Undergraduate Communications Specialist - JCIL
Inside Higher Ed, Athens, GA, United States
Posting Number:
G/R32456P
Working Title:
Undergraduate Communications Specialist - JCIL
Department:
ENGR-Env Civil Agr & Mech
About the University of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department:
The College of Engineering at the University of Georgia is one of the fastest growing programs at UGA and one of the fastest growing public colleges of engineering in the nation. Since our founding in 2012, enrollment in the College of Engineering has grown to over 2,400 students. Students and faculty alike are attracted to our setting in a comprehensive, land‑grant, research institution that’s consistently ranked among the 20 best public universities in the nation. Our rapidly expanding engineering program focuses on opportunities for learning, discovery and innovation at the confluence of disciplines.
College/Unit/Department website:
https://engineering.uga.edu/schools/ecam/
Employment Type:
Employee
Advertised Salary:
25.00
Anticipated Start Date:
04/01/2026
Posting Date:
03/13/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, candidates will need to upload a current CV/resume to submit along with their application in the Applicant Documents section of this posting. Dr. Jambeck (the supervisor) would also like candidates to have professional references available upon request.
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EOO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Develop and draft content for newsletters, website updates, and social media platforms Translate technical research and data outputs into clear, audience‑friendly messaging Support promotion of lab initiatives, events, reports, and community partnerships Assist with storytelling efforts that highlight local leaders and community data champions Contribute to visual communications (graphics, infographics, or short‑form video) Help maintain consistent messaging aligned with circular economy principles Support knowledge‑sharing efforts across communities, government, and business stakeholders Track engagement metrics and suggest improvements for outreach strategies
Percentage of time:
100
Classification Title:
Student Assistant
FLSA:
Non‑Exempt
FTE:
.25
Position Summary:
The path to solving global plastic pollution starts locally. At the Jambeck Circularity Informatics Lab (JCIL), we believe communities deserve a role in redesigning the systems that create waste. We partner with cities, nonprofits, and local leaders to reimagine take‑make‑waste economies into circular ones — powered by collaborative science and open‑access data. Our tools, technology, and training catalyze circular solutions from the ground up. The JCIL at the College of Engineering is in search of an Undergraduate Communications Specialist to support strategic communication efforts that amplify the Lab’s research, community partnerships, and data‑driven tools. This role is ideal for a student interested in sustainability, environmental policy, circular economy, science communication, or community engagement. The incumbent will help translate technical research and data insights into accessible, compelling content for diverse audiences including local decision makers, community leaders, businesses, and academic partners. They will also help promote our community science initiative, Debris Tracker. Debris Tracker is a free, open data mobile app that has been used to log nearly 10 million debris items around the world, helping scientists understand global trends around plastic pollution.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:
Current undergraduate student majoring in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Policy, or related field Interest in sustainability, circular economy, community development, or environmental policy Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools preferred Experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :
Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Physical Demands:
Typical classroom/lab environment.
Is this a Position of Trust?:
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
No
Does this position require a P-Card?:
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?:
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):
No
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Dr. Jenna Jambeck
Recruitment Contact Email:
jjambeck@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
N/A
#J-18808-Ljbffr
G/R32456P
Working Title:
Undergraduate Communications Specialist - JCIL
Department:
ENGR-Env Civil Agr & Mech
About the University of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department:
The College of Engineering at the University of Georgia is one of the fastest growing programs at UGA and one of the fastest growing public colleges of engineering in the nation. Since our founding in 2012, enrollment in the College of Engineering has grown to over 2,400 students. Students and faculty alike are attracted to our setting in a comprehensive, land‑grant, research institution that’s consistently ranked among the 20 best public universities in the nation. Our rapidly expanding engineering program focuses on opportunities for learning, discovery and innovation at the confluence of disciplines.
College/Unit/Department website:
https://engineering.uga.edu/schools/ecam/
Employment Type:
Employee
Advertised Salary:
25.00
Anticipated Start Date:
04/01/2026
Posting Date:
03/13/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, candidates will need to upload a current CV/resume to submit along with their application in the Applicant Documents section of this posting. Dr. Jambeck (the supervisor) would also like candidates to have professional references available upon request.
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EOO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Develop and draft content for newsletters, website updates, and social media platforms Translate technical research and data outputs into clear, audience‑friendly messaging Support promotion of lab initiatives, events, reports, and community partnerships Assist with storytelling efforts that highlight local leaders and community data champions Contribute to visual communications (graphics, infographics, or short‑form video) Help maintain consistent messaging aligned with circular economy principles Support knowledge‑sharing efforts across communities, government, and business stakeholders Track engagement metrics and suggest improvements for outreach strategies
Percentage of time:
100
Classification Title:
Student Assistant
FLSA:
Non‑Exempt
FTE:
.25
Position Summary:
The path to solving global plastic pollution starts locally. At the Jambeck Circularity Informatics Lab (JCIL), we believe communities deserve a role in redesigning the systems that create waste. We partner with cities, nonprofits, and local leaders to reimagine take‑make‑waste economies into circular ones — powered by collaborative science and open‑access data. Our tools, technology, and training catalyze circular solutions from the ground up. The JCIL at the College of Engineering is in search of an Undergraduate Communications Specialist to support strategic communication efforts that amplify the Lab’s research, community partnerships, and data‑driven tools. This role is ideal for a student interested in sustainability, environmental policy, circular economy, science communication, or community engagement. The incumbent will help translate technical research and data insights into accessible, compelling content for diverse audiences including local decision makers, community leaders, businesses, and academic partners. They will also help promote our community science initiative, Debris Tracker. Debris Tracker is a free, open data mobile app that has been used to log nearly 10 million debris items around the world, helping scientists understand global trends around plastic pollution.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:
Current undergraduate student majoring in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Environmental Studies, Journalism, Policy, or related field Interest in sustainability, circular economy, community development, or environmental policy Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools preferred Experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :
Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Physical Demands:
Typical classroom/lab environment.
Is this a Position of Trust?:
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
No
Does this position require a P-Card?:
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?:
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):
No
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Dr. Jenna Jambeck
Recruitment Contact Email:
jjambeck@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
N/A
#J-18808-Ljbffr