Sustainability Specialist – Part Time

The City of Renton is accepting applications for the position of Sustainability Specialist in the Public Works Sustainability & Solid Waste section. This position is part-time working 20 hours per week within the Monday-Friday workweek and is telework eligible (up to 2 days working from home).

The Sustainability Specialist performs analytical and administrative tasks in the support of sustainability and solid waste management programs. The Public Works Sustainability & Solid Waste section sets sustainability and carbon solution goals through planning, project implementation, partnerships, and community engagement. The section has a broad mandate that includes promoting and supporting projects that address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reductions, zero waste of resources, renewable energy use, resource conservations and stewardship, and sustainable infrastructure. Our team works collaboratively within Public Works and across City Departments to advance change.

Working for the City of Renton comes with an excellent benefits package pro-rated for regular part-time employees, including:

• Deferred compensation with the City contributing 3% of the employee’s salary.
• VEBA Plan with the City contributing 1% of the employee’s salary.
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance at affordable rates
• Paid leave for vacation, sick, eleven holidays and two “personal” holidays a year
• State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) plan enrollment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop strategies, plans, and programs for enhanced and improved innovations that address sustainability and climate resiliency across subject areas.
• Identify, plan, and organize public works projects that focus on, and support sustainability, environmental conservation, and climate resiliency.
• Coordinate and promote education/outreach programs, activities and events related to sustainability; implement program goals and objectives.
• Create or maintain plans or other documents related to sustainability projects.
• Coordinate engagement with internal and external stakeholders to develop program and project awareness; align strategies, plans, and actions to create buy-in and drive outcomes.
• Research new programs and activities related to sustainability.
• Assist in the design and production of education and outreach materials such as brochures, flyers, posters and reports.
• Facilitate efforts to improve City and community environmental practices including waste prevention and materials management, water and energy conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other conservation programs.
• Respond to questions and concerns from local agencies, organizations, and community members; meet with residents, professional associations and community groups as needed.
• Represent the City at various community events to promote waste reduction, recycling and other sustainability initiatives.
• Assist in the development and implementation of communication plans and strategies that provide public education and convey the Citys commitment to sustainability, resilient infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.
• Collect, interpret and analyze data used to manage and evaluate sustainability programs; prepare reports and make recommendations for improvement and innovation.
• Assist in negotiation and management of contracts (programs, consultant services, etc.).
• Prepare correspondence, agenda bills, ordinances, resolutions, agenda bills and related documents for administrative and legislative review.
• Research, analyze, and implement local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Conduct field inspections as needed, prepare required reports; assure permit and other requirements are in compliance; resolve customer complaints.
• Interact with appropriate federal, state, local and private agencies as necessary.
• Contribute to an environment of teamwork and respect.
• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals.
• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• May be assigned to support critical city priorities during disasters or other emergencies.

To review a complete job description please review: Class Specifications | Sustainability Specialist | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

• 2 years of college-level course work in environmental studies or a related discipline.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in sustainability education/outreach.
• Or 3 years relevant education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful passing of a required driving record check.
• Successful passing of a required background check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Drive to offsite locations to perform essential functions.
• Move throughout City facilities and buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate with City employees and residents.
• Lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds on occasion.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Work evening and/or weekend hours as needed.
• Noise level in the office is moderately quiet and out in the field is moderately loud.
• Night meetings may be required.

Telework Program

The City of Renton supports workers performing in a hybrid capacity (partial telework/in-office) where job responsibilities can be performed remotely. This position may be eligible for a telework arrangement, up to 2 days remote, based on the operational needs of the City and specific Department. Regardless of job title or telework arrangement, City of Renton employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

Accommodation

Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process may contact [email protected] at least 2 days prior to the need.

Selection Procedure

The City of Renton embraces a diverse and inclusive workforce and prides itself on promoting collaboration and teamwork in a positive environment while providing high quality services to the community. For more information about the City of Renton, please visit the following website: https://whyrenton.com/about-renton-washington/

The City has adopted an anonymous application process that prevents hiring managers from seeing personal identifiers, including candidates names, addresses, and other similar information. This eliminates the possibility of unintentional or implicit bias during the screening of applications. For that reason, you will not have the ability to attach any documents to your application, including a cover letter or resume. Please make sure to submit a complete, detailed, and updated job application.

Communication from the City of Renton:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from rentonwa.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. We also communicate via text and encourage you to sign up for text alerts when completing your job application.

Recruitment Process:
The screening process will include a review of minimum qualifications and applicants selected for an interview will be invited via email to self-schedule a time through the Government Jobs account. At minimum, this position will be subject to a standard criminal background check and professional reference check. This position requires driving and is also subject to a driving record check from the WA State Dept of Licensing (or other state equivalent). Driving records will be evaluated based on a points system depending on the infraction and severity.

This position is represented by AFSCME, Local 2170, and the applicable benefits are as follows:

• Employees are offered a choice of medical/vision coverage through either Kaiser Permanente or the City’s self-insured plan. Preferred Provider Option is available through the self-insured plan. Rates for both plans are available on the Benefit webpage. Please click on the link at the bottom of the page for details.
• The dental insurance plan covers services such as regular checkups, x-rays, fillings and crowns. Orthodontia coverage is also provided.

• The City contributes 3% of the employee’s base wage rate into a deferred compensation retirement plan.
• Employees may also set aside a percentage of their earnings on a tax-deferred basis.

Retirement Plan

• Employees are enrolled in either the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Plan (PERS) or the Public Safety Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS).
• The following position is required to be enrolled in PSERS*
  • Probation Officer

• If an employee was in PERS prior to 2006, the employee had the choice to remain in the PERS plan.

• Both the employee and employer contribute to the plan.

VEBA

The City contributes 1% of base pay into individual employee VEBA accounts, which can be used to pay out of pocket medical expenses.

• A group term life insurance policy is provided to each employee at a value equivalent to the annual salary, up to $50,000.
• Each eligible dependent is also provided with a $1,000 policy. There is no cost to the employee.
• Optional supplemental insurance is available for employees and their dependents at group rates.

• Many employees are provided with a long term disability policy up to the equivalent of 60% of their salary.

• The City offers employees the opportunity to open two separate tax-free accounts through salary reduction. One account is to pay for expenses not covered by health insurance and the other account is for child care costs.

• Employees accrue vacation beginning with the first day of employment as follows: 12 days per year (0-5 years); 18 days per year (6-10 years); 21 days per year (11-15 years); 24 days per year (16-20 years); and 27 days per year (21+ years).
• Employees may access their vacation after six months of employment.

• Upon employment, the employee receives a sick leave bank of 24 hours, with an additional 24 hours awarded after three months.
• Thereafter, sick leave accrues at the rate of four hours each pay period.

• A confidential counseling assessment and referral service is available without cost to employees and family members for help with personal, family or job-related problems.

• The City of Renton pays employees on the tenth and the twenty-fifth of each month (24 pay periods each year).

• The City recognizes eleven holidays and offers two “personal” holidays each calendar year for most employees, unless otherwise specified in a labor contract.

• Flexible work schedules are available in many departments.

• Unlimited free rides on various bus systems as well as various carpool and rideshare options are available for City employees.