Sustainability Specialist

Under the direction of the Sustainability Manager, facilitates the goals and objectives of the County’s sustainability initiatives, environmental programs, and energy use policies and practices for both internal County operations and the greater community (i.e. commercial, residential and institutional sectors). This is an interdisciplinary position requiring considerable familiarity with a broad range of issues related to environmental sustainability. Initiatives may include preparing, promoting, coordinating, planning, monitoring, and implementing programs associated with the County’s sustainability, recycling, energy, and environmental policies, procedures, and ordinances. Serves as the County’s liaison with other entities and organizations regarding sustainability and environmental matters that will promote the County’s initiatives and programs. Facilitates the County’s sustainability initiatives to protect natural resources and enhance the quality of life for current and future residents of Santa Fe County. Assists with the development and implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan strategy, including municipal and countywide greenhouse gas accounting, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan for County operations, the countywide climate action plan implementation of key actions and programs, and climate action reporting through annual reporting for Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), dashboards, and presentations in public forums. Coordinates with businesses, community groups along with public agencies in the region that are involved in sustainability initiatives to explore opportunities for synergism and partnerships. Identifies County government targets and metrics and works with departments to accomplish appropriate goals that address greenhouse gas emissions reductions; pollution prevention and waste reduction; conservation of natural resources; utilization of renewable energy and energy efficiency strategies; environmentally sound purchasing policies; green building; deployment of electric fleet vehicles; installation and infrastructure planning of electric vehicle charging stations; and facility operations and maintenance practices. Manages the collection, storage, analysis, and reporting of climate action data; prepares sustainability status reporting to measure progress and performance. Implements compliance and reporting for various Federal, State and local required programs. Informs, educates and seeks input from citizens, business owners and community groups, (including schools, neighborhood associations and non-profits) regarding the importance of deploying clean energy strategies (solar power and energy efficiency) and increasing waste reduction and recycling rates. Organizes public outreach efforts and public education programs dealing with sustainability, clean energy measures and other resource management issues. Provides technical assistance to the public regarding solar power feasibility and compliance with the County Code’s residential and commercial energy efficiency requirements for new construction. Responds in a timely manner to public inquiries regarding sustainability issues. Serves as a staff liaison with specific boards, commissions, working groups and/or committees, providing technical advice and assistance. Performs and reviews technical calculations and studies; prepares and reviews graphs, tables, spreadsheets and other analysis and presentation material; and measures and monitors the impact of sustainability projects. Conducts research about sustainability policies, requirements, and funding sources; prepares internal and public facing communications such as presentations, funding proposals, SharePoint content, and newsletter articles. Presents ideas, technical data, and policy options to the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager, and Santa Fe County staff. Provides direction and support and leads presentations to County staff regarding sustainability goals; and encourages active staff participation in sustainability initiatives. Collaborates with other County departments on sustainability projects and supports the development and management of budgets and work plans to operationalize the County’s climate action goals. Researches and completes grant applications for available sustainability funding. Supports community climate action planning efforts; develops and implements programs that foster community climate resiliency and equity; and promotes the conservation of natural habitats within the county. Provides project management and corroborates with external consultants and contractors. Maintains current knowledge of industry trends, initiatives, standards, and best practices. Establishes and maintains working relationships with community organizations, sustainability programs, other municipalities in New Mexico and industry experts to pursue collaborative sustainability solutions. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of technical issues and practices in multiple sustainability areas related to green purchasing, energy efficiency and conservation, performance measurement, environmental management systems, solid waste and recycling, resource management, water conservation, green building and building sciences, low impact development, pollution prevention, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, climate change, and renewable energy. Knowledge of county and state government. Ability to develop and implement programs with minimal supervision. Ability to provide effective public education and technical assistance, including implementing comprehensive outreach and marketing campaigns. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with individuals and in large public forums, and as a team member and team leader. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County Officials/ Departments, consultants, vendors, contractors, other governmental agencies, and the public. Ability to respond courteously, tactfully, and effectively to public concerns and complaints. Skilled in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs in a Windows environment. Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Energy Sciences, Urban Planning, Architecture, Geography, Public Administration or a closely related field, and Four (4) years of experience in sustainable development, energy or resource conservation, solid waste management, environmental policy development, or a closely related field. Any combination of education or experience in public or business administration, economic development, or a closely related field totaling eight (8) years. Related education and experience may be substituted for education at a rate of 30 credit hours equal to one (1) year of experience. Master’s degree preferred. Working Conditions Work is generally performed in an office setting. Work schedule may include evening and weekend hours. Travel may be required rarely. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; climb or balance; and talk or hear. Clarity of vision at long and short distance required. May be required to lift up to 20 pounds. May be exposed occasionally to hazardous materials; to high risk or potentially dangerous situations; to dust, fumes, airborne particles, or allergens; to excessive noise; to working near hazardous or moving equipment or machinery; and to working with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. Will use protective clothing, equipment, devices, or materials on occasion. May be subject to exposure to CRTs and VDTs. Conditions of Employment Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. #J-18808-Ljbffr