DEFINITION:
Under the general supervision of the Community Development Director, plan, organize and coordinate a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and environmental sustainability program, establish and implement an action plan for City operations and the community-at-large, and implement the City’s Solid Waste Program, including public education and outreach tasks and other action items related to increasing landfill diversion rates.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Coordinate sustainability activities among departments, external agencies, and community organizations and Citywide, including GHG emissions reduction, energy efficiency, solid waste reduction and resources management, renewable energy, alternative transportation options and technologies, water conservation, and water and air quality management.
- Serve as the staff liaison and support the Environmental Commission.
- Serve as a technical resource on sustainability initiatives.
- Work with City departments to establish sustainable practices applicable to their respective functions.
- Update the City’s Climate Action Plan by facilitating a GHG inventory update, establishing emissions reduction targets consistent with State guidelines, and developing strategies, goals, quantitative actions and qualitative supporting measures.
- Keep City current on Federal, State, and local legislation affecting sustainability programs and projects, and analyze implications of new regulations and requirements.
- Assist the Building Division with the Green Halo Program to ensure compliance with the Construction & Demolition (C&D) Ordinance requirements.
- Develop, plan, and implement tasks for the Solid Waste Program and other City programs to maintain compliance with the Federal, State, and local regulations. Implementation of tasks includes, but is not limited to, field work, public education and outreach to businesses and residents, collaborating and coordinating with consultants, etc.
- Revise the Los Altos Municipal Code to meet current regulations and requirements in the various programs.
- Prepare staff reports for commissions and City Council.
- Maintain and monitor a sustainability audit/inventory to measure baseline levels of the City’s energy and water consumption and GHG emissions.
- Develop and maintain a city-wide sustainability plan including strategies, policies, and programs which will assist in the plan’s implementation.
- Evaluate proposed sustainability measures to prioritize investment through life cycle costing, cost/benefit analysis, or another matrix prior to implementation.
- Develop and implement mechanisms to track progress in achieving environmentally sustainable goals and objectives.
- Develop an urban forest plan and coordinate and monitor the City’s tree inventory. Encourage the use of environmentally friendly landscaping practices including native plant landscaping, composting and organic fertilizers, and sustainable landscaping materials.
- Assist in LEED certification processes and contribute recommendations for retrofitting existing buildings in order to promote energy conservation and to reduce GHGs.
- Develop, plan and coordinate a program; conduct budget analysis; prepare public information materials; conduct cost benefit analysis; use computer and specialized software.
- Write grant applications.
- Act as a City representative on sustainability topics to private organizations and other government agencies.
- Make presentations to Council, the Environmental Commission, other City departments, and applicable outside organizations.
- Prepare and present public information materials.
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets, correspondence and presentations for a variety of environmental programs and initiatives, including sustainability, recycling, waste management, environmental compliance and protection, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Procedures for planning and coordinating programs; principles and practices of public administration; applicable laws and ordinances; Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations; sustainable development programs; environmental education, technical research, and report/grant writing abilities; working knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes; working knowledge of the use and application of modern information and telecommunications systems and technologies.
ABILITY TO:
Develop, plan and coordinate a program; prepare public information materials; conduct cost benefit analyses; use computer and specialized software; work effectively with the Community Development Director, Engineering Services Director, the City Manager, City Council and Environmental Commission; communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively both orally and in writing; utilize modern information and communication technologies.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- Three years of progressively responsible experience in related field.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, economics, planning or closely related program.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to employment, a Class C California Driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
- Experience coordinating programs in a public sector environment is desired.
IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small-town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas and walking on uneven terrain and climbing to reach certain access points may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a livescan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.
This position is open until filled with a first review date of November 4, 2019
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment based on a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
