Sustainability Project Associate 

• Type: Part-time, temporary 
• Hours: ~10 hours/week
• Duration: March–December 2026 (with option to extend)
• Compensation: $20–$30/hour, depending on experience
• Location: Hybrid or fully remote (preference for candidates able to occasionally work from our Boulder, CO office)
• Reports to: Director of Sustainability & Innovation
• Travel: None

About the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC)

The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) accelerates environmental and social sustainability in the pet industry through education, tools, project support, and collaboration. We work closely with brands, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers to help them identify sustainability opportunities that drive growth and business resilience.

PSC’s programs and awards are highly regarded across the pet industry and span areas such as sustainable packaging, sustainable ingredient sourcing, ESG strategy, and impact reporting. We believe sustainability should be practical, credible, and good for business.

Position Overview

PSC is seeking a part-time Sustainability Project Associate to support our research-driven and client-facing sustainability projects. This is a temporary, hourly role ideal for people who are interested in growing their career in sustainability, business impact, and applied research (such as undergraduate students, graduate students, recent graduates, or early career looking for flexibility).

This role is highly project-based and suited for someone who is self-directed, organized, and comfortable working independently while collaborating with a small, mission-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

This role will support a series of short- and medium-term projects, including but not limited to:

• Project Execution (≈70%)
  • Support Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory projects
  • Conduct competitive landscape reviews related to sustainability practices in the pet industry
  • Assist with materiality surveys and stakeholder interviews
  • Research and draft issue briefs on sustainability topics relevant to PSC members
  • Support sustainability positioning, goal setting, and impact reporting projects for member companies
  • Other project and initiative support as assigned 
• Research Support (≈10–15%)
  • Conduct desk research on sustainability trends, standards, and best practices
  • Synthesize research into clear, actionable insights and deliverables
• Administrative & Team Support (≈10–15%)
  • Track project timelines and deliverables
  • Support documentation and internal coordination as needed

Qualifications

Don’t meet every requirement? No problem. Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they do, so we encourage you to apply anyway.

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in sustainability 
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in and experience with corporate sustainability, ESG, and helping for-profit companies improve their environmental and social impact
• Interest in (or exposure to) the pet industry is a plus, but not required
• Experience or coursework related to any of the following is a plus:
  • Greenhouse gas accounting
  • Sustainability reporting or impact measurement
  • Market or competitive research
  • Life cycle assessment or carbon footprinting
  • ESG strategy or goal setting
  • Materiality Assessments 
  • Third-party sustainability certifications (for example B-Corp)

Employment Details

This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt hourly position expected to run from March through December 2026, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs and performance. The role is expected to average approximately 10 hours per week, with flexibility to support higher-volume periods as needed.

To support collaboration, at least 50% of weekly working hours should occur during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. MT).

The position includes a 30-day introductory period to ensure mutual fit.

Employment perks include a flexible schedule, a fully remote work option (with a preference for candidates who can occasionally work from PSC’s Boulder, CO office), and access to pet and outdoor industry discounts.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply at petsustainability.org/careers. We will be accepting applications through Friday, March 6th, and on a rolling basis after that.

In lieu of a cover letter, please respond to each of the following questions. Please limit responses to 100 words each. Applications without responses and LinkedIn Easy Apply applications will not be considered.

1. What inspires you about PSC’s mission and work in the pet industry?
2. Share an example of a time you conducted research and delivered a clear, actionable output to a specific audience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?
3. What does “sustainability that drives business value” mean to you?

PSC Careers

PSC believes the diversity of skills, backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences employees bring to their work will be a critical factor in our success. PSC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All applicants and employees are evaluated on the basis of personal skill and merit. 

PSC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, condition of pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, breastfeeding status, medical conditions related to breastfeeding, marital status, disability, veteran status, and sexual orientation. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and participation in social and recreational programs.