Urban Forestry Business Engagement Specialist, (Project Management Assistant) - Office of Heat Response and Mitigation

City of Phoenix (AZ)•Phoenix, AZ

29d•$60,029 - $97,781

About The Position

The City of Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is charged with establishing and implementing a cohesive strategy to address the growing hazard of urban heat in the nation's hottest large city. The office develops plans and programs that include short-term strategies to protect public health during extreme heat events and long-term strategies to create a cooler, safer, and more comfortable city for all. This position is funded by a philanthropic grant and will be hired as a Project Management Assistant in the City's job classification system. The Office of Heat Response and Mitigation seeks an Urban Forestry Business Engagement Specialist to advance goals and actions in the recently adopted Shade Phoenix Plan. The successful candidate will be responsible for helping to design and implement new programs and processes that accelerate business-facing tree and shade initiatives, including those related to education, engagement, and code compliance. The position will be housed in the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation and will be expected to work collaboratively with other city departments, including Neighborhood Services, Sustainability, and Planning and Development. Specific duties for this position include: (1) serving as an educational resource for the local business community, providing information about tree species selection, maintenance strategies, water resources, and other key factors; (2) working with city departments to implement new processes that more proactively promote business compliance with tree and shade requirements in city code; (3) using GIS and mapping tools to prioritize needs and opportunities for business engagement, and; (4) recognizing exemplary shade projects on private property. This is a temporary position funded by a grant intended to run through December 31, 2026, with the possibility of being made regular in a future budget cycle. The temporary position will have benefits but will not earn city retirement credits or participate financially in the city's retirement program. If the successful candidate is a current City employee, all benefits will still be applicable, and the employee will still contribute to their pension. Temporary positions are not covered under civil service rules, and thus employment is considered "at-will", and employees may be separated at any time.

Requirements

Two years of experience in governmental research, urban development, finance or public administration, or a related field.
Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, urban planning, architecture, engineering, economics, or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a collaborative team environment.
Experience conducting community outreach and education efforts.
Experience working with businesses on environmental or public health topics.
Experience in the Sonoran Desert or similar climate zones.
Proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Serving as an educational resource for the local business community, providing information about tree species selection, maintenance strategies, water resources, and other key factors
Working with city departments to implement new processes that more proactively promote business compliance with tree and shade requirements in city code
Using GIS and mapping tools to prioritize needs and opportunities for business engagement
Recognizing exemplary shade projects on private property

Benefits

Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions
401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Employer paid long-term disability.
Free Bus/light rail pass.
Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.