Apply to be an Eco-Ambassador with The Office of Sustainability!

Title: Undergraduate Eco-Ambassador Fall 2025-Spring 2026

Job Description: UMBC’s Office of Sustainability (OOS) seeks to employ responsible and dependable undergraduate students in the UMBC Eco-Ambassadors program. The program cultivates environmental responsibility by training student leaders to promote sustainable practices at the university and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviors among peers. 

Eco-Ambassadors are responsible for building strong relationships with campus stakeholders and students to build community, and partnering to create impactful change and special events on campus. Eco-Ambassadors are resources and educators for daily lifestyle choices that are within the control of individual students, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, transportation, conservation, and food choices.

Eco-Ambassadors will report to the OOS and will, as a collaborative effort, conduct outreach campaigns each semester. All Eco-Ambassadors will implement these campaigns simultaneously across campus. Eco-Ambassadors serve in introductory student leadership roles and are vital members of the UMBC sustainability effort.

Eco-Ambassadors are expected to commit between 3 and 5 hours of work per week (on average), during the semester, and will be required to attend bi-weekly team meetings that will take place on Mondays during free hour (12-1 PM). Hours of commitment typically occur between 8 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Friday.

If selected, Eco-Ambassadors will be encouraged to choose a specific role to fill within the team. This will add specially assigned projects and campaigns based on your interests, above and beyond the shared group campaign. These roles include:

• Social Media Manager (2 Spots)

• The social media management team is responsible for creating regular content on the Eco-Ambassador Instagram (informational, promotional, event recaps), taking photos at events, and writing a monthly contribution to the OOS Newsletter. This role will help build communications and marketing skills.

• Green Retriever Group Coordinator (1-2 Spots)

• The GRG Coordinator is responsible for coordinating with sustainability related student organizations to invite to and collaborate with on events, encourage them to continue their sustainability efforts, and recruit new groups to certify with OOS. They will also help recruit and certify campus departments for the Green Office Certification. This role will help build networking and communication skills.

• Zero Waste Coordinator (1-2 Spots)

• The zero Waste coordinator will work with OOS to identify and coordinate a project or program focused on waste reduction on campus. They will propose a project or educational campaign to help influence and inform students of the importance of waste management and diversion, and how to use the different streams we have at UMBC. Represents sustainability issues at Student Dining Advisory Committee (3-5 meetings a year). This role will help build networking, communication, and program implementation skills.

• Campus Ecosystem Coordinator (1-2 Spots)

• The ecosystem coordinator will work with OOS and the Grounds/Landscaping team to coordinate and execute a project to improve sustainable land management practices on campus, and lead the planning efforts of our semesterly invasive species removal events. This role will help build field work, networking, and program planning skills

• Build Your Own Position

• See potential for collaboration in a niche not already defined? Work with our office to help develop a position catered to your interest within your role as an Eco-Ambassador.

Requirements:

1. Campaign Execution: Work with campus partners to tailor programming for each campaign. This includes creating, advertising, executing, and measuring each program with the guidance of your manager and help from your teammates

2. General Sustainability Support: Eco-Ambassadors are often called on to help support campuswide or department-specific sustainability initiatives. Eco-Ambassadors are expected to sign up for shifts to help as needed. This includes attending meetings, tabling for relevant events, and attending work-group meetings.

3.Peer-to-Peer Education: Eco-Ambassadors are expected to lead with examples of sustainable lifestyle choices in order to encourage environmentally responsible behaviors among peers

4. Relationship Building: Serve as the point of contact for your students and clubs interested in sustainability and act as a resource for your peers

5. Communications: Work with the Office of Sustainability to clearly communicate sustainability related activities on campus. Solicit feedback from our campus community and identify opportunities for improved sustainability efforts. Write assigned reflections (2 per semester). 

6. Active Participant: Attend all scheduled meetings and training sessions.

Qualifications:

1. A sophomore, junior, or senior who will be on campus for the duration of the academic year. Graduate student applications will not be considered.  

2. Ability to attend group meetings on Mondays during free hour (12-1 PM).

3. Commitment to sustainability and desire to improve sustainability/eco-friendly behaviors on campus.

4. Commitment to representing the University in a positive and productive manner.

5. Basic understanding of Climate Change. 

6. Interest in the relationship between sustainability and one, or more, of the following areas: Energy, Transportation, Research/Education, Environmental Justice, Ecosystem Services, Waste Reduction/Recycling, Environmental Policy.

7. Ability to cooperate and engage with others.

8. Demonstrates that they are reliable and responsible.

9. Ability to maintain academic performance (minimum GPA of 2.8 required). 

Compensation:

Stipend: $500.00 per semester ($1,000.00 per year)

Sound like a good fit for you? Apply using this link.