˿����Ƶ is looking for a qualified person to join our SEM Leadership Team to reduce energy use and increase our employee engagement activities. The associate will support the college’s Strategic Energy Management program and energy team by monitoring and tracking energy use, identifying energy efficiency opportunities and developing employee awareness and engagement strategies.

This person should be prepared to work in a fast-paced team environment and will finish the associate position having gained broad experience in various aspects of energy efficiency, project coordination and sustainability. Work would be primarily in-person with opportunity for limited remote work. We are requesting a year commitment for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the college’s energy and utility management system to monitor and track energy use college-wide to benchmark buildings enrolled in the SEM program and support energy management at PCC.
• Analyze electrical and natural gas utility data for SEM building energy models
• Update Energy Star Portfolio Manager for annual reporting metrics
• Work closely with Energy Trust of Oregon’s Energy Coach to review graphs of energy usage monthly and identify areas of energy inefficiency
• Participate in audits or building “treasure hunts” with our FMS team and Energy Coach to identify energy efficiency opportunities when needed
• Review building automation systems equipment trends for efficiency opportunities
• Interview and document standard operating procedures with FMS staff for equipment and HVAC systems and develop written requirements based on energy efficiency best practices
• Work with the maintenance department to track and update tasks in the Annual Energy Plan
• Oversee tasks in the US Department of Energy 50001 Ready certification process
• Create and deliver employee awareness campaigns; including the creation of signage, marketing materials, informational emails, games and competitions
• Assist with the preparation and delivery of education and training materials
• Research and identify areas in the organization where energy awareness is low and develop strategies for engagement
• Develop reporting mechanisms for various stakeholders to understand SEM efforts
• Prepare and deliver presentations to employees and staff regarding the SEM program
• Attend energy team meetings on campus or virtual; including taking notes, tracking the completion of action items and the development of agenda items
• Review the organization’s current purchasing practices, procedures or policies and identify areas to insert energy efficiency requirements
• Participate in committees as assigned such as Scope 1 & 2, Electric Vehicle working group, staff meetings, etc
• Assist with event planning such as Earth week or EcoChallenge

Qualifications

• Interest in working in an energy-related field
• Experience with engaging individuals, communities, and teams
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Google Docs and Google Sheets
• Experience with virtual platforms: Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Pursuing a degree in related field
• Ability to work well with others across disciplines and with different viewpoints
• Comfortable taking initiative and working on projects in a self-directed manner
• Strong attention to detail
• Data entry experience
• Minimum one-year commitment

Professional Development Opportunities

• Monthly SEM operations and organizational calls with the Energy Coaches and the Energy Team
• Attend SEM workshops covering continuous improvement best practices and engagement strategies
• Learn about energy monitoring tracking systems and variables affecting energy in the commercial sector
• Become familiar with statistical regression and energy modeling
• Present accomplishments and findings at the end of the year to SEM Team and Energy Coach
• Network with industry professionals and develop a support base for additional learning and career opportunities
• Potential to work with Atrius Building Insights and Energy Star Portfolio Manager
• Participate in implementing aspects of the
• Participate in professional conferences related to sustainability and energy
• Become familiar with building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system designs and operations
• Become familiar with PCC’s building automation system
• Participate in select new construction design reviews and commissioning efforts

Key Benefits

• Paid internship-starting wage $17/hour
• Flexible work schedule 15-30 hours/week
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience working in higher education
• Great professional development opportunity with Energy Trust of Oregon SEM workshops and a close working relationship with professional energy coaches
• Work with a team of fun and dynamic people that includes sustainability and facility maintenance staff
• Multi-disciplinary energy management approach allows career exploration across a broad spectrum of energy-related fields
• Learn and gain hands-on experience from experts in HVAC systems, building automation controls, lighting, and electric vehicle infrastructure
• Opportunity to learn new energy-related software programs

To apply, email your resume, 1-page cover letter and three professional references to adam.holzschuh@pcc.edu   For best consideration apply by Monday, May 8, 2023, 5pm (open until filled).

* We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s welcome. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Learn how you can fight climate change with diet change. See you there!

This past week PCC was delighted to help sponsor, organize and participate in the 2018 (WOHESC) held at Portland State University from February 6th, 7th, and 8th. This regional sustainability conference was previously hosted in Washington as WAHESC (2017) and in Oregon as OHESC (2016). This was the first year the conferences have been combined to create WOHESC, which will continue to alternate between Washington and Oregon in the coming years, celebrating the collective work of both Washington and Oregon here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. PCC was proud to have nearly 40 students, faculty, and staff in attendance, including President Mark Mitsui. President Mitsui was also a speaker at the conference and we were pleased to have three of our students and several of our instructors and faculty as speakers in sessions as well.

(PCC President Mark Mitsui talking at 2018 WOHESC)

President Mitsui participated in a great opening plenary on Thursday morning entitled: The Big Picture: Campus Sustainability Through the Lens of Executive Leadership. Robert Liberty (the Director of the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, Portland State University) was the moderator for the panel and Michael Harwood (Associate Vice President, University of Oregon), Carol Long (Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Willamette University) and Barbara Wingerson (Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff, University of Washington) along with President Mitsui provided their insights from their respective colleges and universities. The focus was around integrating sustainable systems in academia while creating more robust, equitable, inclusive, and diverse communities and environments on campuses. They touched on what this looks like at each institution as they work to also maintain a strong connection to the triple bottom line. President Mitsui also did an excellent job of recognizing the work and initiatives that are happening at all levels at PCC, and we were especially pleased to hear his acknowledgement of the great efforts that have come from the past and present students who are engaged in this sustainability and environmental justice movement at ˿����Ƶ.

(front left: Elaine Cole, top right Briar Schoon, bottom right Heidi Sickert)

Our talented and personal super hero Elaine Cole (Sustainability Coordinator, Rock Creek) was the moderator for a great panel discussion that included Briar Schoon (PCC Sustainability Manager), and Heidi Sickert (Business Faculty, Sustainability & Curriculum Council Chair) in the breakout session; The Sweet Spot: Where Campus-Wide Partnerships Converge to Implement Institutional Changes. Jenny Nitsky (Sustainability Coordinator Assistant, Southern Oregon University) also joined in this panel discussion where they looked at finding the collaborative sweet spot where mutually beneficial educational projects in sustainability can happen by forging partnerships and relationships with the operations and the academic side of the house. They explored how this can happen in a variety of ways including greening operations, integrating curriculum, and through connecting with student leadership. By finding this sweet spot, sustainability can be integrated into all levels of the higher education institutions spectrum.

(PCC Students Nicholas Carmack, Joe Culhane, and Rylie Wolff)

PCC students and faculty also participated in the session entitled; Collaborative Social Justice Service Learning: Transitioning to Inclusive Sustainability in an Insecure and Divided World. It consisted of Nicholas Carmack (Student Body President Cascade Campus), Rylie Wolff (Co-op Director Rock Creek Campus), and Joe Culhane (District Sustainability Communications Specialist & Environmental Justice Coordinator for Cascade Campus) which was combined with PCC’s Diane Shingledecker (CBL CTE District Faculty Coordinator) and Brittney Chesher (Graduate Intern, Human Services Resource Center. Oregon State University). While the session included a broad scope of topics the primary focus was addressing food insecurity and how this presents opportunities to create foundational changes at higher education institutions by creating inclusive and equitable solutions to make sure the students at these schools are getting their basic nourishment. Bringing together traditionally segmented groups, clubs, and resource centers to create projects that support the students on these campuses while also improving the community experience was a highlight of this presentation and panel discussion.

(Pandora Thomas Keynote at WOHESC 2/8/2018)

The two full days of WOHESC had a lot to offer and it’s hard or even unfair to say there was one major highlight because the truth is, there were more highlights packed into these two days than we can count. With that noted, this year the focus at WOHESC was Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in the sustainability movement and the keynote by was a refreshing look at how to bridge the divide between grassroots organizing and activism with higher educational institutions sustainability and environmental/social justice movements. Thomas is a passionate speaker and her authority on the subjects of applying ecological principles into social design to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences provided enormous inspiration to those in attendance for her great keynote. Her topics of focus ranged from the broader scope of diversity and social justice to youth and women’s leadership, and integrating social entrepreneurship permaculture and sustainability programming to those who need it most, including men and women returning home from incarceration. Her keynote highlighted the co-founding of the Black Permaculture Network and working with the Toyota Green Initiative over the last 6 years as well. The big takeaway that many of us received was the illumination Thomas brought to embracing the truth and fact that we all bring assets to the table and it benefits us all to recognize and celebrate that. Her focus may be directed towards supporting the most vulnerable communities of our greater population though the principles of her curriculums and teachings, focused on permaculture design and integrating social equity into this programming is something we all could benefit from doing.

There were so many great takeaways and connections made at WOHESC this year and we at PCC look forward to being a sponsor and participating in helping make the conference better and better in the future. To learn more about the more than 100 presenters that were at the conference and some of the great programs and sessions that took place, please go to the website and have a look around!

There were plenty of educational events at all of our campuses: Movie screenings, tabling fairs, and workshops covered topics ranging from climate change to waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, food choices, biking programs, and other sustainable practices. Environmental organizations from around the region came to meet with students, staff, and faculty face-to-face and to share resources. Some PCC classes incorporated such events into their curricula, helping students see how the lessons of the classroom are being enacted right now to address our pressing environmental and social issues.

Of course, no Earth Week at PCC would be complete without lots of opportunities to get our hands (and clothes, and shoes) dirty! All four of our campuses as well as the Newberg Center hosted work parties and how-to demos at their learning gardens. The Newberg Center also hosted work sessions to continue the construction of its cob shed. Volunteers gathered for habitat restoration both on- and off-campus to help remove invasive plant species, plant natives, and remove litter, helping some of the natural settings we treasure so much to become healthier and more vibrant places for other species.

Guest speakers joined us as well to discuss sustainability and social justice. At Sylvania, Martha Elena Llano Serna spoke about her work in resilience-building in our communities and our ecosystems, sharing personal experiences from over twenty years of activism in causes for endangered species and indigenous peoples. Dr. Marcia Chatelain of Georgetown University braved the PNW rain for lectures at all four campuses, pointing to both current events and historical contexts to re-examine the interconnections between social, environmental, and racial justice movements. Dr. Chatelain spoke to students and staff alike about the challenges and opportunities for connecting these movements that ultimately must involve one another in order to succeed in the long-term.

The college also welcomed a variety of community partners for special events. At Sylvania, the Earth and Spirit Council held a drum circle in honor of the energies of the Earth to both open and close the week’s celebrations. At Cascade, students sponsored an environmental justice panel featuring faculty experts, a community organizer, and an employee with the EPA. Trash for Peace hosted a fun reuse workshop featuring plastic yarn and seed balls. These events were in collaboration with college and community stakeholders, including the Sylvania Multicultural Center, Associated Students of PCC, faculty, students and 10+ community organizations.

A huge thank you is due to everyone who volunteered their time for a more sustainable PCC community! Whether you helped host an event, or showed up to lend a hand, or even just came to learn something new, you contributed to a fantastic Earth Week at PCC and, more importantly, to a healthier and more equitable future for our one and only world. We hope the events of Earth Week have inspired you to stay involved. If you’d like to stay up to date on sustainability at PCC, check out our sustainability department or the Student Sustainability Hub, both of which link to programs at all of our locations.

Want to learn about some of the big-issue topics in sustainability, or just want to find simple ways to make sustainability a part of your day-to-day life? Or maybe just want to get your hands dirty to help something grow? The events taking place during Earth Week offer something fun and informative for everyone, whether you’re just starting out learning about sustainability, or are already a passionate environmentalist, or are somewhere in-between.

Our extended Earth Week kicks off on Monday, April 17th, and runs until Wednesday, April 26th. Check out each campus’s calendar of events to find out more about what’s happening at your campus!

Remember that the numbers below don’t represent the good work we’re all already doing for sustainability. Rather, these are the results of us trying out new sustainability practices for the two weeks that the EcoChallenge ran. Hopefully we learned new positive practices by participating and incorporated some of them into our daily routines! Collectively the PCC teams’ impact included:

• 3,418 pounds of CO2 saved
• 10,087 gallons of water saved
• 1,038 plastic bottles not sent to the landfill
• 235 disposable cups not sent to the landfill
• 32 pounds of food waste composted
• 8 pounds of paper saved
• 65 light bulbs replaced
• 566 miles traveled by carpool
• 160 miles traveled by bus
• 130 miles traveled by foot
• 48 miles traveled by bike
• 406 meatless meals
• 193 organic meals
• 42 zero-waste meals
• 24 locally sourced meals
• 111 people helped
• 9,349 minutes spent outdoors
• 8,955 minutes not spent in front of a screen
• 5,205 minutes spent exercising
• 1,230 minutes of additional sleep
• 16 hours volunteered
• 1 neighbor met
• 2 conversations with friends

Go PCC Eco Panthers!

PCC Newberg Center Learning Garden Coordinator

Position Summary

PCC Newberg Center is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team in a temporary part-time capacity, and play a crucial role in the development of the Center’s new learning garden. Under direction of the Newberg Center Director, the Coordinator will play a leadership role in implementing the first two phases of the Learning Garden master plan, as well as develop networks with community partners and collaborate with college stakeholders to enhance the Learning Garden’s mission. The Learning Garden Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting and guiding volunteers during the development stages, and build connections with faculty and staff to integrate the garden into classroom activities, programs, and events at Newberg. The coordinator will also work with others to organize volunteer and service learning programs for the Learning Garden.

Essential Functions (to include, but not limited to)

• Lead implementation of the Learning Garden master plan in conjunction with college and community stakeholders.
• Complete day-to-day Learning Garden activities such as digging, planting, weeding, harvesting, etc.
• Arrange work with outside vendors as necessary.
• Coordinate deliveries, donations and purchases for the Learning Garden.
• Recruit and oversee volunteers and coordinate work parties.
• Design and create outreach materials to market and publicize Learning Garden events and initiatives.
• Maintain garden website and online presence.
• Work with faculty and staff to integrate the garden into classroom activities, programs, and events at Newberg.
• Maintain necessary paperwork and adhere to all college policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Hands-on experience growing food in medium-scale garden environment.
• Experience in project or program coordination.
• Strong organizational skills, both in the office and outside.
• Experience with social media, e.g. website and Facebook and basic computer skills.
• Ability to serve independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability and willingness to communicate in a positive, professional manner with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, staff, and college organizations.
• Ability to serve in all types of weather, ability to dig, kneel, and lift 50 pounds.
• A cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
• S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Background in sustainability, food systems, environmental studies or related field
• Experience developing a garden from inception
• Experience working at a garden in a school environment

Position Details

• The pay rate is $15/hr.
• This is a part-time, casual position with a maximum workload of 599 hours through June, 2017.
• Hours will vary and some evening/weekend work may be required.

To apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter briefly explaining your interest and qualifications for the position to Lynn Montoya Quinn at lmontoya@pcc.edu. Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration please apply by August 29, 2016.

Among the college’s many sustainability efforts, some of those highlighted with the award include:

• A strong commitment to sustainability and climate action as outlined in the school Mission, Climate Action Plan and Strategic Plan;
• Innovative waste management practices including on-site composting and mini trash cans;
• Commitment to LEED certification for all new construction;
• Best practices in energy management and efficiency upgrades resulting in over 60% energy savings;
• Efforts to educate and engage the college community through outreach including an annual Eco Challenge and events;
• Curriculum and hands-on educational opportunities like learning gardens, as well as a Sustainability Focus Award;
• Student leadership in sustainability efforts including The Green Initiative Fund; and
• Measuring and reducing scope III emissions through sustainable purchasing, alternative transportation and green cleaning.

Tony Ichsan, PCC’s Facilities Director, and Briar Schoon, the College’s Sustainability Manager, traveled to Nashville, Tenn., the week of July 11 to attend APPA’s annual conference and receive the award. The college’s achievements in sustainability will also be featured in the upcoming Facilities Manager magazine.

PCC Southeast Campus Learning Garden Coordinator (Temporary)

Position Summary

˿����Ƶ – Southeast Campus is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team in a temporary part-time capacity, and play a crucial role in the development of the Campus’s new learning garden. With direction from the Learning Garden Advisory Committee, the Learning Garden Coordinator will facilitate completion of Phase Two of the overall Learning Garden project and be responsible for promoting and guiding volunteers, faculty and staff in educational activities related to the garden.

The Learning Garden Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day development of the learning garden, including recruiting and supervising volunteers during work parties, coordinating efforts with the college community and working with vendors to complete Phase Two of the Master Plan. The Coordinator will also build connections with faculty and staff to integrate the garden into classroom activities, programs, and events at PCC Southeast and organize volunteer and service learning programs for the Learning Garden.

Essential Functions (to include, but not limited to)

• Lead implementation of the Learning Garden master plan in conjunction with college stakeholders.
• Complete day-to-day Learning Garden activities, including small construction projects, digging, planting, weeding, harvesting, etc.
• Arrange work with outside vendors as necessary.
• Coordinate deliveries, donations and purchases for the Learning Garden.
• Recruit volunteers and coordinate volunteer work parties.
• Design and create outreach materials to market and publicize Learning Garden events and initiatives.
• Work with faculty and staff to integrate the garden into classroom activities, programs, and events at PCC Southeast.
• Maintain necessary paperwork and adhere to all college policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Hands-on experience growing food in medium-scale garden environment.
• Experience in project or program coordination.
• Strong organizational skills, both in the office and outside.
• Experience with social media, e.g. website and Facebook and basic computer skills.
• Ability to serve independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability and willingness to communicate in a positive, professional manner with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, staff, and college organizations.
• Ability to serve in all types of weather, ability to dig, kneel, and lift 50 pounds.
• A cooperative manner and the ability to serve as part of a diverse team.
• 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Background in sustainability, food systems, environmental studies or related field.
• Experience developing a garden from inception.
• Experience working at a garden in a school environment.

Position Details

• The pay rate is $15/hr.
• This is a part-time, casual position with a maximum workload of 599 hours through June, 2017.
• Hours will vary and some evening/weekend work may be required.

To apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter briefly explaining your interest and qualifications for the position to Al McQuarters at alfred.mcquarters@pcc.edu. Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration please apply by August 22, 2016.

During the month of May, you can earn points every time you ride your bike and every time you recruit someone else to take part in the challenge. Compete against friends, family and colleagues to see who get the most points. Take the competition to the next level by having your department challenge another department, set up a challenge between students and faculty, or take part in a competition to see which PCC campus can log the most trips. In addition to getting exercise and having fun, you can win prizes and earn great discounts to local businesses.
Join the PCC team!

To participate, visit the Bike More Challenge website at . Make sure you join the ˿����Ƶ team as well as your campus team. Add your department or group and get challenging!