Climate Action & Sustainability Specialist

City of Palm Springs•Palm Springs, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is a member of The Sustainability Department and performs research and prepares studies, conducts surveys, compiles and analyzes data, and formulates program policies and procedures; performs outreach and education on sustainability topics; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and outcome. Assists Director, Office of Sustainability, in preparing staff reports and presenting information to City Council and Commissions. Coordinates with other departments to facilitate program implementation. Supports environmental and sustainability program audit and enforcement efforts by conducting field audits, actively investigates violations, and works with code enforcement to issue citations.

Requirements

Three (3) years of work experience in environmental planning, sustainability, resources conservation, waste reduction, recycling, or public administration which included independent work experience in research, analysis, report writing, and evaluation is required.
Three (3) years of work experience working with or for a local government is required.
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, Energy Management, Public/Business Administration or a related field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record is required.
Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program.
Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, fingerprints and a physical and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Certification in relevant professional organizations or programs such as US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is preferred.
Education may be substituted on a year for year basis with related job experience, experience is in addition to any other required experience.

Responsibilities

Work with other departments to review the environmental features of significant projects including review of Environmental Impact Reports and Construction Waste Management Plans for reasonableness and for conformance to sustainability codes, goals, and standards.
Perform research and prepare studies as required; conduct surveys, compile and analyze data, and formulate program policies and procedures; monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and outcome; prepare periodic or specialized reports of program activities.
Assist in the development, coordination, and administration of programs and projects in areas such as water and energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, green building, watershed management, sustainable procurement, and hazardous materials management.
Coordinate and manage complex programs; assist with the development of sustainability action plans and environmental, social, and economic strategies to integrate sustainability to overall operations.
Support environmental and sustainability program audit and enforcement efforts by conducting field audits, actively investigating violations, and working with code enforcement to issue citations when necessary.
Conduct program outreach efforts and develop outreach and education materials on a variety of environmental topics for both internal and community-wide use; attend public meetings, and present information to community groups and other stakeholders.
Perform public relations tasks that include the development of written or web-based materials and provide information and assistance to the public and City staff on programs and policies related to sustainability.
Gather, compile, and analyze information for preparation of grants, contracts, and agreements; assist in negotiating terms; implement, monitor, and prepare reports, statistical data, and graphs.
Serves as liaison or primary point of contact for assigned functions and programs for other City departments, vendors, stakeholders, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations; acquire information requested, coordinate meetings, and provide related support service; attend various public meetings and present reports to City staff, and various commissions, committees, and citizen groups.
Assist the Director in preparing staff reports and presenting staff reports to City Council or Commissions in the absence of the Director.
Manage and oversee the work of contractors, as assigned.
Train and coordinate the work of support personnel in the area of assignment, as assigned.
Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of sustainability.
Prepare and monitor budgets.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.