Sustainability Specialist – Climate Engagement

The Sustainability Specialist will connect community members to resources that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve Bloomington’s resiliency to climate change. Their work will focus on implementing engagement activities and coordinating the planning, administration, and delivery of sustainability and resiliency program initiatives.

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Models and contributes to a positive work environment, culture of communication, engagement and safety
• Communicates effectively and respectfully with employees and the general public, including but not limited to those of diverse racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Works cooperatively as a member of a team; develops and maintains effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Embraces the City’s shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City’s vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

Examples of Duties

• Build and maintain relationships and trust with community members, especially those who have been historically underserved; BIPOC, low-income, immigrants, and communities with limited English proficiency
• Meet with residents, property owners, community groups, and other advocacy organizations to collaborate and assist with completing sustainability projects
• Help residents find resources to address sustainability issues and climate change resiliency
• Maintain and expand knowledge of sustainability programs and resources available to Bloomington residents and property owners
• Implement sustainability programs, initiatives, and procedures with a strong focus on making connections, and sharing information to reach climate change mitigation and resiliency goals
• Develop, coordinate, and attend events, make presentations, and distribute information to groups or individuals about key topics in sustainability
• Coordinate sustainability projects with other City divisions such as the HRA, Planning, and Public Health
• Work with the Bloomington HRA to complete sustainability upgrades in City-owned housing
• Maintain and expand knowledge of sustainability programs and resources available to Bloomington residents and property owners
• Work with staff and community partners to create population-specific print materials, videos, social media campaigns, and surveys to engage and educate different stakeholders on sustainability services and activities
• Develop tools to track and evaluate the effectiveness of related outreach and education programs
• Prepare comprehensive grant applications to support climate change mitigation and resiliency initiatives
• Provide community feedback and prepare written and oral reports, program descriptions, recommendations for action, and other communications to City staff, elected and appointed officials, energy program providers, and the public
• Assist with the administrative needs of the City’s sustainability work including research, analysis, reporting, performance measurement, data documentation, presentations, and correspondence
• Attend committee or task force meetings as assigned
• Keep supervisor informed and make recommendations on critical issues
• Assist in other areas of the department or in other departments as needed on projects
• Obtain and maintain any needed training necessary for the duties assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong written and oral communication
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities including BIPOC, low-income, immigrants, and communities with limited English proficiency
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects at the same time
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work to ensure completion of projects with overlapping timelines
• Ability to ensure programs align with the mission, core values, and objectives of the City’s strategic plan
• Ability to collect, process, and analyze data
• Ability to present simple and complex information in a public setting and provide technical knowledge of the subject matter
• Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of sustainability programs and resources offered in Bloomington
• Ability to plan and deliver community events
• Ability to adhere and comply with confidentiality and data practices
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships with supervisors, coworkers, program recipients, property owners/managers, contractors, and other agencies
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends

Minimum/Desirable Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Four years’ experience in architecture, building science, communications, community engagement, environmental studies, housing, marketing, public administration, public health, real estate, sales, social work, sustainability, or a related field; OR a bachelor’s degree in the above fields
• Three years’ experience conducting community outreach, working in sales, or higher-level customer service
• Two years’ experience in the coordination and delivery of community events
• Microsoft Office Suite, specific Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver’s license

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• One year experience working with sustainability program providers
• Experience participating in an energy efficiency or assistance program
• Experience in the delivery of housing programs, property management, construction, building inspections, real estate, or other related single-family or multi-family building experience
• Experience in drafting, negotiating, and administering development contracts and/or funding grants
• Experience in concept, design, administration, and marketing of community-based programs
• Experience collecting and analyzing data
• Ability to speak a second language, in addition to English that has a recognized presence in the community. (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, Cambodian, etc.)

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

This position does not supervise others.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $34.69 – $36.80 Hourly

2023 Full Salary Range: $34.69 – $46.25 Hourly

Full-Time; Non-Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Eligible

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.