

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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