Salary: $7,061.50 – $8,397.52 Monthly
Location: Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Community and Economic Development
Job Number: 2023-00018
Closing date and time: 3/6/2023 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana

Basic Purpose
Reporting to the Planning Manager, under general direction, the Climate and Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for local implementation of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (TCMP) and for assisting management with updating and implementing the City’s overall sustainability strategy.  This position is also responsible for, but not limited to, using technical expertise to develop education materials for City staff, other agency staff, and the public about the City sustainability strategy; providing professional analysis and research relating to sustainability and climate change; leading and participating in sustainability projects that further City initiatives; and planning and organizing community outreach events relating to local and regional climate change and sustainability efforts.

The Community and Economic Development Department is responsible for shaping our community and for the City’s full range of community planning, land use development, environmental protection and construction code compliance. The Department’s mission is to enrich the quality of lives in Lacey for all our citizens by providing to the public timely and accurate assistance and participation in the development and implementation of the Community’s Comprehensive Plan and Development Codes in order to ensure: a diversified economy providing family jobs, goods and services; safe, well designed and attractive neighborhoods; the highest quality of development and construction in the City; and the protection of our environmental resources and natural beauty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Leads and coordinates the implementation of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan for the City in support of a more resilient region. Represents the City on the Climate Multi-Jurisdictional Staff Team and support the City’s elective representative to the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan Steering Committee.
  • Oversees the development and coordination of the City’s local sustainability strategies, working closely with staff and management in a variety of roles around all aspects of sustainability implementation. Develops mechanisms to ensure that the City’s management team is fully engaged in implementation of sustainability strategies and that their programs are fully aligned with those strategies. Ensures the implementation of the City’s sustainability strategies to align with regional initiatives and the community at large.
  • Develops baseline assessments of sustainability policies, practices, and training needs and provides recommendations for policy and program improvements. Recommends and implements approaches and metrics across city departments to ensure programs achieve city goals and intended outcomes. Monitors and tracks for progress in achieving strategies for sustainability.
  • Provides climate and sustainability expertise, acting as a technical resource for city staff and provides input on climate and sustainability-related topics for city plans, programs, and initiatives.
  • Researches and completes grant applications for funding related to climate action and urban forestry projects.
  • Develops and coordinates collaborative partnerships with government, non-profit and community groups in support of sustainable initiatives.
  • Assesses internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and develops outreach strategies to engage staff and the public in participating in sustainability strategy updates and implementation. Educate staff and community builders about the design, implementation, and process changes related to climate change and sustainability.
  • Develops and implements a communication and outreach plan and strategy to promote community, private sector and City employee participation in sustainability events and initiatives and increase awareness of the City’s climate and sustainability program. Plans and organizes community events, conducts outreach to residents, schools, and businesses and coordinates educational programs and materials.
  • Develops staff reports and presentations regarding findings, program recommendations and program accomplishments, and reports out to City Council and stakeholder groups as needed.
  • Attends various meetings, committees, and conferences related to program goals and objectives, and represent the City on sustainable and environmental interests at local, regional, and state levels.

Other Duties Assigned

  • Support current planning staff in implementing sustainability policies to new developments through the land use permitting process. 
  • Support long range planning staff in incorporating sustainability policies into the Comprehensive Plan.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Sustainability or a related field AND three (3) year of work experience in planning, environmental services, energy, waste reduction, or related field.

* May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • AICP membership or education and experience necessary to qualify to take the AICP exam desirable.
  • A Master’s degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related field AND two (2) years of work experience in planning, environmental services, energy, waste reduction, or related field.

 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S)

  • Must pass a background investigation and successfully complete pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier, OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
  • Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete a required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:

  • Public policy development processes.
  • Principles and practices of urban planning and sustainability.
  • Public and citizen participation processes.
  • Current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of sustainability.
  • Operation of personal computers, including word processing and related software, and permit tracking systems.

Skill In:

  • Systematically gathering, organizing, and analyzing data.
  • Data and trend analysis relating to population, housing, demographics and other subjects related to sustainability.
  • Presentation of complex data in an understandable manner to the public and elected and appointed officials through a variety of written, graphic, video, and other mediums.
  • Coordinating and facilitating public outreach programs.
  • Communicating complex, sensitive, or controversial information on sustainability policies and procedures in a diplomatic manner.
  • Applying sustainability principles and practices to specific problems and formulate recommendations.
  • Dealing with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.

Ability to:

  • Uses data and information in a clear and rational process to assess and understand issues; evaluates options; forms accurate conclusions and makes decisions. 
  • Collects, assembles, analyzes, and evaluates facts to draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations; prepares clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports that require displaying and presenting statistical, graphical, and other reporting methods to audiences of varying technical sophistication.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing with a wide variety of staff, community leaders, business executives and residents.
  • Develop educational materials and presentations for the public, and elected and appointed officials.
  • Manage a varied workload.
  • Exercise good judgment in determining when issues require involvement of supervisors.
  • Work under pressure and meet established deadlines.
  • Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of the work.
  • Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
  • Regularly take initiative in recommending changes in work methods, policies, and procedures to improve levels of service delivery and improve overall operating efficiencies.
  • Provide excellent internal and external customer service, responding to changing customer needs, and helping customers implement complete solutions.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs/3917184-0/climate-and-sustainability-coordinator?utm_campaign=google_jobs_apply&utm_source=google_jobs_apply&utm_medium=organic