Conservation Specialist II

City of Chula Vista, CA; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chula Vista, CA seeks a Conservation Specialist to develop and implement conservation programs focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainability across the community.

The role involves educating residents and businesses, coordinating with utilities, and supporting grant-funded projects under supervision within the Office of Sustainability. Strong communication skills and knowledge of environmental programs are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, climate change, water conservation and sustainability.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups.
• Familiarity with grant research and reporting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct integrated energy and water use audits for residents and businesses.
• Educate residents, business owners and City employees about conservation programs and rebates.
• Serve as liaison between community members and utilities regarding conservation programs and rebates.
• Support the Environmental Sustainability Manager and City goals on conservation and sustainability.
• Develop, implement and coordinate community-focused programs related to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Skills

Energy efficiency

Renewable energy

Water conservation

Climate change

Community outreach

Job description

To perform a wide variety of duties related to the development and implementation of community-focused conservation programs; and to perform related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey-level class in the Conservation Specialist series. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor; may receive technical and functional guidance from more experienced staff. May supervise interns and/or volunteers with guidance from assigned supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Functions may include but are not limited to the following: conduct integrated energy and water use audits to assist residents and businesses with identifying conservation opportunities; educate residents, business owners and City employees about conservation programs and services; act as liaison between community members and local water/energy utilities regarding conservation programs and rebates; provide assistance to the Office of Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Manager to support the City's broader conservation and sustainability goals; study and research assigned conservation projects; conduct grant funds research and prepare draft applications; implement grant funded projects under the supervision of the Environmental Sustainability Manager; develop, implement and coordinate community-focused programs related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, alternative fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, water conservation, watershed protection, and general sustainability; coordinate and monitor various conservation projects of moderate difficulty/complexity; assist in the design, development and implementation of difficult to complex conservation projects; assist in the development of public document brochures, grant reports, and reports; make informational presentations to business, school, and community groups; assist other City departments in improving their environmental awareness and sustainable practices; track and report programmatic progress and success; perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, alternative fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, water conservation, watershed protection, and general sustainability; principles of customer service and conflict resolution techniques; computers and software applications related to assignment; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to: communicate and recommend solutions to and/or mitigation measures; use computer applications related to area of assignment; operate City vehicles skillfully and safely; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; speak effectively before individuals and groups; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

On a continuous basis, sit, walk and stand for varying periods in the course of work; intermittently twist and reach office equipment; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; drive a motorized vehicle; see in the normal vision range with or without correction to read computer screen; hear in the normal range with or without correction; may lift up to 50 pounds. Work is performed both outdoors and indoors; the performance of fieldwork tasks requires exposure to a variety of weather conditions; work with exposure to traffic and noise and work on slippery or uneven surfaces. Indoors work is performed in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.