Sustainability Program Coordinator

Description

This position will assist in developing and implementing sustainability initiatives and programs in collaboration with the SAB, city administration and other city staff. This position will work independently to accomplish the work, while collaborating with teams to develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate citywide sustainability programs, resident outreach, and events on environmental topics, including, but not limited to: recycling and waste diversion, native plantings, and natural resource conservation. Acts as staff liaison for the Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB), requiring administrative support and experience coordinating programs.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Coordinates, promotes, and evaluates existing citywide environmental programs, including waste reduction, native landscaping and stormwater initiatives and programs. Develops program goals and objectives, specifies contract details per city specifications, audits program for participation and compliance, and attends to day-to-day operation and administration of programs. This includes drafting RFPs, reviewing proposals, negotiating contracts, event planning, volunteer recruitment and actively supervising the event.

Coordinates a volunteer program for residents and groups across a wide range of sustainability interests. Works with elected and appointed officials, businesses, city staff, non-governmental organizations, and resident groups for additional outreach opportunities, education programs, and events that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and collaboration throughout the community.

Acts as a staff liaison to the Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB): prepares agendas and arranges for speakers; attends monthly meetings, ensuring compliance with public meeting requirements such as publishing meeting notices and minutes are taken and transcribed promptly; prepares and delivers oral and written reports. Manages the SAB’s annual project prioritization, prepares budget requests and annual work plan. Conducts research and provides data-driven answers to SAB questions.

Assists with the preparation and presentation of written and oral reports to the SAB, City Council and community stakeholders to inform them of current sustainability issues and status of citywide programs. Follows up on questions, issues, and concerns.

Acts as a resource for residents seeking information on environmental topics. Assists residents in resolving environmental issues. Responds to requests for information and public records. Attends public meetings and provides educational and informational presentations as requested.

Coordinates initiatives to educate the public on sustainability issues, especially measures individuals can take to help protect the environment, such as mulching, composting, recycling, etc.

Collaborates with internal departments to integrate sustainability and resilience strategies into City operations, capital projects, contracts, and procurement practices.

Identify, apply for, and manage grants related to environmental and sustainability initiatives.

Carries out and/or performs other duties as assigned.

The position requires regular and predictable attendance; requires evening and weekend hours to attend board & commission meetings, community engagement and events.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Environmental Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field and two (2) or more years coordinating programs; or, an associate’s degree in a related field plus at least five (5) years of related experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree; experience leading teams, strategic planning and process improvement is desired; or, any combination of training, education, or experience which provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check and maintain an Ohio Driver’s License and the ability to maintain insurability under the city’s vehicle insurance policy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to: read, understand, interpret and critically evaluate technically written documents such as rules, the ORC, City Code, contracts and agreements; patiently and skillfully explain complicated concepts until material is understood; prepare and make presentations to various groups; research, analyze and write reports; adapt work schedule to meet needs of the position, as needed; develop and standardize procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services, projects, and activities; create and manage programs; effectively schedule, organize, and prioritize work assignments, project tasks and activities to meet deadlines; assess and monitor workload, operational processes, and internal reporting relationships; use required computer applications, programs or systems; receive, investigate, and respond to problems and complaints in a professional manner; innovate and be creative to identify areas for improvement, feasible solutions and present ideas for implementation; handle complaints from the public effectively and tactfully; handle and work under stressful situations often with frequent interruptions; drive a motor vehicle; behave in a friendly, understanding, and helpful and professional manner with the general public, coworkers, and supervisors; perform work offsite or through remote offices when operations require it; occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on even and uneven surfaces, and

to lift, carry, push, or pull objects approximately 20 lbs.

Skilled in: use of Microsoft Office applications and specialty software; communicating effectively, orally and in writing, to a variety of groups; establishing and developing positive working relationships with community stakeholders and staff to support a high level of organizational performance; dealing with difficult or stressful situations while maintaining composure and discretion; exercising discretion and judgment to problem-solving independently; composing correspondence, using proper grammar and punctuation; organizing groups to accomplish common goals; strategically leading teams to understand roles, expectations and evaluating progress.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, concepts, procedures, and methods specific to area of responsibility; city operations, principles, practices, and policies and procedures related to boards & commission work; techniques to involve citizens in processes; terminology, theory, principles, and practices in municipal sustainability programs.