Island Green Living Plans Sustainable Living Center; Seeks to Fill Two Important Positions

The Island Green Living Association (Island Green) has embarked on an ambitious plan to create a Sustainable Living Center on St. John, a facility unmatched in the Caribbean. Slated to begin construction to rigorous green standards in late 2018 on land just northeast of Cruz Bay, it will be a place where green innovation will be developed and shared with the community.

Island Green believes that if St. John focuses on making sustainability a way of life, from the way the island gets its energy and handles waste to how people consume goods, build, farm and conduct business, economic sustainability will be enhanced while protecting the beautiful island. This model can then be replicated on other islands

In order to provide direction and assistance with this project, Island Green is seeking to fill two positions locally on St. John:

The operations manager will work with the board vice president (a green architect) to supervise renovation/construction of the Sustainable Living Center, coordinating as necessary with contractors, sub-contractors, and other construction personnel. The individual will also manage the operation of the center once open. It is a very hands-on, multi-faceted position that requires a self-starter with excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills who is willing to do everything from operating machinery and overseeing the thrift shop and other areas to coordinating volunteers and working with the public.

The executive coordinator will work with the board president and other board members to carry out program development and coordination, fundraising efforts, community outreach, membership development, government/public works liaison and general administrative duties. The executive coordinator will also be responsible for updating and maintaining the organization’s website and social media. This position requires someone who is self-motivated, very organized and a quick learner.

The new Sustainable Living Center will provide a revitalized ReSource Depot and thrift shop, allowing used building materials and other items to be reused/repurposed rather than discarded. It will also provide an expanded recycling/upcycling center for aluminum, glass, plastics, used cooking oil from restaurants and eventually paper and cardboard; community center and library; composting center and demonstration area; learning center for green job training; electric vehicle charging station for electric cars; and a Visitor’s Center. The facility will be run by solar energy, with excess going back to the grid for public use.

Island Green asks qualified candidates who are passionate about preserving the islands and promoting green living to provide a cover note and resume to President Harith Wickrema at harith@islandgreenliving.org. Applicants should specify the job they are applying for in the subject line.

Established in 2004, Island Green Living Association is a registered 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization on St. John dedicated to sustainability throughout the USVI. (www.islandgreenliving.org).