Sustainability and Outreach Coordinator

City of Roanoke; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Roanoke seeks a Sustainability Coordinator to lead strategic initiatives reducing greenhouse gas emissions in both the community and municipal operations. Responsibilities include implementing the Climate Action Plan, promoting energy-saving programs, and coordinating public communications.

This exempt, full-time role emphasizes data collection, reporting to city council, community outreach, and collaboration with city departments to advance sustainability efforts and grant

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, urban planning, public policy or related field.
• Two years of experience with sustainability programs, or equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate public communications of the city’s climate change program and related content.
• Promote BRITE programs and engage with neighborhoods, schools, and community events.
• Coordinate special sustainability events and support green building initiatives.
• Assist with LEED project certifications and monitor building performance for energy reduction.
• Research funding opportunities and prepare grant applications.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Analytical ability

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, urban planning, public policy

Job description

SUMMARY

Promotes various aspects of sustainability within the organization and the community through the development of educational information and speaking engagements, increasing public awareness of technologies and practices to improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources. Under the general supervision of the Sustainability Manager, researches, analyzes and recommends options that support the city's efforts to create an environmentally sustainable community. Coordinates events, develops communications and promotes city programs.

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Sustainability Coordinator, responsible for strategic initiatives to reduce of the greenhouse gas emissions in the community and municipal operations. This includes implementing and maintaining the Climate Action Plan; developing and supporting programs that reduce carbon emissions; data collection and analysis; reporting of the progress to city council annually. Promotes various aspects of sustainability within the organization and the community through the development of educational information and speaking engagements, increasing public awareness of technologies and practices to improve energy efficiency and conserve natural resources. Under the general supervision of the Sustainability Manager, researches, analyzes and recommends options that support the city’s efforts to create an environmentally sustainable community. Coordinates events, develops communications and promotes city programs.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.

To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

This is an exempt position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates public communication of the city’s climate change program, programs to include content of webpages, social media channels, RVTV segments; serving as a media contact
• Promotes Beautify Roanoke Interchanges through Enhancement (BRITE) programs
• Coordinates with the Office of Community Engagement and the Stormwater Utility to engage with neighborhood organizations, community events and schools, addressing various issues (i.e. solid waste and recycling program requirements, storm water management communication plan)
• Coordinates special events, local conferences and expositions, as it relates to sustainability for Public Works and various city departments
• Provides assistance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) project certifications, and other green building certifications
• Evaluates and reports on building performance aimed at reducing energy use
• Generates interest and support for energy reduction and overall environmental sustainability through local programs, presentations and community interactions
• Makes recommendation for policies to support the climate action initiative that reduce carbon emissions
• Researches and prepares applications for funding and resources to implement sustainability initiatives including grant opportunities

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university in environmental science, engineering, urban planning, public policy or a related field; and two years of experience with sustainability programs; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, complex reports, and governmental regulations. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from citizens, members of the business community, state and federal grant agencies, city officials and employees orally and in writing. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations to city council, management, and public groups. Strong communication skills are essential.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve problems, interpret an extensive variety of technical information and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to identify key stakeholders and create teams to solve complex issues. Ability to think strategically.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

May be required to possess a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or fell; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.