Environmental and Sustainability Manager

The Position

The City of Rohnert Park is seeking an Environmental Sustainability Manager to join the Public Works Department and led the environmental services division. This position is a working supervisor position that leads a small team in an effort to manage the Citys General Plan Climate Change element initiative.

TO APPLY:
To be considered for this opportunity, please visit “Job Opportunities” at www.rpcity.org for an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. Work history must include all employment for the last 10 years. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to interview.

PLEASE NOTE:
You may submit a resume or other relevant documents to further describe your qualifications; however, “See Resume” will not meet the requirements to submit a complete application, including employment history, or be accepted in lieu of responses to supplemental questions. If you need assistance applying online, please click on the Application Help/FAQ’s link: www.governmentjobs.com/home/faq.

If you are a CalPERS retiree, you may not work for the City of Rohnert Park more than 960 hours per fiscal year, July 1st through June 30th, nor in a regular, i.e., permanent, position. Work assignments must be temporary, i.e., typically limited to 12 months.

DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates sustainability and environmental activities city-wide, including activities related to energy, water, and natural resource conservation, refuse, fleet, climate action planning and healthy community initiatives; develops public outreach strategies in support of local and regional energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction efforts; serves as a liaison and leader to promote, provide direction, and assist residents, community groups, business organizations, internal departments, and the public in the development and implementation of sustainability efforts; manages highly complex projects, programs and contracts; provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Public Works and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Director of Public Works. Exercises direct or general supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative staff. May provide direction to volunteers and interns.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a professional class that performs highly complex administrative and technical work and leads citywide and community efforts in planning, developing, managing, coordinating, and implementing environmental and sustainability efforts.

Successful performance of the work requires independent judgment and analytical abilities, and a strong knowledge of municipal and state government requirements. Responsibilities include representing the City in a variety of public forums, developing constructive community relationships with a variety of diverse interest groups, and building consensus/trust to implement policy initiatives. Strong written, verbal, interpersonal and human relations skills are essential for an incumbent assigned to this position. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Ideal Candidate

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 implements divisional goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Plans, develops, implements, manages, and monitors the Citys Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, State mandates, and other related policies and projects; tracks and reports on ordinances, laws and regulations having to do with sustainability.
• Plans, directs, and implements measures and programs from the Citys approved General Plan 2040- Climate Change Element and associated programs.
• Manages and administers contracts, agreements, and programs as it relates to assignments.
• Lead program and compliance manager for refuse.
• Serves as a liaison and leader for a variety of community organizations, actively engaging and cultivating relationships with groups organized for climate equity, environmental, and sustainability purposes and builds positive working relationships with the community to ensure these programs are successful.
• Serves as a public spokesperson for the City’s sustainability initiatives and programs by attending conferences, giving presentations and fostering local and regional partnerships with businesses and other organizations, and presenting and promoting the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan at community events and City activities.
• Manages and coordinates community-focused programs related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, decarbonization, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, stormwater management and reuse, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, watershed protection and general sustainability.
• Prepares the Sustainability and Environmental budget; assists in budget implementation; participates in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administers the approved budget.
• Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline procedures as required; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Prepares staff reports to City Council and give presentations.
• Reviews water usage reports and tracks progress of water conservation program; directs and oversees the modification of program to meet regulatory requirements.
• Coordinates with outside agencies related to electric vehicle plan implementation, urban forest management plan coordination, permit compliance, and water conservation.
• Maintains a variety of records, statistics, forms, correspondence, and related documentation on division operations; ensures all mandated forms and reports are properly completed and filed in a timely manner for all City permits; prepares reports and other written documents including quarterly reports, contracts, program plans, and assessments to meet City, State and Federal goals and mandates.
• Researches, identifies, and writes grant applications for sustainability projects that would benefit the City.
• Works with City leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communication opportunities and solutions, and defines and executes appropriate strategies to support them; builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Represents the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Perform complex project and contract management and administration
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.

Qualifications and Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Principles of sustainability, decarbonization, and community environmental protection strategies including conservation, source reduction, pollution prevention, energy efficiency, climate protection, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, recycling and other environmental issues in a public agency setting.
• Principles and practices associated with the management and administration of sustainability and environmental programs including permit compliance, water quality, recycled water, stormwater management, and water conservation.
• Practices of researching environmental issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective reports.
• Familiarity with public land management and stewardship, including land acquisition, conservation easements and other conservation strategies.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of administration of contemporary sustainability and climate action programs.
• Complex contract management, including interpretation of regulations.
• Advanced principles and practices of project management and contract administration. Basic laboratory and field sampling procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution. Pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and laws.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management. Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Practices and procedures of local government, regulatory agencies, and grant agencies.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Research, analyze and summarize sustainability and environmental issues.
• Analyze problems; identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Assess long and short-term sustainability needs and greenhouse gas reduction objectives, and design effective programs to meet these needs in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Prepare and administer division budget.
• Ensure division compliance with operational and mandated regulatory requirements.
• Manage, oversee, and effectively resolve issues associated with complex environmental permitting programs, process improvements, and water supply issues.
• Manage complex projects, master plan updates, general plan implementation, energy audits, and program improvements utilizing available resources effectively.
• Read and interpret financial reports in the monitoring of expenses, revenues, and budget.
• Respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Effectively present information to senior management, public groups, and/or City Council.
• Prepare and present clear and concise technical and administrative reports.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience:

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:

Equivalent to a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in biology, natural resource management, environmental sustainability, urban planning, or a related field, and three (3) years of professional work experience natural resource management, community advocacy or a related field. A Masters degree is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Drivers License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.

Additional Information

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter 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 up to 10 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new-hire employees will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation. Employees must contribute 50% of the normal cost rate to CalPERS, which is currently 6.25%.

Medicare Taxes are withheld, but the City does not participate in Social Security.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Delta Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium cost to employee and eligible dependents.

HOLIDAYS: 12.5 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL LEAVE PROGRAM: 12.67 hrs/month accrual for paid time off. Accrual schedule increases with service. The maximum Annual Leave cap is 500 hours.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: City-paid $50,000 life insurance policy and $1000 for dependents, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program, Bilingual Pay, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Health Care Tax Free Dollar Account Program, Catastrophic Leave Program, and free use of the City’s Sports Center and lap swim in the City’s swimming pools. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance, participate in deferred compensation program and join in a credit union. The City is a non-smoking workplace.

EMPLOYEE UNIT: This position is in the Rohnert Park Employees’ Association Unit. Positions in this unit that are Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) receive 50 hours of Administrative Leave.