Overview
This position develops strategic responses and implements plans, policies and procedures relating to environmental issues impacting City departments and the community. The Environmental Coordinator will focus on the delivery of the City’s Enhanced Pesticide Management Program (EPMP) and Invasive Species Action Plan (ISAP). The incumbent is responsible for facilitating all aspects of the program across City departments and in collaboration with community partners.
Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing technical expertise, advice and guidance on environmental matters, including regulatory requirements of senior governments (or affiliated agencies) with a particular focus on internal and external environmental requirements related to invasive species management and restoration.
- Assessing development applications and implementing policy and best practices relating to various environmental legislation, such as the federal Pest Control Products Act, the provincial Weed Control Act and the provincial Integrated Pest Management Act.
- Providing City of Richmond representation at meetings with environmental regulatory agencies, community First Nations and other stakeholders and, where appropriate, assist in facilitating competing priorities to ensure interests are met including through the federal and provincial Environmental Assessment process.
- Providing technical, regulatory and administrative advice and assistance related to invasive species management and restoration objectives throughout Richmond.
- Leading community stewardship and engagement activities designed to raise environmental awareness through ecological enhancement projects across the City.
- Developing and maintaining collaborative working relations with other City departments, senior governments and the Richmond community.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of federal and provincial regulations, City policies, bylaws and other environmental issues related to the work performed.
- Skill in the analysis of strategies and legislative tools and ability to determine environmental consequences.
- Knowledge and skill related to the cosmetic pesticide issue, integrated pest management practices and invasive species management.
- Knowledge of analysis and research techniques in environmental science.
- Skill in developing and formulating long-range strategies, direction and priorities related to the environment.
- Skill in developing and conducting internal and external education and outreach programs for scientific or technical subjects.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including formulating recommendations, making effective presentations and implementing approved programs.
- Ability to prepare and maintain correspondence, technical narrative and statistical reports, tabulations, records and related materials.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.
- Ability to exercise considerable independence of judgement, action, tact and initiative in performing the work.
- Ability to successfully pass a Police Information Check.
Qualifications and Experience:
Degree in Environmental Studies or related discipline is required. Professional certification in environmental studies (P.Ag. or R.P.Bio) is preferred. A minimum of two (2) to five (5) years’ experience in environmental management is required, preferably in municipal government. Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia.
Working Conditions:
Duties are predominantly performed in an office with frequent requirements to work with the general public. Some field work will apply. This position will be required to work on evenings on weekends.