The School of Public Health is committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression in our mission and operations. In pursuit of this goal, we consider an applicant’s record working with individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds and experience identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to academic success. Because the SPH and the Division seek to increase the diversity of its workforce, we particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our discipline, including those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, and those from LGBTQIA+ communities.

General Purpose & Objective
The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is an outreach and assistance program at the University of Minnesota that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and cost. This position reports to a MnTAP Senior scientist and will provide technical assistance and support focused on promoting sustainable materials management. This will include assisting Minnesota businesses and organizations maximize the value of materials through source reduction, reuse, recycling and composting among other strategies. Several important responsibilities of this position include:

• Provide technical assistance to promote sustainable materials management activities
• Coordinate and promote the Minnesota Materials Exchange
• Serve as a technical resource for businesses while developing expertise in target industry sectors
• Conduct site visits and coordinate MnTAP interns to deliver technical assistance
• Supervise student intern and manage collaborative partner research projects
• Review and update business resources to promote industrial conservation opportunities
• Conduct technical training and give technical presentations in areas of expertise

Essential Functions
Provide Technical Assistance (sustainable materials management) (40%)

• Create and lead grant funded sustainable materials management projects
• Provide complete, accurate and easily understood information about source reduction, reuse, recycling, food waste management and composting to facilities through trainings, phone calls/emails, site visits and intern projects
• Generate recommendations for operational and environmental improvements for clients with supporting cost justification summarized in site specific reports using established program protocols
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant technologies and regulations as well as internal/external programs and their activities
• Maintain and update technical resources for the MnTAP website 
• Implement targeting campaigns to engage new facilities and industry sectors and expand MnTAP’s client base and services
• Collaborate with industry partners on intern projects to assist clients in meeting their goals
• Mentor students and supervise student research projects in areas of expertise

Track Projects and Follow-Up with Clients (20%)

• Support client efforts to implement recommended operational changes through timely follow up actions, additional assistance activities and connection to additional resources
• Measure and document environmental and cost savings impacts from technical recommendations from assistance activities and implemented results
• Use client database to input information, document activities and results, monitor client relationships and document follow-up to determine service effectiveness

Manage the Minnesota Materials Exchange - http://www.mntap.umn.edu/services/matex/ (25%)

• Provide technical and administrative leadership for the Minnesota Materials Exchange program
• Develop effective program promotional materials
• Conduct outreach campaign to increase business participation and develop partnerships
• Assist businesses in using the Minnesota Materials Exchange platform
• Assist businesses in completing exchanges or identifying beneficial reuse opportunities
• Report on the environmental and economic impact of Minnesota Materials Exchange activities

Develop and Maintain Internal and External Contacts and Coordination (15%)

• Coordinate with MPCA and other project partners to identify opportunities to collaborate, promote and expand MnTAP services and program offerings
• Engage with relevant trade and professional or business association(s) to share MnTAP information with other members and support business sectors through targeted projects
• Provide internal support for initiatives including developing web based resources, collaborating on projects, mentoring other staff in areas of expertise and when needed convening external partners to improve overall program effectiveness
• Participate and contribute to MnTAP team meetings, all-staff meetings and committee and/or workgroups for information sharing, idea generation and team building

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with employer match
• Disability and employer paid life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
• Student loan forgiveness opportunity
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information regarding benefits, click here.