ISI is Seeking an Operations Associate

The ISI team is expanding. Read on for details about our new Operations Associate role.
Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

 

Summary:

The Operations Associate will possess a background in business operations, with exceptional organizational skills. The successful candidate will be meticulous, service-oriented, and comfortable in managing and maintaining a wide range of office management systems and procedures. Reporting to the Director of Membership, the Operations Associate will be a vital member of the ISI team, working with staff to fulfill key administrative functions in support of the organization’s operational needs and objectives. This is an ideal role for individuals with extensive experience in business operations and general administration, especially those who acquired their experience in a small-organization environment (virtual or hybrid setting).

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Operations Associate provides an extensive knowledge of office management systems and procedures. This dynamic role will provide exceptional administrative support in three primary areas:

Human Resources:

The successful candidate will execute business strategies for humanizing impersonal systems, provide support to employee engagement and development, and help manage ISI’s business compliance efforts. The Operations Associate will:

  • Perform administrative tasks to ensure business compliance standards are met to strengthen the organization and reduce liability risk.
  • Maintains records, documentation, and files that may be complex or confidential, such as employee files.
  • Assist with recruitment and onboarding support of new hires.
  • Assist with employment, financial, and benefit audits.
  • Organize and distribute information such as employee handbooks, benefit enrollment materials and updates, and retirement planning resources for staff consumption.
  • Liaise with external providers related to the above, including to request information or initiate support tickets, if needed.

ISI’s internal intranet website and software usage:

The upcoming internal website will provide a network for ISI staff.  The Intranet site will be useful for communications, collaboration, and information sharing.

  • Maintain postings and information on ISI’s upcoming internal website.
  • Organize the tracking and deployment of software such as Adobe, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Salesforce.
  • Liaise with external providers as needed, including to request information or initiate support tickets, if needed.

Administrative support for ISI operations:

Operations coordinates internal and external business engagement and manages all financial needs.

  • The Operations Associate will work one-on-one with ISI’s President to provide administrative support. This includes calendaring meetings, completing expense reports, and special projects.
  • Act as a liaison and provide support to the Board of Directors and the Envision Review Board. Arrange and handle all logistics for Board meetings and events: schedule meetings; draft agendas; develop, compile, and distribute presentation materials.
  • Serve as a backup support to ISI’s Senior Operations Associate with accounts receivables and payables.

Required Skills:

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Extensive knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, SharePoint and Adobe.
  • Ability to maintain confidential information.
  • Experience working with non-profit organizations and the A/E/C community is highly desirable.

Required Education and Experience:

  • A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or information technology is required.
  • Three years of consistent business operations or related experience.
  • Experience working with non-profit organizations and the A/E/C community is highly desirable.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Benefits: health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401k retirement plan with up to 5% match.
  • Vacation: Four (4) weeks; all federal holidays per the United States Office of Personnel Management; five (5) personal days per year
  • Salary: $50,000 – $55,000 Annually

Application process and deadline:

If you are interested in this opportunity, visit the post on Indeed to apply. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2024.

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The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws.

APWA Reporter Magazine Spotlights Envision

APWA Reporter Magazine’s March 2024 issue carried an article spotlighting Envision®, titled “Enhancing sustainability in the waste sector: A look at four Envision-rated projects.”

Among the projects highlighted in this article:

  • The Omaha RiverFront Revitalization (Envision Platinum, 2021)
  • 27th Avenue Compost Facility in Phoenix (Envision Silver, 2017)
  • Holland Energy Park in Holland, Michigan (Envision Platinum award, 2016)
  • Surrey Biofuel Facility in British Columbia (Envision Platinum, 2018)

Access the article here.

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION: Los Angeles River Way, San Fernando Valley Completion Project (Vanalden to Balboa)

A transformational bicycle path and greenway project along the L.A. River corridor has earned an Envision Gold award from ISI: the Los Angeles River Way, San Fernando Valley Completion (Vanalden to Balboa) Project.

Read the project profile to learn about this project’s sustainability achievements, including ones related to quality of life and mobility, responding to habitat fragmentation, preparing for long-term adaptability, and improving infrastructure integration.

The project was featured by Andrew Nickerson, Vice President and Principal at Psomas, in the session “Head of the Class: Three Trailblazing Sustainability Projects, on Day 2 of ISI’s Virtual Conference (November 8, 2023). This session will be available as a recording in your ISI member account.

Read the project profile.

Bear Creek Solar Project Obtains Envision Platinum

A 50-megawatt (MW) solar project in Richland County, Wisconsin, Bear Creek Solar will produce enough clean, low-cost energy to power approximately 13,000 homes. It is the second Alliant Energy project announced this year to receive an award, with the Wood County Solar Project earning Envision Platinum award in April.

The Bear Creek Solar Project is one of Alliant Energy’s 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin. In all, the company expects to add nearly 1,100 MW of solar generation in the state by mid-2024. It’s part of the company’s transition to a more diversified energy mix that includes adding more clean energy generation, as outlined in its Clean Energy Blueprint.

Soundbites:

“This Envision Platinum recognition from ISI supports our decision to transition to cleaner energy through projects like the Bear Creek Solar Project,” said Barbara Tormaschy, senior vice president of sustainability and regulatory strategy at Alliant Energy. “The sustainable development and construction of renewable projects allows us to create a healthier environment while providing the reliable energy our customers expect.

Read the full announcement here.

ENERGY PROJECT: Bear Creek Solar

A 50-megawatt (MW) solar project in Richland County, Wisconsin, Bear Creek Solar will produce enough clean, low-cost energy to power approximately 13,000 homes. It is the second Alliant Energy project announced this year to receive an award, with the Wood County Solar Project earning Envision Platinum award in April.

The Bear Creek Solar Project is one of Alliant Energy’s 12 utility-scale solar projects in Wisconsin. In all, the company expects to add nearly 1,100 MW of solar generation in the state by mid-2024. It’s part of the company’s transition to a more diversified energy mix that includes adding more clean energy generation, as outlined in its Clean Energy Blueprint.

Soundbites:

“This Envision Platinum recognition from ISI supports our decision to transition to cleaner energy through projects like the Bear Creek Solar Project,” said Barbara Tormaschy, senior vice president of sustainability and regulatory strategy at Alliant Energy. “The sustainable development and construction of renewable projects allows us to create a healthier environment while providing the reliable energy our customers expect.

Read the full announcement here.

PORTS INFRASTRUCTURE: Fairview Cove MCEF

The container ship ONE Magnificence at PSA Halifax Fairview Cove. Photo credit Steve Farmer.

Earning high levels of achievement across several Envision sustainability credit areas, this project will improve efficiency, safety and operations of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Port of Halifax.

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) had long identified the need to decrease port congestion and plan for future increases in container processing demand. But the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) project will go much further, delivering speedier turnaround times, enhanced port security, and significant environmental and community benefits.

SOUNDBITES

“Integrating sustainability into our core business practices is essential for future success,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “The completed Marine Container Examination Facility will improve overall operational efficiency while advancing our sustainability goals. It can serve as a framework for future projects on our path to becoming One Port City.”

“This project is a milestone for the Halifax Port Authority and a reflection of the dedication to sustainability, collaboration and moving beyond “Business as Usual” practices,” said Jill Roth, Project Lead ENV SP.

Kristi Wamstad, ISI Verification Director, said: “ISI congratulates the Halifax Port Authority and the project partners on the success of the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility project. It optimizes rapid and reliable container inspections and helps to achieve the Port’s net-zero emission goals.”

Read more about the Fairview Cove Marine Container Examination Facility (MCEF) project.

Sold Out: Our July Envision Verification Applicants Course!

The ISI Verification Team is back on July 13th and 14th with the third Applicants course of the year, and the course has been sold out! The next dates for this course are Oct 12 & 13, 2023.

Description:

In this course, ENV SPs planning to submit projects through ISI’s verification program, in hopes of earning an Envision award, will work with the tools and resources in place to support the development of effective Envision submittals and help navigate the verification process.

It’s much more than a sit-and-listen style training! Course participants will have the opportunity to discuss Envision concepts, such as determining applicability, developing pending credits, and establishing baselines. They’ll gain a better understanding of the verifier’s perspective, and engage with their peers to practice writing credit coversheets and compiling project documentation.

The ISI Verification Program staff leading this course offer valuable insights based on their direct involvement in the review of Envision projects.

In response to strong demand, this course is available on a quarterly basis; view other course dates here. Space is limited to intentionally keep class sizes small and interactive.

With the Envision Verification Applicants Course, attendees have an opportunity to:

✔️ Learn tips for effectively applying the Envision framework on their project(s),

✔️ Set their team up to develop successful Envision applications,

✔️ Reduce uncertainty and provide clarity regarding Envision guidance,

✔️ Gain a deeper understanding of the third-party Envision verification process.

This course will be virtually delivered via Zoom; a link will be distributed to all registrants in the weeks leading up to the live event.

To learn more and to register for the April course, visit this page. Contact ISI Verification Specialist, Kailey Eldredge, with any questions.

WASTE PROJECT: BioPiattaforma di Sesto San Giovanni

An innovative waste-to-energy plant in the Milan-area municipality of Sesto San Giovanni is the latest project to be awarded Envision Platinum in Italy, through ISI’s Italian partner ICMQ. With two production lines that combine waste treatment and water purification, the BioPiattaforma plant establishes a more sustainable, environmentally friendly process based on circular economy principles and the goal of regional self-sufficiency in waste management.

Read the project profile.

ROADS & HIGHWAYS PROJECT: Caltrans U.S. 101 Project

The Caltrans U.S. 101 Project has become the first Envision-rated project to successfully complete the post-construction review stage of Envision verification. Retaining its Envision Silver Level awarded in 2021, the Caltrans U.S. 101 Project creates 22 miles of express lanes from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to I-380 in South San Francisco. The project improves traffic conditions and travel times for motorists along the major commute route between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, advances air quality and quality of life goals and delivers a sustainable and efficient transportation network.

Post-construction review is the final Envision verification stage to confirm that commitments (i.e., pending credits) submitted during design were carried out successfully through construction to maintain the Envision Award.

QUOTES:

“Caltrans is committed to the four P’s – People, Programs & Projects, Partnerships, and Planet. We are proud to promote a sustainable method to construct 22 miles of express lanes in each direction on Highway 101 to reduce traffic congestion and encourage carpooling. We have also implemented a first-of-its-kind equity program which will serve historically underserved communities in San Mateo County,”

— Mohammad Suleiman, Caltrans Project Manager

“Retaining Envision Silver through this last stage of the third-party Envision verification process is truly an achievement that the project owner and project team should be proud of, as it affirms that commitments made during the initial design review were carried forward during the construction phase. With this milestone, it is worth celebrating the many sustainability achievements that have been demonstrated on this project.”
— Melissa Peneycad, ISI Managing Director

Read the full project profile.

ISI welcomes Feniosky Peña-Mora to its Board of Directors

Washington D.C., 21 March 2023 — ISI is very pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Feniosky Peña-Mora of Columbia University to its Board of Directors. Professor Peña-Mora fills the member-at-large seat previously vacated by Martin (“Marty”) Janowitz, who completed his term in 2022.

“We are indebted to Marty for his contributions to the board and the tremendous support he has provided to the development of the Envision® sustainability framework over many years,” said Anthony Kane, ISI’s President & CEO. As communities and public agencies look to solutions like Envision to achieve sustainability, equity, and resiliency in the built environment, ISI is fortunate once again to be able to attract another infrastructure professional of outstanding calibre to join its board: Feniosky Peña-Mora, the Edwin Howard Armstrong Professor of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at Columbia University.

“Professor Peña-Mora has made exceptional contributions to infrastructure sustainability through his research, teaching, academic leadership, and practice, and in particular as the former commissioner of New York City’s Department of Design and Construction — the country’s largest municipal public works department,” Kane highlighted. “The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure is privileged to be able to benefit from Dr. Peña-Mora’s wealth of expertise and significant prior board experience in shaping strategic direction at ISI.”

Feniosky Peña-Mora, ScD., PE(DR), NAS(DR), CCM(UK), F.CIOB(UK), NAC, Dist.M.ASCE, along with being the Edwin Howard Armstrong Professor, is a Professor of Earth and Environmental Engineering and of Computer Science at Columbia. He is the Executive Director of Columbia’s Center for Buildings, Infrastructure and Public Space, which identifies how best to design, construct, and manage buildings, infrastructure, and civic space, emphasizing functionality, sustainability, and resilience.

From 2014 to 2017, he was Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). In response to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, DDC managed the creation and expansion of resilient and sustainable infrastructure projects to protect New York City against extreme weather emergencies and reduce green gas emissions. As part of the New York City Build-it-Back Program, he led the Program Management efforts to procure and manage three Construction Management-Design-Build contracts responsible for raising, rebuilding, and flood-protecting over 1000 homes in the three hardest-hit NYC Boroughs. Among the most significant projects of Peña-Mora’s tenure at DDC were the new $740 million Police Academy, the new $640 million 911 Site, and the Times Square reconstruction.

Prior to his public service leave at DDC, he was dean of the school of engineering and applied sciences of Columbia and an endowed professor. Previously, he held endowed professorships at MIT, where he had earned his MS and PhD in civil engineering, and at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he also served as Associate Provost. Peña-Mora is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the FIATECH Engineering & Technology Innovation Award, as well as numerous awards from ASCE.

Professor Peña-Mora is a member of the Boards of New York City Health and Hospitals, the ACE Mentor Program of Greater NY, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). At ASCE, he chairs the Industry Leaders Council (ILC) and the Board Strategy Advisory Committee (BSAC), which is currently updating ASCE’s strategic plan.

At ISI, Prof. Peña-Mora will serve alongside Board Chair Michael Murcha (Madison Metropolitan Sewage District) and Board Members Erin Cooke (San Francisco International Airport), Lauren Evans (Pinyon Environmental), Sergio Pecori (Hanson Professional Services Inc.), Mark Pestrella (Los Angeles County Public Works), and Renee Ring (Environmental Financial Consulting Group).