Climate Action and Sustainability Coordinator

~ Just south of Portland on the east side of the Willamette River, the former mill town of Milwaukie once rivaled Portland's shipping business in the 19th century.  The population was 20,291 at the 2010 census. ~

Climate change is an undesired yet real challenge facing our planet. We’re already witnessing more extreme weather and climate events in our region. Together, we can identify strategies that will help preserve what we love for current and future generations.

The community identified the Climate Action Plan as a priority in the recently completed visioning process. Taking on this challenge allows us to create a stronger local economy, take care of those that might be struggling and create a place that is more comfortable to live in. Furthermore, our actions can make an impact on a larger scale. When you and your family make changes, we all benefit.

Position Overview

The City is seeking applicants for a Climate Action and Sustainability Coordinator. This position will help to make a positive impact on the City's sustainability goals.

The position oversees the City's Climate Action Plan and sustainability program and facilitates inter-departmental collaboration to support City climate action and sustainability goals and efforts. This position works under the general supervision of the Public Works Director. Program components may include: climate mitigation and adaptation, accounting and reporting of greenhouse gases, natural resource management and conservation (energy, water, and land), reducing household consumption, transportation choices and the built environment. The position may work with department directors, division and other staff. Work is performed highly independently with little direction, but works to implement the goals and programs outlined in the City Climate Action Plan. 

Responsibilities 

• Plans, develops, implements, coordinates and monitors the City's Climate Action Plan.  Information on the City's Climate Action Plan can be found here.
• Track and measure progress and coordinate future updates to the plan.
• Develops and coordinates sustainability recommendations and plans for City facilities, programs, policies, and projects, including facilitation of intra-departmental and inter-departmental coordination to support City climate action and sustainability goals and policies. 
• Utilizes citizen resources and regional partners to achieve climate action goals.
• Manages complex professional and technical projects in the areas of climate action and energy uncertainty, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, energy conservation and renewable energy, climate adaptation and resiliency, waste reduction and recycling, alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, and transportation options; sustainability education and outreach; and policy development.
• Participates in City-wide strategic planning for environmental enhancement, natural resource conservation and sustainable development; develops, and coordinates methods to enhance efficiency efforts in City facilities and fleet services by reducing energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels. 
• Develop and implement outreach and communication strategies to engage staff, businesses and residents related to climate, energy and sustainability, including printed materials, presentations, website and other creative communications, conducts surveys and analyzes data; and leads public meetings.
• Serves as the Staff Liaison to internal and external groups and organizations engaged in issues related to climate change and sustainability to include facilitating meetings.
• Supports development of climate action and sustainability policies for City program areas to achieve goals developed through the City Climate Action Plan.
• Provides research and policy support for integrating climate action mitigation and adaptation into existing City program areas, such as CIP planning, low-impact development and green building, land use and transportation planning, procurement, toxics reduction, and economic development.
• Participates in meetings, conferences and other professional forums to keep abreast of regional/national planning and sustainable trends and emerging strategies for metropolitan communities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Note: Tasks listed are intended to be descriptive and not restrictive. An employee in this classification may perform any of the tasks listed; however, these examples do not include all the tasks which an employee may be expected to perform.

Qualifications

Knowledge of: 

• Technical policy and sustainability best practices in areas including: green purchasing, energy efficiency and conservation, materials management, natural resource management, green building, low impact development, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, climate change and renewable energy.
• Social marketing, community outreach and project management. 

Skills and Abilities to: 

• Draft, negotiate and oversee contracts for special projects and studies.
• Work with contractors to enter into agreements on behalf of the City and monitor progress.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; including making presentations to a variety of audiences throughout the community.
• Facilitate public input processes and public meetings.
• Analyze, and interpret complex data and understand and synthesize legal and technical language to develop logical recommendations.
• Coordinate, negotiate and resolve conflicting points of view to obtain successful outcomes.
• Effectively provide liaison and coordination between the City and other agencies.
• Research issues, draft and present recommendations to department heads, City Manager, Council, citizen advisory boards and other government agencies.
• Write complex technical reports and grant applications within prescribed timeframes.
• Present scientific and/or complex data in creative ways.  

Required Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in environmental science, environmental studies, natural resource management, renewable energy, urban or regional planning or other closely related field.  Master's degree preferred. 
• At least three (3) years of experience in climate action planning or sustainability, with an emphasis on public outreach.  

Note: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position. Prior work experience and educational requirements listed are typical ways of obtaining the required qualifications. Other equivalent combinations of education, training and experience will be considered.

Licensing/Special Requirements: 

• Some positions in this classification may be required to possess a valid driver's license and ability to meet the City's driving standards.
• Must be able to pass City's background check.

Compensation