Conservation Program Coordinator

City of Austin

2d•$68,660 - $85,830•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Austin is seeking a Conservation Program Coordinator to help grow and retain businesses supporting the zero waste and circular economy industry. This position will be responsible for enterprises that focus on waste as a resource, circular design, and sustainable material innovation. Circular businesses rethink how products and services are designed, used and handled at the end of life. These businesses play an important part of Austin's shift towards achieving a sustainable circular economy, mitigating climate change and achieving environmental justice. This position will be part of the Circular Economy Program, but also participate as part of the Economic Development Small Business team. The role involves coordinating energy, water, or natural resource conservation programs, projects, and plans under minimal direction.

Requirements

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Architecture, Business, Environmental Studies, Natural Science, Planning, and Resource Management or in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of related experience.
Master's Degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Knowledge of energy or water efficiency technologies, practices, programs and rebate requirements.
Knowledge of applicable building codes, energy or water retrofit requirements and specifications.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
Knowledge of department energy or water resource initiatives and targets.
Knowledge of construction materials, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to negotiate.
Ability to determine quality of materials, workmanship and compliance with specifications.
Ability to handle conflict and uncertain situations.
Ability to lead cross-functional and departmental project teams.
Ability to operate and maintain testing and diagnostic equipment.
Ability to use graphic instructions, such as blueprints, schematic drawings, plans, maps or other visual aids.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
Must possess discretion in handling details of a highly confidential and sensitive nature.
Must be collaborative, model professional demeanor, have integrity, and high energy with internal and external customers.
Must have the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Must have excellent comprehension, business writing, proofreading, and communication skills.
Ability to move or lift at least 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience or education in a field related to sustainability, circular economy or zero waste.
Knowledge of business development acumen, such as economic development, small business financing, start-up funding, cluster development, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders to host or organize events, such as business pitch events or community education events.

Responsibilities

Designs, develops, implements, and evaluates educational or outreach programs that promote energy, water, or natural resource conservation awareness and initiatives.
Coordinates and manages educational or outreach events, small projects, contracts, marketing, and on-line literature content to promote energy, water, or natural resource conservation awareness and initiatives.
Analyzes energy, water, or natural resource conservation-related research findings to inform or make recommendations on program structure or program delivery to City leadership and other stakeholders.
Develops, establishes, and manages service agreements with other programs, departments, and agencies.
Researches energy, water, or natural resource conservation policies, best practices, and legislation to recommend changes to conservation initiatives.
Prepares studies, reports, memoranda, briefs, or other written materials on energy, water, or natural resource conservation to inform customers, City leadership, and other stakeholders.
Provides analytical support for policy briefs and program development related to energy, water, or natural resource conservation.
Prepares grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to energy, water, or natural resource conservation.
Reviews permit or plan revisions with project engineers and contractors.
Reviews, evaluates, and recommends changes to technical reports, studies, and other departmental written materials.
Provides technical advice to Conservation Program personnel.
May provide leadership and lead cross-functional and departmental conservation project teams, work assignments, evaluation, training, and provide guidance to others.
Establish and maintain relationships with local businesses through activities such as conducting business retention visits and facilitating industry roundtables.
Establish and maintain relationships with community ecosystem partners (e.g. workforce development, chamber, higher education, and other economic development community partners).
Identify and compile data and report on trends within the local industry.
Coordinate existing programming to encourage and help grow small businesses and entrepreneurs in the circular ecosystem, such as Circular Accelerator, Circular Showcase and Connect and Share.
Maintain a high level of communication and transparency as they collaborate across two different departments.
If deemed appropriate based on skill set, assist with identifying business recruitment and expansion prospects (including developing leads, conducting site visits, facilitating connections with community partners).