Climate Resilience Coordinator

About the Position

Under the general direction of the Director of Climate Programs, the Climate Resilience Coordinator will be responsible for leading the development of a Climate Resilience Sub-element for the City of Olympia’s 2025 Comprehensive Update, including completing a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment for the City of Olympia; and supporting the implementation of subsequent adopted resilience goals and policies. Future work may include developing a Resilience Hub and/or Extreme Heat Preparedness Strategy and coordinating cross-departmental teams to achieve Olympia’s climate resilience goals.

The Climate Resilience Coordinator will also serve as the staff Liaison to lead and facilitate the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative. The Collaborative is a partnership between the City of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance and the Port of Olympia, which was established to implement the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Plan. This position would be responsible for planning and facilitating meetings for the Executive Committee and staff-level Technical Workgroup, coordinating partner agencies to develop and implement the Collaborative’s annual workplan, and leading related policy and planning projects.

This is a fully benefited project funded position and will last as long as funds are available, projected to be at least two (2) years.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Knowledge of the following subject areas and practices: climate change adaptation and resilience science, policy, and planning; sea level rise adaptation and resilience science, policy, and planning; climate risk and vulnerability assessments; comprehensive planning; climate and risk communication; and stakeholder outreach and engagement.

• Understanding of Climate Justice: A deep understanding of the intersection between climate change and social justice. A proven record working with frontline communities and those disproportionally impacted by climate change.

• Analysis: Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative information and prepare and present results orally and in writing.

• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to write succinctly and clearly for professional and public audiences. Ability to create and deliver effective and polished public presentations.

• Project Management: Ability to develop, plan, implement, and monitor project plans, including coordinating project teams, managing project budgets and timelines, and resolving issues.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Pamela Braff, Director of Climate Programs at (360) 753-8249 or via email at pbraff@ci.olympia.wa.us.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

1. Conducts research to evaluate existing data and literature on climate risk and vulnerability in the City of Olympia, state and federal policies related to climate resilience and adaptation, and best practices for developing and implementing resilience goals, strategies, and actions. 
2. Provides strategic direction for climate resilience policies, programs, and initiatives.
3. Recommends and develops opportunities for new or improved projects, programs, and partnerships to achieve Olympia’s climate resilience and sea level preparedness goals.
4. Develops climate resilience goals, policies, and actions, based on the results of Olympia’s Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment as well as engagement with city staff, regional partners, external stakeholders, and community members.
5. Actively engages with and incorporates the perspectives of diverse and underrepresented communities in climate resilience planning.
6. Leads the development a Climate Resilience Sub-element for Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan. Ensures the sub-element is consistent with the requirements of the Growth Management Act, Climate Planning Guidance provided by Washington Department of Commerce, and best practices for resilience planning.
7. Serves as the staff Liaison to the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative. Plans and facilitates Executive Committee and Technical Workgroup meetings and oversees the development and implementation of the Collaborative’s annual workplan.
8. Leads projects and develops implementation strategies to achieve adopted climate resilience goals and policies.
9. Procures, develops, and manages contracts and interlocal agreements to implement assigned projects and programs.
10. Identifies and pursues federal, state, and philanthropic funding to support resilience efforts. Administers and reports on external funding sources.
11. Monitors scientific and policy developments related to climate change, sea level rise, resilience and adaptation, and related fields.
12. Develops strategic partnerships within the community to facilitate, expand, and support community-wide climate resilience and preparedness.
13. Provides technical support and serves as a subject matter expert on issues related to climate change preparedness and adaptation for City Departments and the public.
14. Coordinates and supports other City Departments in integrating climate resilience planning and best practices in their work.
15. Responds and adapts to changing program priorities and goals as set by the Director of Climate Programs, City Council, and the City Manager.
16. Develops presentations, staff reports, technical memos, talking points, and other communication materials for elected officials, community stakeholders, and other public audiences.
17. Conducts public education and outreach activities related to climate resilience, including developing website content, authoring newsletter stories and blog posts, utilizing social media and traditional media, and organizing events.
18. Tracks and evaluates progress on the implementation of climate adaptation strategies; develops and presents progress reports on a regular basis.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Knowledge of the following subject areas and practices: climate change adaptation and resilience science, policy, and planning; sea level rise adaptation and resilience science, policy, and planning; climate risk and vulnerability assessments; comprehensive planning; climate and risk communication; and stakeholder outreach and engagement.
2. Understanding of Climate Justice: A deep understanding of the intersection between climate change and social justice. A proven record working with frontline communities and those disproportionally impacted by climate change.
3. Research: Ability to critically evaluate local, state, and federal policies related to planning, climate change, adaptation, and resiliency; ability to develop appropriate research approaches and methodologies.
4. Analysis: Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative information and prepare and present results orally and in writing.
5. Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to write succinctly and clearly for professional and public audiences. Ability to create and deliver effective and polished public presentations.
6. Project Management: Ability to develop, plan, implement, and monitor project plans, including coordinating project teams, managing project budgets and timelines, and resolving issues.
7. Organization and Personal Accountability: Ability to prioritize assignments, manage multiple simultaneous projects, ask for assistance when needed, and provide regular progress updates to collaborators, supervisors, and colleagues.
8. Grants and Funding: Recommend, develop, write, and administer grant applications in support of climate resilience projects and programs.
9. Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with people at all levels through establishing positive, mutually respectful, and productive working relationships.
10. Independent Judgement: Ability to understand and effectively respond to cultural and political context. Ability to implement sound professional judgement and critical thinking.
11. Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop strategies and gain organizational and stakeholder support for climate and/or resilience programs.
12. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
13. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
14. Work independently or cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.
15. Maintain regular consistent and punctual attendance.

Experience/Education

1. Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental policy, planning, sustainable development, or a related field; and
2. Four (4) years of professional experience in climate resilience, hazard mitigation, environmental planning/policy, or a closely related field. A master’s degree in related field may substitute for two years of experience.
3. Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
4. Experience in local government, state or federal agencies preferred.
5. Experience leading a major project or program in climate action, sustainability, planning, environmental or social justice, or a related field.
6. A combination of experience and training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job will be considered.

Special Requirements

1. Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
2. Successful completion of criminal background check.

Union: Independents

Compensation (minimum-maximum): $86,346.83 – $104,975.52

Exempt: Yes

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Nicole Camus, SR Human Resources Analyst, at 360.753.8213 or ncamus@ci.olympia.wa.us.

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.