Sustainability Director

Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt Lake County seeks a senior leader to direct and evaluate environmental and sustainability projects. The role develops long-range plans, manages budgets, and coordinates varied stakeholders to advance county-wide environmental goals.

The position requires a degree in public administration or environmental studies with substantial supervisory experience and offers a collaborative, policy-driven work environment in a county government setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Environmental Studies, or related field, plus six years of related experience, with at least one year supervisory.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience; education may not substitute for supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages and directs Salt Lake County environmental projects and programs. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates environmental programs. Integrates multiple intergovernmental and non-governmental interests and stakeholders in achieving environmental/sustainability program goals.
• Collaborates with other County agencies to meet sustainability goals in Salt Lake County.
• Supervises staff, including hiring, orienting, training, assigning, reviewing performance, and conducting appraisals and discipline.
• Gathers and measures data on environmental and economic progress; justifies budget requests and program needs.
• Directs division initiatives involving committees, officials, boards, commissions, and departments; updates on environmental standards and trends.
• Advises the Mayor and County Council on sustainability policies; oversees the division budget and operating plans; exercises independent judgment on complex issues.
• Prepares records, reports, and written materials; collects and analyzes data to present conclusions and recommendations.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Public speaking & training

Budget planning

Technical analysis & reporting

Teamwork

Multitasking & project management

Stakeholder negotiation

Conflict management

Diversity & inclusion

Software proficiency

Grant writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration/Environmental Studies or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Directs, plans, oversees, and evaluates all environmental/sustainability projects and programs for the Division. This includes short- and long-range strategic planning, talent management, fiscal accountability, quality management, and process improvement. Develops, recommends, and implements strategic organizational policies and procedures. Integrates multiple intergovernmental and non-governmental interests and stakeholders. Performs/participates in high-level policy development and implementation. Works in a close confidential relationship with the Supervisors and Elected Official.

Job Summary

Directs, plans, oversees, and evaluates all environmental/sustainability projects and programs for the Division. This includes short- and long-range strategic planning, talent management, fiscal accountability, quality management, and process improvement. Develops, recommends, and implements strategic organizational policies and procedures. Integrates multiple intergovernmental and non-governmental interests and stakeholders. Performs/participates in high-level policy development and implementation. Works in a close confidential relationship with the Supervisors and Elected Official.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field, plus six (6) years of related experience, of which one (1) year must have been supervisory or administrative; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Education may not be substituted for the required supervisory/administrative experience.

Essential Functions

• Manages and directs Salt Lake County environmental projects and programs. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates environmental programs. Integrates multiple intergovernmental and non-governmental interests and stakeholders in achieving environmental/sustainability program goals.
• Collaborates with other County agencies to meet the goals of sustainability efforts in Salt Lake County.
• Supervises staff, which includes hiring, orienting, training, assigning, and reviewing work performance, annual work performance appraisals, and discipline.
• Gathers and measures data regarding environmental and economic progress on the effectiveness of programs. Justifies budget requests and program needs in the environmental arena.
• Works closely and directs division initiatives involving committees and subcommittees, County government officials, advisory boards, commissions, and departments, and updates the County on proposed environmental standards, trends, and technologies.
• Advises and/or recommends to the Mayor and County Council the formulation of the County’s sustainability policies and strategies. Exercises budgetary oversight over the Sustainability Division’s annual budget; defines division objectives and operating plans. Exercises independent discretionary decision-making on environmental issues that are complex, interpretive, and evaluative in nature.
• Prepares clear and concise records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials appropriate to the audience and setting. Collects, interprets, evaluates, and reports appropriate environmental and other applicable data in either quantitative or qualitative form presents conclusions, findings, evaluations, advice, and recommendations.

Knowledge of

• Current and emerging environmental/sustainability trends and programs, including but not limited to climate change, air quality, water quality, energy efficiency, and renewable energy
• Current federal, state, and local environmental regulations
• Principles and techniques of management and supervision
• Principles, practices, tools, and techniques of program/project planning and implementation
• Conflict resolution and natural resource collaboration methods
• Data gathering and analysis methods and best practices

Skills and Abilities to

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and deliver public speeches, presentations, and trainings
• Perform budget planning and preparation
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information, prepare technical reports, and present technical information clearly and concisely
• Work professionally with a variety of elected officials
• Work independently and on a team
• Multi-task, manage multiple projects, establish priorities, organize workload, and work effectively under deadline pressures
• Negotiate complex issues having broad policy implications with a variety of stakeholders
• Effectively manage and deal with conflict
• Work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrate proficiency with computer software related to the job-specific duties
• Write federal, state, and local grant applications

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

Work duties are typically performed in a general office setting. May require travel within Salt Lake County.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION

This is an appointed at-will position without tenure and is exempt from the career service system.