Careers

Senior Energy and Sustainability Engineer

The University of Virginia Office for Sustainability is looking for a Senior Energy and Sustainability Engineer.

This position is a core member of the University of Virginia's Office for Sustainability team and will contribute to developing solutions to meet University-wide goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and overall environmental stewardship. Reporting to the Sustainability Engineering Manager, this position focuses on supporting innovative projects that incorporate best practices in sustainability and conservation in the use of energy, water, raw materials, and other resources through technical analyses, retro-commissioning, energy audits, and construction management.


This role is a unique opportunity to make a direct and measurable impact to help achieve UVA’s sustainability goals, including being carbon neutral by 2030 and fossil fuel-free by 2050.  The Office for Sustainability’s award-winning Building Efficiency Program has undertaken projects in more than 75 buildings over the past ten years, avoiding energy costs of $3.7 million in the past year alone.


Sustainability at the University is interdisciplinary, multi-faceted and highly collaborative, encompassing academics, research, and operations and a range of topics, including greenhouse gases, energy, water, waste, food, and civic engagement.


We support workplace flexibility when appropriate, but 100% remote work is not possible. The department will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.

Compensation:

The Anticipated Hiring Range for this position is $110,000 - $118,000; based on education and experience. This is a full-time position with UVA benefits. Employee benefits package highlights include:

  • 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave
  • Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
  • Tuition and professional development benefits
  • Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

For the full job description and application details check the UVA job R0085484.

Applications will start being reviewed on August 31. Position open until filled.

 

Food Waste Reduction Coordinator 

The University of Virginia is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and highly organized Food Waste Reduction Coordinator for a three-year term, grant-funded position. This full-time position is a unique opportunity to make a direct impact, helping UVA work toward an aspiration of sending zero food to landfills through food waste prevention, food rescue, and composting. 

Over three years, the Food Waste Reduction Coordinator will be responsible for implementing a portfolio of food waste initiatives specifically outlined and funded by UVA’s 2026 Food Recovery grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). In addition to implementation, this role will help track and report expenses, progress, and measurable food waste reduction to the DEQ. This position is ideal for an individual passionate about both sustainability and community engagement, who enjoys hands-on project management, developing partnerships with campus stakeholders, and the opportunity to shape an emerging program. 

See the job description and application on UVA Workday. Applications will start being reviewed on July 21. Position open until filled.

 

Sustainable Labs Student Employee

UVA’s Sustainable Labs Program is recruiting an exceptional undergraduate student employee to assist with the advancement of special projects focused on reducing the environmental footprint of research labs across Grounds. Research labs are enormously energy- and resource-intensive spaces; engaging them is a critical strategy for implementing high-impact sustainability solutions.

The Sustainable Labs Student Employee (SLSE) will work in the Office for Sustainability, reporting to the Sustainable Labs Program Manager, and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders both within the office and across Grounds, including UVA researchers.

This position will begin in Fall 2026 and requires 5–10 hours per week, paid at $15 per hour. Work will be hybrid, with attendance at some in-person events required. The student employee must also be available to attend at least one in-person weekly meeting during regular business hours in Skipwith Hall. Applications are due by August 2.  

Position Responsibilities

The SLSE will support outreach and events for Green Labs, actively engaging researchers to help reduce laboratories’ energy use, water consumption, and waste generation. The SLSE can expect to participate in key initiatives, including:

  • Green Labs Certification
  • International Freezer Challenge
  • Shut the Sash Competition
  • Green Labs Resource Fairs
  • Other outreach events (e.g., Green Labs Resource Fairs, JunkLabz Drop Off Events)

The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting laboratories’ sustainability journeys and collaborating with team members and other UVA stakeholders to drive meaningful progress.  

Additional Opportunities

The SLSE will also have the opportunity to contribute to data management projects and research special topics related to laboratory sustainability. The ideal candidate will be driven and curious, eager to learn how to leverage various platforms, tools, and processes to support institutional goals. This position requires a creative mindset and enthusiasm for sustainability work.

Participants will gain professional experience and skills in:

  • Communication and Outreach
  • Digital Marketing
  • Project management
  • Event planning
  • Data analysis and tracking
  • Experience and Education

Candidates from all disciplines are welcome to apply for this position. This position requires strong time-management, communication, and collaboration skills. Ideal candidates will have some familiarity with the laboratory environment and be passionate about sustainability in that context.  

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing their interest in the position and explaining how their skills and experiences make them a good fit for the Sustainable Labs Program. You are welcome to include any references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are due by August 2. Handshake link.

Job Title: Sustainable Labs Student Employee (SLSE)  (R0084405)
Department: Office for Sustainability 
Pay Rate: $15/hour 
Hours: 5–10 hours/week 
Start Date: Fall 2026 
Work Modality: Hybrid

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.