Chief Sustainability Officer

General Definition and Conditions of Work

The Sustainability Coordinator will be responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing management of policies, programs, and projects that advance the Town of Carrboros sustainability goals as determined by the Town Council and Manager. These goals may include energy, water, structural and development environment, climate change mitigation, and community resilience. Under the supervision of the Town Manager, this position will operate in coordination with staff across Town departments on projects that incorporate sustainability goals.

Physical Requirements
Work is performed in an office environment. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, standing, walking, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Essential Functions

• Supports strategic planning efforts in line with long-term sustainable outcomes that relate to resource efficiency, renewable energy, climate resiliency, and conservation for Town properties and common spaces (parks, sidewalks, infrastructure).
• Develops projects, programs, and studies that enable the Town to achieve sustainability goals.
• Coordinates with project managers across Town departments to provide technical review and project support for building upgrades, construction, site planning, and ongoing management or maintenance.
• Conducts data analysis and provides technical expertise to facility managers as relates to resource efficiency, management, and other metrics.
• Assumes responsibilities for overall sustainability work with focus on community participation, data-driven outcomes, and transparency.
• Fosters a culture of equity and inclusion as it aligns with the Towns values.
• Actively identify state and federal grant funding opportunities to support the Towns sustainability goals.
• Maintains knowledge of and ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Provide oversight and leadership to the Town and established advisory committees related to climate action and sustainability.
• Supervise a team of sustainability and climate action practitioners.
• Serve as an advisor to the Town Managers Office on sustainability considerations and initiatives.

Education and Experience

A combination of education and professional work experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university in the field of sustainability, with preference given to those candidates with a bachelors degree in sustainability, environmental science, energy, or related fields and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability planning and implementation OR a masters degree in environmental science, sustainability, or related fields and two (2) years of experience. Applicants MUST also possess the following:

• At least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• A valid North Carolina drivers license and good driving record.

Preference will be given to those with additional job-related certifications and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Understanding of municipal planning and development.
• Familiarity with the Town and North Carolina ordinances and land use policies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sustainability best-practices, theories, and principles as they apply to municipal operations.

Skills:

• Problem-solving skills with the ability to recommend and implement effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills that lend themselves to productive, collaborative working relationships.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills that support clear reporting and presentation.
• Skill in forecasting budgets, analyzing cost savings, and determining future return on investments; produces detailed analysis of proposed investments and progress reports towards achieving sustainability goals.
• Skill in short-term and long-term strategic planning.

Abilities:

• Ability to coordinate, conduct, compute, and analyze data relating to sustainability practices and outcomes.
• Ability to identify external funding opportunities, including grants and incentive programs, as well as preparing funding applications.
• Ability to use and/or learn software selected by the Town and department that support or enable job functions.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and provide recommendations on potential administrative or operational problems related to sustainability.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written correspondence while establishing working relationships with other personnel, supervisors, elected officials, and the general public.

Disclaimer

CARRBORO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Town of Carrboro considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their skills, dedication and service, to the diversity and excellence of our organization.

The Town of Carrboro offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to all permenant employees.

Health Insurance

The Town provides a group medical insurance including family coverage through our medical provider, Aetna. The Town pays the cost of employee only coverage and shares the costs of adding family members (including domestic partners) to the town plan. Health insurance is effective the first day of of the month following new hire’s start date.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is an optional benefit administered through our dental provider, Aetna. Dental coverage is paid for by the employee. Coverage for eligible dependents is also available.

Vision Insurance

Vision insurance is a benefit offered through our vision provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Vision coverage is paid for by the Town. Coverage for eligible dependents is also available.

Flexible Spending Account

An optional benefit offered through our provider, Flex. Eligible health and dependent care expenses can be paid for with pre-tax dollars allocated onto a Visa card.

Paid Time Off

• Annual Leave: Permenant full-time employees earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon years of service. Permenant part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
• Sick Leave: Permenant full-time employees accrue at a rate of one day per month of service or twelve days per calendar year. Shift employees of the Fire-Rescue Department earn sick leave at the rate of five, twenty-four hour tour-of-duty days per calendar year. Permenant part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
• Paid-Time Off: Permenant full-time employees recieve three (3) days (36 hours for Fire-Rescue personnel) per calendar year of time to be used as needed. Time is pro-rated to employee’s start date. Permenant part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
• Paid Caregiver Leave: Qualifying employees receive 240 hours of Paid Caregiver Leave to care for an immediate family member including birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from employee’s leave bank.
• Paid Holidays: There are 12 official Town holidays. Employees in full or permenant part-time positions are eligible for paid holiday time.

Local Government Retirement System

All employees in permenant full- or part-time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.

Supplemental Retirement Plan

The Town makes a contribution of 5% for law enforcement officers and 3% for all other employees to town sponsored 401(k) administered through Empower. NO employee match is required, however, employees have the option of making contributions on a pre- or post-tax basis.

Disability and Life Insurance

• Town Paid: The Town covers both long term disability and life/AD&D insurance for permenant employees.
• Employee Paid: Employees have the option of enrolling in short-term disability and purchaing supplemental life and dependent life insurance at their own expense.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their dependents eligible to recieve free and confidential 24/7 counseling through the Town’s Employee Assistance Program.

Additional Benefits

• Service Level Benefit payment based on years of service beginning year zero (0) of permenant full-time employment. Paid in December before holidays each year.
• O2 Fitness membership paid for by the Town.
• Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Carrboro are eligible to open accounts at the Local Government Federal Credit Union.
• Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period.