Environmental Sustainability Coordinator

Erie County, Pennsylvania; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Erie County Planning & Community Development seeks an Environmental Sustainability Coordinator to lead the county's sustainability programs, including recycling and waste management initiatives. You will support climate action planning and energy efficiency, and serve as liaison for Keep Erie County Beautiful and municipal partners.

The role requires a relevant Bachelor's (Master's preferred) and strong grant-writing, data management, and cross‑sector collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with grant programs at federal, state or local level.
• Ability to write grant applications and track funded projects.
• Data management systems to extract and measure program performance.
• Knowledge of sustainability and solid waste regulations at multiple levels.
• Ability to present data clearly in oral, written and graphic form.
• Strong organization and deadline-driven work style.
• Ability to establish relationships with officials and the public.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Support climate action planning, watershed improvements, waste minimization and energy efficiency.
• Coordinate Keep Erie County Beautiful activities and litter cleanups.
• Act as Recycling Coordinator with municipalities and state offices.
• Provide technical assistance on recycling, composting and energy efficiency.
• Develop educational materials on energy, recycling and sustainability programs.
• Collaborate with municipalities, non-profits and businesses on sustainability.
• Develop strategies to engage businesses and residents in initiatives.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for projects.

Skills

Grant writing

Data management

Regulatory knowledge

Data presentation

Project management

Independent work

Driving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Biology, Planning, Public Administration or related field

Master’s Degree in a related field (optional access for experience)

Job description

Position: Environmental Sustainability Coordinator

Department

Planning

Location

Erie County Planning & Community Development

Status

Full Time

Starting Pay Rate

$22.96 Hourly

37.5

Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Posting Date

09/08/2026

Closing Date

09/22/2026

Pay Grade

NB14

Bargaining Unit

NON-BARGAINING

Posting Number

5858

Definition of Class

• The Environmental Sustainability Coordinator is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of the County's Environmental Sustainability Program(s), including the Erie County Municipal Solid Waste Management Program, Erie County Recycling Program, and other sustainability strategies and initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support strategic planning efforts for climate action, watershed improvements, waste minimization and community energy efficiency.
• Serve as affiliate coordinator for Keep Erie County Beautiful, including coordination of quarterly advisory committee meetings, spring and fall county wide litter cleanup activities and management of all related projects.
• Serve as County Recycling Coordinator according to PA DEP regulations and requirements, acting as a liaison with municipalities, other counties, and state offices, implementing the strategies and action items of the Erie County Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities, other organizations and the public on recycling, composting, building energy efficiency, community beatification, illegal dumping, and litter removal.
• Develop and coordinate educational programs and materials on energy, recycling, or other sustainability programs.
• Foster collaboration with municipalities, non-profits, and businesses on sustainability practices.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage businesses and residents in sustainability initiatives.
• Identify and apply for funding opportunities for projects, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Experience with federal, state, and local grant programs.
• Knowledge of the principles, practice and objectives of developing, promoting, implementing and coordinating sustainability and waste minimization programs.
• Ability to write successful grant applications and track, monitor and closeout grant funded projects.
• Ability to create and implement appropriate data management systems to extract, organize, track and measure data related to program performance.
• Knowledge of current state, local and federal level regulations regarding sustainability and solid waste.
• Ability to present data and express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written and graphic form.
• Ability to organize and carry out assignments with a high level of quality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, public officials and the general public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time and still complete in a timely manner, meeting all deadlines.
• Ability to drive own vehicle as required.
• Must be able to work independently
• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Biology, Planning, Public Administration or related field
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Sustainability, Recycling, or Waste Management or two years experience with a Master's Degree in a related field
• Must have a Valid Driver's License

Supervision Received

• This position reports to the Director of Planning and Community Development.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Biology, Planning, Public Administration or related field
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Sustainability, Recycling, or Waste Management or two years experience with a Master's Degree in a related field
• Must have a Valid Driver's License

Conditions Of Employment

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Erie County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Erie County Government values the power of diversity in our workforce. Our goal is to continue developing inclusive workforce policies that require individual equality, support the diversity of employee experiences, and include unique perspectives.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.