Business Sustainability Specialist II

The City of Boulder is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just 35 miles northwest of Denver. Home of the University of Colorado's main campus and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder sits 5,430 feet above sea level and is surrounded by a greenbelt of city trails and open spaces. Boulder is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, natural product retailers and restaurants, outstanding transportation options, diverse businesses, and technological and academic resources.

Position Overview:

Under limited supervision, responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of programs to achieve the city's Climate Action Plan (CAP) and Zero Waste goals. Develop innovative programs to inspire businesses in the community to participate in energy conservation and waste reduction programs. Responsibilities combine technical analysis with broader planning tasks to develop a program scope from needs assessment to implementation, including development of metrics, inventories and compliance strategies.

Additional responsibilities include contract management, federal and state grant management; the preparation and presentation of relevant materials to advisory boards and City Council; and coordination with external agencies, private property owners, business and non-profit organizations and to initiate and manage community engagement and social mobilization for waste reduction and climate change solutions.

Responsibilities:

1. Program Implementation:

Works as a member of the LEAD business services team. Implements business energy efficiency, renewable energy and waste reduction programs delivered directly to City of Boulder businesses. This includes, but is not limited, to the following:

• Implements the city's CAP and Master Plan for Waste Reduction (MPWR), including policy and program evaluation and revision when necessary, leading the development and implementation of all components of the plan.
• Develops and encourages community business leaders to implement energy and waste reduction programs.
• Monitors the effectiveness of energy efficiency and waste reduction programs, including working with consultants and city staff to develop and maintain a geographic information system-based greenhouse gas inventory and waste reduction data tracking system, and to analyze social, economic and demographic data.
• Monitors state and federal legislation regarding energy and waste reduction issues. Modifies project plans to accommodate changes in legislation.
• Prepares and presents items before advisory boards and City Council as necessary.
• Develops and administers program budgets.
• Develops scopes of work for contractors, manages request for proposals processes maintaining equity and objectivity in contract awards and manages contractors.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to property owners and occupants.
• Coordinates the work of seasonal employees, volunteers and contractors.

2. Community Engagement and Collaboration:

Provides leadership and expertise to the community and support to city departments on highly visible energy and waste reduction issues. This includes, but is not limited, to the following:

• Develops partnerships and coordination with private property owners, for-profit businesses and non-profit agencies.
• Identifies existing business networks and meets with leaders to determine trigger points to incite energy and waste reduction actions.
• Works with other city departments, governmental bodies and community stakeholders to identify barriers to action. Convenes and facilitates meetings to strategize programmatic solutions to address these barriers.
• Provides communication and coordination among city departments.
• Serves as a city representative to industry groups, the chamber of commerce, Boulder convention and visitors' bureau and task forces and interagency working groups.
• Builds effective alliances with other local, state and federal agencies.

3. Community Outreach:

Directly oversees the activities and operations of the city's business outreach efforts. This includes, but is not limited, to the following:

• Develops, implements, and coordinates education and communications plans
• Manages marketing and branding efforts to support business programs.
• Identifies high-leverage business events and manages the city's presence at these events.

4. Other:

• Works collaboratively and effectively with internal and external customers.
• Attend division, department, team and city meetings.
• Participate in professional development trainings as outlined in annual performance review.
• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city and those it serves.
• Stays knowledgeable and up to date of trends in the field: remains aware of and is sensitive to community issues impacting the planning process.
• Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies and procedures; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.

Qualifications: 

Skills / Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Planning, Environmental Management or a related field, plus a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience including development and implementation of waste reduction or energy efficiency and renewable energy programs or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge and experience in environmental management, climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction and environmental sustainability principles. Demonstrated ability to implement programs to effectively meet objectives and manage complex projects.

Demonstrated experience in policy development and report writing. Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, develop and present recommendations and to prepare concise written reports, correspondence and recommendations. Experience managing public processes and ability to engage members of the public with diverse points of view.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public, advisory boards, consultants and employees at all levels of the organization. Effective public presentation, facilitation and mediation skills. Ability and willingness to attend evening and weekend meetings and events.

Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Valid Colorado driver's license. Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history, motor vehicle record and credit history.

Desired Qualifications:

In addition to the required minimum qualifications:

Master of Science degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Environmental Management or a related field. Experience or education in marketing. Prior work experience with local government. Strong negotiation and consensus-building skills. Prior supervisory experience or experience in managing contractors. Experience working with geographic information systems (GIS). Prior work experience or with regulatory compliance. Prior work experience managing budgets.

Compensation: $52,350 to $83,750/year Full time. Generally, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position End Date: December 31, 2011

To Apply:

Please apply here.

Important Notes: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Note: The above description is illustrative only. It is not meant to be all-inclusive.

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