Environmental Education & Community Outreach Coordinator - Special Projects

Job Details Join the City of Plano’s award‑winning Sustainability & Environmental Services team as a Special Projects Coordinator and contribute to high‑impact initiatives that advance environmental stewardship across the community. This dynamic position supports a wide range of environmental projects as needs arise, providing critical analytical and implementation support to help the City achieve measurable sustainability outcomes. Summary of Duties Under general supervision, the Environmental Education & Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for presentations, programmes and activities for schools, community and civic groups and businesses. Concentration Areas Garden & Landscaping – Responsible for performing activities associated with landscaping and maintenance of the Environmental Education Center (EEC), Nature Explore Classroom and Discovery Trail. Provides oversight and conducts tours and orientations of the EEC, oversees operations of the Plano Community Garden (PCG) and acts as a liaison between gardeners and division staff, schedules and works with volunteer groups to accomplish special projects and tasks. Litter Awareness – Coordinates proper solid waste management, litter prevention, illegal dumping and beautification programming to prevent and reduce litter in the community. Waste Reduction – Coordinates recycling, waste reduction, household chemical reuse, electronic waste and proper solid waste management programming to increase the residential recycling rate. Sustainability – Performs a wide range of functions including design and implementation of various sustainability projects. Outreach & Engagement – Produces articles, social media content, design work, award applications and outreach material for all SEED division education and outreach programmes. Assists the SEED team in promoting and seeking new engagement opportunities for programmes and presentations. Water Quality & Conservation – Develops, administers and evaluates water education programming that supports the City’s Water Management Plan, Drought & Emergency Response Plan, Stormwater Permit and Fats, Oils and Grease (F.O.G.) Programme. Essential Job Functions 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. Develops and organizes educational programmes and activities for volunteers, community and the City. Researches new and evaluates existing programmes for effectiveness and efficiency; assists in policy recommendations for resource management and conservation. Writes and creates presentations, press action requests, newsletter articles, brochures, flyers and other public awareness materials for sustainability volunteer programmes; develops and facilitates marketing strategies. Designs and schedules social media posts to promote department programmes and sustainability information; updates outreach websites. Participates in local, regional and national organisations focused on environmental education, volunteerism and community outreach goals and objectives. Plans and implements special events for the community. Develops and delivers presentations, lessons and workshops to varied community audiences including both youth and adults. Helps maintain the upkeep of the Nature Explore Classroom and Environmental Education Center. Keeps current with new developments in environmental awareness and resource conservation; incorporates new developments into appropriate programmes. Maintains records for monthly, quarterly and annual reports. Prepares information and completes requirements for eligible grants and awards. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential. When Assigned to Sustainability In addition to the essential functions listed above: Designs and implements various sustainability projects. Works toward integrating sustainability into city plans, programmes, policies and performance measures and evaluates the environmental and social effects of proposed projects. Conducts Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions inventory every 2‑3 years. Works with various government partners and educational institutions to reduce GHG emissions. Provides analysis and guidance to co‑workers and community members on sustainability priorities. Helps develop and prepare new or updated code amendments, regulations, policies and procedures supporting the implementation of the City’s sustainability plans, as directed. Collects and analyses technical and financial data related to alternative fuel and electricity cost‑effectiveness. Facilitates discussion groups, provides support and acts as a liaison with groups, councils and businesses to build consensus and resolve conflicts on affected policies and programmes. Uses software to develop dashboards and visualisations for key performance metrics and indicators, including submittal of required reporting for various programmes and/or for benchmarking city performance. Engages and supports large Plano corporations in advancing sustainability throughout the community. Assists community stakeholders in assessing demand‑side energy improvements including energy‑efficiency, renewable energy and electric vehicles and identifying barriers to action. Marginal Duties Performs other duties as assigned. Typical Decisions The incumbent must formulate programme goals and objectives and identify appropriate activities and functions to meet those objectives. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge Of: Environmental issues; solid waste service; teaching and public education practices; volunteer group management and organisation; environmental conservation methods; water conservation, composting, Texas native plants and plant management; recycling; litter abatement; energy conservation practices; principles, practices and methods of marketing. Skills and Abilities: Providing effective and persuasive presentations; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; organising events and activities; recruiting, leading and maintaining a strong volunteer base; facilitation; attention to detail; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City employees and the public. Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, sustainability, landscaping, public relations or related field. Experience: Three (3) years of experience in programme management or teaching. Any work‑related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above minimum qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the specified education and experience requirements. Licenses and Certifications: Valid Class C driver’s licence (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law). Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, driver licence check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check. Employees who use their personal vehicle for City business are required to maintain proof of financial responsibility under the Texas Transportation Code 601, which includes carrying the minimum liability insurance limits as defined by the Texas Department of Insurance. Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Primarily a sedentary classification, though standing in work areas and walking and driving between work areas may be required. The position may involve occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Field work may require working outdoors in varied weather conditions with manual handling up to 50 pounds. Benefits Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans. Membership in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), with the City matching contributions 2:1 upon retirement. Enrollment in the Retirement Security Plan (RSP) which is fully funded by the City. Up to three weeks of paid vacation. Up to three weeks of paid sick leave per year. Nine paid holidays. Tuition assistance. Free library card. Free recreation centre membership. Equal Employment Opportunity Equal Opportunity Employer – EOE/M/F/V/D. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Plano