Climate Action & Sustainability Specialist

City of Palm Springs; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palm Springs seeks a Sustainability professional to join the Sustainability Department. The role involves researching and preparing studies, conducting surveys, compiling and analyzing data, and formulating program policies and procedures; performing outreach and education on sustainability topics; monitoring program effectiveness and reporting to City Council.

The position supports the Director, coordinates with other departments, oversees audits, and helps implement environmental

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of work experience in environmental planning, sustainability, resources conservation, waste reduction, recycling, or public administration which included independent work experience in research, analysis, report writing, and evaluation is required.
• Three (3) years of work experience working with or for a local government is required.

Responsibilities

• Review environmental features of significant projects including review of Environmental Impact Reports and Construction Waste Management Plans for reasonableness and conformance to sustainability codes, goals, and standards.
• Perform research and prepare studies; conduct surveys, compile and analyze data, and formulate program policies and procedures; monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and outcome; prepare periodic or specialized reports of program activities.
• Assist in the development, coordination, and administration of programs and projects in areas such as water and energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, green building, watershed management, sustainable procurement, and hazardous materials management.
• Coordinate and manage complex programs; assist with the development of sustainability action plans and environmental, social, and economic strategies to integrate sustainability to overall operations.
• Support environmental and sustainability program audit and enforcement efforts by conducting field audits, actively investigating violations, and working with code enforcement to issue citations when necessary.
• Conduct program outreach efforts and develop outreach and education materials on a variety of environmental topics for both internal and community-wide use; attend public meetings, and present information to community groups and other stakeholders.
• Perform public relations tasks that include the development of written or web-based materials and provide information and assistance to the public and City staff on programs and policies related to sustainability.
• Gather, compile, and analyze information for preparation of grants, contracts, and agreements; assist in negotiating terms; implement, monitor, and prepare reports, statistical data, and graphs.
• Serves as liaison or primary point of contact for assigned functions and programs for other City departments, vendors, stakeholders, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations; acquire information requested, coordinate meetings, and provide related support service; attend various public meetings and present reports to City staff, and various commissions, committees, and citizen groups.
• Assist the Director in preparing staff reports and presenting staff reports to City Council or Commissions in the absence of the Director.
• Manage and oversee the work of contractors, as assigned.
• Train and coordinate the work of support personnel in the area of assignment, as assigned.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of sustainability.
• Prepare and monitor budgets.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Environmental planning

Research & analysis

Data presentation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/Engineering/Urban Planning or related field

Job description

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum.

THE CITY:

Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index website.

THE POSITION:

This position is a member of The Sustainability Department and performs research and prepares studies, conducts surveys, compiles and analyzes data, and formulates program policies and procedures; performs outreach and education on sustainability topics; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and outcome. Assists Director, Office of Sustainability, in preparing staff reports and presenting information to City Council and Commissions. Coordinates with other departments to facilitate program implementation. Supports environmental and sustainability program audit and enforcement efforts by conducting field audits, actively investigates violations, and works with code enforcement to issue citations.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work with other departments to review the environmental features of significant projects including review of Environmental Impact Reports and Construction Waste Management Plans for reasonableness and for conformance to sustainability codes, goals, and standards.
• Perform research and prepare studies as required; conduct surveys, compile and analyze data, and formulate program policies and procedures; monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and outcome; prepare periodic or specialized reports of program activities.
• Assist in the development, coordination, and administration of programs and projects in areas such as water and energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, green building, watershed management, sustainable procurement, and hazardous materials management.
• Coordinate and manage complex programs; assist with the development of sustainability action plans and environmental, social, and economic strategies to integrate sustainability to overall operations.
• Support environmental and sustainability program audit and enforcement efforts by conducting field audits, actively investigating violations, and working with code enforcement to issue citations when necessary.
• Conduct program outreach efforts and develop outreach and education materials on a variety of environmental topics for both internal and community-wide use; attend public meetings, and present information to community groups and other stakeholders.
• Perform public relations tasks that include the development of written or web-based materials and provide information and assistance to the public and City staff on programs and policies related to sustainability.
• Gather, compile, and analyze information for preparation of grants, contracts, and agreements; assist in negotiating terms; implement, monitor, and prepare reports, statistical data, and graphs.
• Serves as liaison or primary point of contact for assigned functions and programs for other City departments, vendors, stakeholders, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations; acquire information requested, coordinate meetings, and provide related support service; attend various public meetings and present reports to City staff, and various commissions, committees, and citizen groups.
• Assist the Director in preparing staff reports and presenting staff reports to City Council or Commissions in the absence of the Director.
• Manage and oversee the work of contractors, as assigned.
• Train and coordinate the work of support personnel in the area of assignment, as assigned.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of sustainability.
• Prepare and monitor budgets.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred Requirements

Experience

• Three (3) years of work experience in environmental planning, sustainability, resources conservation, waste reduction, recycling, or public administration which included independent work experience in research, analysis, report writing, and evaluation is required.
• Three (3) years of work experience working with or for a local government is required.

Training

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, Energy Management, Public/Business Administration or a related field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities is required. (Education may be substituted on a year for year basis with related job experience, experience is in addition to any other required experience.)

License or Certificates

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years) is required.
• Certification in relevant professional organizations or programs such as US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, fingerprints and a physical and drug screen.

Working Conditions

The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. This position works in an office and field environment with exposure to computers and other office equipment; travel from site to site; may have exposure to noise, dust, smoke, fumes, gases, and inclement weather conditions and may require maintaining physical conditions necessary for sitting, walking, or standing for prolonged periods; heavy, moderate, or light lifting pulling, pushing, kneeling, bending; communicate in person and by telephone; operate standard computer; and driving a vehicle for limited periods.

Selection Process Information

The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam and department interview.

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application.

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as “see attached” or “see resume” as they will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise.

Applications must be received by 4:00 pm, September 14, 2026.

Applications must be received by 4:00pm, September 14, 2026 in order to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.