Sustainability Program Manager

~ The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)—created in 1969 by a Compact between the states of Nevada and California, then ratified by the U.S. Congress—protects and restores the environment of Lake Tahoe. ~

The Agency is the nation’s first and oldest Bi-State regional environmental authority. TRPA is a unique hybrid organization -- not purely federal, state, or local -- working in collaboration with private and public interests to protect and restore Lake Tahoe, its environment, and its communities for generations to come.

The Bi-State Agency is charged with regional planning, development and redevelopment oversight, and implementation of environmental protection and restoration programs for the Region. TRPA has both planning authority and the land use regulatory authority to implement and enforce regional-scale plans. Agency executives, managers, and employees lead programs that weave together science, policy, public and private financial investment, and collaborative partnerships as foundations critical to Lake Tahoe’s long-term preservation. Agency staff functions at the complex crossroad of environmental protection, land use planning, and real estate development in a highly sensitive environment.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Essential Functions of the Sustainability Program Manager position: 

TRPA and its partners in the bi-state Lake Tahoe Region have long been recognized as leaders in sustainability. A significant new environmental threat, one that many believe will affect sustainability of the entire planet, has emerged: climate change. The Lake Tahoe Basin is already experiencing the direct impacts of climate change. These include rapid change to the ecological composition of our natural environment, more severe and frequent hazard events, retreating snowpack, and socio-economic shifts (such as fluctuation of trends in visitation).

Climate change directly impacts the ability of TRPA and regional partners to achieve and maintain threshold standards and will cause major disruptions to the region’s economic, social, and ecological systems. Additionally, the Lake Tahoe Region is extremely vulnerable because the economy is intrinsically linked to the environment and weather patterns. As the regional planning entity, TRPA is taking the lead on sustainability and climate change strategies for the region, working closely with our regional partners.

The Sustainability Program Manager is responsible for implementing the Agency’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Initiative that is built on the success of the Lake Tahoe Region’s award winning Sustainability Action Plan and other state and local plans applicable within the Region, and for recommending and completing implementation priorities on an ongoing basis.

• The Strategic Initiative encompasses high priority climate mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency activities. These activities are carried out in coordination with regional partners (Federal and state agencies, local governments, community organizations, businesses, residents, visitors) and all TRPA Division and Program Managers.
• The Sustainability Program Manager is responsible for implementing the selected priorities through (1) overseeing further more focused development of the strategic initiative components and their implementation, (2) conducting and managing stakeholder and public engagement (3) providing technical assistance to partners, (4) securing funding, and (5) pursuing legislation.
• The Sustainability Program Manager actively participates in partner projects and studies in the areas of climate change adaptation including, but not limited to: water supply and demand, forest ecosystem management, natural hazard disaster mitigation, and economic prosperity. The Sustainability Program Manager performs research and analysis on emerging climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency strategies and practices in order to support partners as well as keep the Agency involved in cutting-edge sustainability efforts.
• In coordination with Agency Divisions and Programs the Sustainability Program Manager will represent the Region in national and multi-state (e.g., Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Mountain PACT, etc.), state (Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation, California Association of Councils of Government, Nevada Climate Initiative, etc.), and regional (Sierra Climate Adaptation Management Partnership, etc.) research, planning, funding, and legislative efforts.
• To be successful in the role of Sustainability Program Manager, candidates are expected to demonstrate the facilitative, collaborative leadership needed to build and maintain cooperation and consensus among diverse stakeholder groups who often have divergent and conflicting interests and opinions. The work of the Sustainability Program Manager thus requires knowledge of collaborative decision-making tools and techniques, as well as the ability to analyze complex and controversial issues for their political, legal, public, and regulatory context. The ideal candidate will be able to design effective methods and processes for brokering agreements in a manner that demonstrates fairness and transparency, invites participation, engenders trust, and shapes the future framework for decision-making and problem-solving.
  • FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
  • REPORTS TO: Long Range and Transportation Planning Division Manager
  • DIRECT REPORTS: None

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and direction for Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Initiative consistent with the overall Agency direction as well as the Sustainability Action Plan, TRPA Strategic and Regional Plans, and other applicable plans.
• Lead collaborative effort in partnership with state and local agencies to develop regional climate resiliency actions, prioritization, and implementation.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with partner agencies, local and state agencies, and other public and private organizations, including senior-level officials and high-level staff of other agencies.
• Leverage collaborative leadership skills in the planning, facilitation, and resolution of complex, multi-disciplinary environmental issues that intersect private, political, and public interests; and do so using deliberate, informed, and inclusive practices and processes, such that the Agency is consistently invited to participate and is seen as the trusted partner and facilitator for managing tough decisions and negotiations.
• Identify and secure additional financial resources/direct funding for delivery of the Program projects and services, and establish new methods for service delivery, including collaboration with existing and new partner organizations.
• Develop, manage and actively participate in the implementation of the Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Initiative, related projects, and TRPA Work Program priorities to ensure all work is completed on time and within budget.
• Exercise oversight and responsibility for approval of multiple complex projects and/or programs.
• Serve as ombudsman for adoption of zero emission vehicles and infrastructure through implementation of the Tahoe-Truckee PEV Readiness Plan.
• Lead project/program interns or volunteers.
• Complete and coordinate other TRPA staff efforts to collect, compile, display, and distribute data supportive of TRPA Sustainability Program needs in a manner that integrates technical and scientific data while facilitating transparency and understanding of results by all stakeholders.
• Make sound decisions in a timely manner and resolve difficult problems with effective solutions, exercising discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of Agency significance.
• Express self and convey knowledge effectively through informal and formal presentations, demonstrating awareness of audience, issues, and presentation styles and in a persuasive but open manner that invites constructive dialogue, gains cooperation, and builds consensus.
• Build the Agency’s internal competency and external reputation for excellence in sustainability collaboration by providing workshops/training on a variety of topics including greenhouse gas emissions reduction actions, climate adaptation, alternative transportation options, building energy efficiency, alternative renewable energy systems, energy conservation, and other implementation tools and techniques contained in the Sustainability Action Plan and global best practices.
• Keep abreast of sustainability trends, industry news, regulatory legislation changes, and emerging best practices. Communicate and integrate new developments into program work and advise management and stakeholders accordingly.
• Work on special projects or perform other duties, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Job Requirements, Education/Training & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Natural Resource Planning, Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree is desirable.
• Three years of professional experience leading climate change, sustainable communities projects or related programs or equivalent combination of graduate education and experience.
  Previous personnel and/or program management experience.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), Sustainability Management Certified Professional (SMCP), Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or similar certifications are desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Facility with situation assessment and issues analysis, including the ability to integrate technical information, scientific data, and human interaction dynamics for informed and successful decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex sustainability issues in simple and understandable lay person terms to garner credibility and support.
• Proven planning and organization skills.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively in a resource constrained environment.
• Ability to design and manage collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution processes.
• Proven track record of delivering successful results and outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and align direction and action with limited oversight or structure.
• Knowledge of research principles and methodologies.
• Experience designing and sustaining civic engagement and public participation processes in the management and resolution of complex environmental and other policy issues.

Core Competencies:

• Self-Development
• Critical Thinking and Continuous Improvement
• Collaborative Relationships and Teamwork
• Initiative and Results Focus
• Communication
• Agency Leadership

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Office environment
• Bending, Stooping
• Lifting up to 40 pounds
• Using office equipment, computer, telephone, etc.

COMPENSATION

• This is a Grade Level PL 3 position, with a Salary range of $64,699 - $97,049 / year;
• Agency benefits include Paid Time off (PTO);
• 12 paid holidays; and
• Paid base plan for employee only medical, dental, and vision insurance, Short Term Disability, and Basic Life and AD&D Insurance; immediate vesting in the retirement plan.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• This position is open until filled.
  Please visit our website at http://www.trpa.org/about-trpa/employment/ to read more about our Agency and to complete an employment application through our Career Center.
• Within the Career Center site, select the Job and click the "Apply for Job" link.
• Please attach a resume of your qualifications, and cover letter describing your interest in the position in one document when you are completing the application.
  • RECRUITMENT COMMUNICATION:
  • Human Resources may contact you at various stages of the recruitment process if you meet the qualifications for the position.
  • This contact will be via email only. Please make sure your email address is accurate.
  • We do not accept walk-in or hand delivered application materials nor applicant calls regarding open, pending, or closed positions.