This position is subject to budget approval and will not be filled until January 2023.

Please fill out your application as fully as possible.  The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Read the “To Apply” section below to learn more.

New hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with the City of Olympia. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

About the Position
Under the general supervision of the Director of Climate Programs, this position plans and implements assigned climate programs and related activities.  Examples of assigned climate programs and activities include development of the City’s annual greenhouse gas inventory, community outreach and education, and climate policy research and analysis.  

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Ability to conduct meaningful public outreach and education.
• Ability to develop outreach materials, messaging, and campaigns to advance community-wide action in support of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan and other program goals
• Ability to conduct and document research and analysis of climate action policies and strategies.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of climate change trends, impacts and solutions, including strategies for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and preparedness.
• Understanding that climate change is a social justice issue and bring that lens to the work.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.
  

• This recruitment is open until filled.  
• First review will be for all applications received by 5 pm December 7, 2022.  
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

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

1. Responsible for completing program duties as assigned, including research, program planning, implementation, program monitoring and analysis, and budgeting.
2. Assist with developing and attaining program goals and objectives through effective program planning and implementation.
3. Plan and coordinate program activities, events, campaigns, and informational materials specific to the climate program, such as public presentations and community events, climate action newsletters and the climate program annual report. 
4. Represent Olympia’s Climate Program in the community and participate in public events to share information about the program, including public engagements, presentations, and educational workshops.
5. Develop informational materials, content and messaging for the City’s climate change website and social media platforms. 
6. Plan and coordinate internal meetings and events to support employee engagement and the development of staff expertise on climate change issues.
7. Conduct research and analysis of climate mitigation and adaptation policies and actions to inform program implementation efforts.
8. Conduct greenhouse gas emissions assessments using industry standard software for measuring municipal and community emissions. 
9. Prepare written, statistical and financial reports of program activities and expenditures.
10. Research available funding sources; prepare and submit grants; and create and maintain all necessary grant background data.
11. Track program or contract budgets as assigned and monitor expenditures.
12. Oversee contract development and administration associated with grant awards, monitor compliance with contract requirements and program regulations, address grievances and performance concerns. 
13. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

1. Knowledge of climate change trends, impacts and solutions, including strategies for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and preparedness. 
2. Knowledge of climate justice principles and practices. 
3. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with great attention to detail.
6. Research methodology, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
7. Budgeting and accounting practices and principles.
8. The methods used to develop, present and monitor grants.
9. Preparing a long range plan to accomplish specified goals and objectives.
10. Gather and display statistical or other program information in a manner effective for program analysis.
11. Design effective informational materials to serve a variety of program needs.
12. Coordinate and motivate volunteers and public officials to attain program goals.
13. Solicit and maintain program support from a variety of organizations, groups and audiences.
14. Prepare accurate, persuasive and concise written material for a variety of audiences.
15. Speak persuasively in a variety of settings before a variety of audiences.
16. Work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.

Experience/Education

1. Two years experience in administering a community-oriented program preferred.  Prior experience with development and implementation of climate programs required.
2. Four-year college or university degree in Public Relations, Social Science, Public Administration or Climate/Sustainability-related field preferred.
3. Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.

Special Requirement

1. Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Contacts

1. Frequent and successful contact/interaction with others in a variety of roles and representing various levels of authority both inside and outside the organization is critical to job and program success.
2. Contacts will include representatives of the business community, civic and community groups, schools, local government, state agencies, media and the general public.
3. Contact will be for the purpose of communicating program goals and gaining support for identified goals.
4. Diplomacy, professionalism, enthusiasm and strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to gain cooperation and motivate others.

Supervision

1. May supervise assigned clerical, programming, and operations staff or volunteers including completing performance evaluations.

Accountability

1. The Program Specialist is accountable for the quality and effectiveness of assigned programs and events.

Working Conditions

1. Work is mainly performed indoors, in settings such as offices, conference rooms, or project dedicated working areas.  
2. This position is eligible for remote work for at least part of the schedule subject to supervisor approval.
3. Work will sometimes involve travel to various locations including outdoor settings, activity at field or program service delivery or work sites, and occasional evening and weekend hours.
4. Physical ability to carry or otherwise transport heavy boxes, displays, exhibit furnishings, etc. may be necessary.
5. There is occasional stress related to meeting project and event timelines.

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.