Climate Action Specialist

Are you passionate about sustainability and environmental issues, being part of a team of enthusiastic and creative professionals, and being part of the changing ways in which local governments can develop and implement programs to address sustainability and environmental issues and serve the San Mateo County community?

The San Mateo County Office of Sustainability (OOS) has four working groups:

• Waste Reduction;
• Energy and Water;
• Livable Communities; and
• Climate Change.

Note: Click here to learn more about each of the OOS workgroups. 

Overview of Position

The County of San Mateo's Office of Sustainability seeks well qualified applicants for one full-time Climate Action Specialist position for the Climate Change and Adaptation Program, who can empower our employees and our community members to embrace sustainability more fully, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for climate change impacts, and use natural resources more efficiently. We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workplace. 

The Climate Change and Adaptation Program aims to address climate change through adaptation and mitigation efforts, and works in partnership with County departments, cities, community groups, businesses and others. The program incorporates a focus on race and social justice into programs and projects.

Responsibilities

• As part of our team, the Climate Action Specialist is responsible for coordination and implementation of the County's Government Operations Climate Action Plan, which includes spearheading and coordinating projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at County facilities.
• This position is also responsible for efforts to ensure County facilities are prepared for climate change impacts and will lead the County's Sustainable Purchasing Initiative and other climate change initiatives.
• The Climate Action Specialist will effectively engage community members in sustainability efforts and initiatives, build partnerships and collaborate with County and city officials, government staff, and community stakeholders to achieve measurable progress toward the County's climate and sustainability goals.
• The candidate will ensure programs and projects are equitable and accessible to all community members.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have: 

• A strong interest in sustainability, climate change, and environmental issues. 
• Experience in the field and a college degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred. 
• A strong interest and experience in integrating race, equity, and social and environmental justice into programs and projects. 
• Experience completing greenhouse gas emissions inventories, developing Climate Action Plans, and tracking progress on plans is preferred. 
• Experience preparing written materials such as narratives, project summaries, or Board reports, technical charts, presentations, and public outreach materials. 
• Experience delivering targeted presentations to a wide variety of audiences and stakeholders.  
• Experience working to coordinate projects across multiple departments or organizations.
• Experience organizing community events and educational programs, or facilitating or managing public processes or projects with an active, highly engaged community.
• Strong interpersonal skills – a natural marketer and team player that easily connects with people and can act as a liaison with local and state agencies, as well as the public. 
• Clear communication skills – both verbally and in writing. 
• Strong analytical skills – experienced in conducting research and analyzing data. 
• Independence – can "hit the ground running" and work with minimal supervision, while also being a team player. 
• Flexibility – able to change course quickly and effectively.
• A desire to learn more about a career in local government.  

Note: A typical way to qualify is three years of program coordination experience in the field of sustainability and/or resource conservation, with some specialization in climate change or sustainability initiatives. 

Compensation

• $39.27 - $53.01 / Hour is the range of hourly wage for this position.  
• A competitive benefits package is associated with these position. For complete information regarding benefits please click here.

To Apply

• To learn more about the position and to apply online, please click "Apply on Company Website" below.
• Applications are only accepted online.

EOE