Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst (Limited Term)

City of San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a limited-term Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst to support the Office of Sustainability. The 6‑month term focuses on advancing climate action, resilience, and environmental conservation goals, with emphasis on collaboration across departments and with residents.

The role involves analytical support for climate action planning, natural resources projects, and community partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field.
• Two years of experience in planning, public policy, or project management.
• Interest in climate change, land conservation, and environmental issues.

Responsibilities

• Support climate action planning and project implementation.
• Develop reports, presentations, and educational materials.
• Engage residents and partners; maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Research grants and funding opportunities; prepare proposals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Research

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning/public administration/environmental management

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Grant management software

Job description

Help shape a more sustainable future for San Luis Obispo!

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a limited-term Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst to support the Office of Sustainability. The term of this position is anticipated to last 6 months.

We are seeking a creative, collaborative, and motivated professional to help advance its ambitious climate action, resilience, and environmental conservation goals. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful problem-solver and strong communicator who can manage multiple projects, maintain strong partnerships, and bring a unique perspective and dedication to achieving the City's climate goals. From implementing climate action strategies and managing grant-funded projects to engaging residents and collaborating with City staff across departments, your work will directly contribute to a more sustainable and thriving community.

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides professional analytical support to the Office of Sustainability in the areas of climate action planning and project implementation, natural resources conservation planning, land conservation projects, and community partnerships and engagement. The incumbent utilizes strong analytical, writing, and communication skills to produce a variety of reports, presentations, educational materials, online content, and grant proposals.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

The Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst performs professional analytical work in the specialized areas of sustainability, natural resources, conservation, and other environmental issues. This class is distinguished from Administrative Analyst in that the latter performs a variety of professional administrative duties for an assigned department, typically in including budget administration, program or project management, and organizational and operational analyses.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives general direction from the Sustainability and Natural Resources Program Manager or another senior management staff member within a framework of established policies and procedures. Direction may be provided to support staff on a project or program basis.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Participates in the development and implementation of plans, programs, and projects related to sustainability, climate action, and natural resource conservation.

• Develops and produces written, verbal, and graphic communication materials, including staff reports, slide decks and presentations, and website and social media content.

• Maintains and enhances internal and external stakeholder relationships and partnerships.

• Collaborates with Office staff and management in designing and implementing community events, workshops, educational forums, and other public participation opportunities.

• Researches grants and other funding opportunities; prepares grant applications and proposal.

• Assists with real property management and acquisition, including tracking, monitoring, records, and due diligence.

• Assists with established Community Partnership relationships in the topical areas of arts, culture, environment, and sustainability.

• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of sustainability and climate action planning in a local government setting.

• Principles and practices of conservation planning and land conservation.

• Project management tools, techniques, principles, and practices.

• Local government operations and public policy.

• Methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation.

• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet, website, and database applications.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Principles and techniques of community relations.

Ability to:

• Perform complex analytical tasks, such as developing, reporting on, and monitoring sustainability, climate action, and conservation programs and projects.

• Research, analyze, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures.

• Produce and provide a variety of written, verbal, and graphic communications.

• Effectively communicate in writing, in person, and over the telephone.

• Demonstrate excellent writing skills; use proper grammar; write, proofread, and edit simple to complex materials for a variety of purposes, formats, and audiences.

• Work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment with an array of internal and external project partners.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations contacted in the course of the work.

• Prioritize tasks and effectively manage deadlines.

• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures.

• Work in both indoor and outdoor settings; be confident and competent in outdoor, open space settings.

• Work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer.

• Lift and carry office materials weighing up to ten pounds.

• Read printed materials and a computer screen.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, public administration, natural resources, environmental management, or a related field.

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in planning, public policy, or project management, preferably with a focus on natural resources, environmental management, or a related field.

A strong interest in climate change, land conservation and protection, and environmental issues is highly desirable.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ & FBI)