General Summary of Position:
Would you like to be part of a dynamic team of people committed to promoting healthier businesses and communities in Massachusetts and beyond? As a creative force behind our groundbreaking training program, the Training Associate will help transform business practices to prevent pollution and protect workers.
The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) of Massachusetts is an independent state agency with a mission to develop and facilitate the adoption of safer solutions to the use of toxic chemicals. TURI assists companies, environmental health and safety professionals, and communities in their toxics use reduction efforts through education and training, research, grants, laboratory services, information and technical support.
We’re looking for an energetic new member of our team who has a keen interest in the practical application of sustainability ideals in industry. This candidate will help TURI equip the next generation of experts with the skills and knowledge to help businesses adopt safer, healthier alternatives to toxics. They will facilitate Massachusetts company and community success through identification and dissemination of emerging technical information on sustainability and toxics use reduction. A key element of this individual’s responsibilities will be assistance with the promotion, enhancement and delivery of core TURI training events. They will be instrumental in advancing environmental justice in TUR activities and continuing TURI’s legacy as a leader in pollution prevention and occupational health. A passion for enhancing the knowledge of current and future leaders and decision-makers on adoption of safer chemicals, materials, processes, and practices is vital.
In collaboration with TURI’s Training Manager, the Training Associate will support and grow the impact of TURI by:
- Training professionals and students on techniques to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.
- Providing logistical and technical support in both development and delivery of online and in person training events, particularly the Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Planner certification course and TURI’s twice-annual TUR conferences.
- The successful applicant is expected to complete TURI’s Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Planner certification course if they have not already done so.
- Building relationships with our TUR planners, companies, and other learning audiences beyond Massachusetts to address inquiries, support learning and identify new opportunities to promote TUR.
- Gathering information to support learning and identifying new opportunities to promote TUR.
- Identifying new potential audiences and sharing information about TURI and our trainings to build interest.
- Identifying opportunities to support companies to meaningfully engage with environmental justice communities.
- Testing and implementing curricula, techniques and tools to create more engaging and impactful learning experiences across all online and in-person TURI education and training events.
- Evaluating new platforms and instructional technologies.
- Identifying relevant cutting-edge technical and scientific content.
- Identifying and engaging with subject matter experts, assisting with development of event agendas, developing educational materials, and evaluating the effectiveness of trainings provided.
- Assisting with general administrative support for other TURI programs as needed.
This position involves occasional local travel.
About TURI:
TURI’s small but diverse and dynamic team of scientists, policy experts, engineers, and other professionals collaborate with businesses and researchers to develop innovative solutions to protect people and the environment from harmful substances. TURI encourages staff to use their creativity, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit to solve one of the most pressing public health challenges of today.
TURI strives to provide a supportive and welcoming work environment that encourages open communication, professional growth, and interpersonal connection. We value empowerment, respect, collaboration, empathy, innovation, and trustworthiness. We offer staff the opportunity to develop a variety of skills while making a positive impact on the world.
TURI has existed since the Toxics Use Reduction Act of 1989 and is funded primarily by the Massachusetts state legislature through the annual state budget process. Applicants are advised that although TURI employees are treated as employees of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, salary funding is contingent upon ongoing legislative appropriations.
The University provides a robust package of benefits to TURI employees, including paid holiday, vacation, sick leave and personal leave time; medical, dental, vision, life, workers’ comp, and long-term disability insurance; retirement/pension plans; voluntary savings programs; flexible spending accounts; tuition discounts for employees and their families; purchasing discounts; and access to intellectual and recreational resources. UMass Lowell also offers a "Live in Lowell" program that provides a financial incentive to staff who move to Lowell from outside the city.
Learn more about TURI. Learn more about UMass Lowell.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, occupational or public health, chemistry, engineering or related technical field Candidates with education degrees with a minor/emphasis in related technical disciplines will also be considered
- Minimum three (3) years of related experience preferred; postgraduate education may be substituted for experience
- Demonstrated professional written and verbal communication skills
Additional Considerations:
- Experience training adult learners
- Experience working with industrial users of chemicals
- Experience in public speaking and facilitation
- Experience implementing online learning and collaboration tools, including meeting platforms, assessment surveys and email distribution
- Experience with sustainability or occupational health-related topics including toxics use reduction, alternatives assessment and pollution prevention
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P15.
Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.
