County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction this position is responsible for managing county-wide sustainability programs and/or projects in distinct areas of specialty such as, but not limited to: environmentally preferable procurement; resource conservation, and recycling; waste reduction; climate change; green building; sustainable transportation; weatherization; and clean energy, renewable energy, and energy efficiency; and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and guidelines; perform a variety of responsible administrative functions including research and analysis of programs; monitor contracts; and to perform related duties as required. This position works with County departments and external entities, and the community in the course of promoting and advancing sustainability programs.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Sustainability Project Managers are assigned to the General Services Agency and are supervised by and receive direction from a Program Manager, Assistant Deputy Director, or Deputy Director.  Sustainability Project Managers are distinguished from the Program Manager, Assistant Deputy Director or Deputy Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for the planning, implementation and development of all program areas whereas Sustainability Project Managers are responsible  for their assigned programs and/or projects. The Sustainability Project Manager is further distinguished from the Sustainability Specialists in that the former performs duties of a more difficult and complex nature, with responsibility focused on planning and implementing day-to-day sustainability program activities and related projects, whereas Sustainability Specialists are responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of programs and/or projects.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: Following are the duties performed by an employee in this classification. However, an employee may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Specialty area(s) may include, but are not limited to:  environmentally preferable procurement; resource conservation and recycling; waste reduction; climate change; green building; weatherization; sustainable transportation; and clean energy, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.

1. Develops, implements and evaluates sustainability programs and/or projects and policies within specialty areas; and ensures timely implementation of departmental goals, policies, and strategic plans.
2. Develops and administers budget(s) for assigned programs and /or projects; assesses financial and operational viability of projects and recommendations; monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget(s).
3. Develops and implements financial and program performance measures to ensure effectiveness and compliance with mandates including, but not limited to, program costs, expenditures, and participation levels; waste diversion; environmentally preferable purchasing; sustainability; climate change; sustainable transportation; recycling and green building accomplishments.

4. Analyzes markets for the availability, cost, and performance of environmentally preferable products and materials; works with county agencies to develop technical specifications for such products and materials; and partners with appropriate departments through the procurement and acquisition of products and materials.
5. Works directly with Agency Directors and other County departments to develop and implement sustainability programs and/projects at County facilities. and in the community.  Advances regional sustainability by building partnerships with other governments, businesses, and the community. 
6 Researches and determines operational and financial viability of greener operating practices; develops standard operating procedures, guidelines, and policies to achieve broad resource conservation and sustainability targets; assists staff and agencies in the implementation of practices as assigned; and sets up performance systems to monitor and report on accomplishments.
7. Develops and implements clean energy efficiency programs in coordination with weatherization and construction and housing rehabilitation projects.  Plans, implements, and evaluates all program activities.  Monitors and interprets related policies, laws and regulations; develops policy positions and ensures that the County is represented at the state and federal levels; and develops and implements programs and  policies to ensure that the County complies with mandates, requirements, and goals.  Provides direct customer service with, but not limited to:  staffing program help line, resolving issues, answering questions, conducting workshops, and supporting technical staff workload as assigned.

8. Monitors, interprets and applies laws and regulations related to assigned environmental programs and/or projects within specialty areas and develops internal programs and policies to comply with federal, State and Local Government sustainability mandates.
9. Researches and develops grant proposals necessary to support program development, manages and monitors compliance of grant conditions and grant disbursement processes.
10. Provides support to County departments by serving as a technical resource, conducting research into sustainability matters and funding opportunities.
11. Conducts outreach to County departments, professional peers, and the public by making program presentations; developing working relationships for information sharing, networking, and benchmarking; and creating outreach materials.
12. Prepares request for proposals and quotations for contractor selection. Analyzes and monitors the performance of contractors and services provided to ensure quality of products and services delivered and compliance with expenditures against approved budgets.
13. Develops the scope of work, assigns duties, trains and monitors performance when supervising an intern and/or assigned program staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience as a Sustainability Specialist in the Alameda County classified service (non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts).

Or II
Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science or engineering, urban planning, public policy, social sciences, public or business administration or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

And
Experience:

The equivalent of four years of full-time increasingly responsible experience in the field of environmentally preferable procurement, sustainability, resources conservation, waste reduction, recycling, climate change green building or other related area including experience with responsibility for planning, administering, organizing and coordinating programs.

Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science, urban planning, public policy, social sciences, public or business administration or a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

License:

All candidates must possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's license and be willing and able to drive.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and legal requirement of one or more of the following areas: environmentally preferable procurement, sustainability, recycling, waste reduction, climate change, green building, sustainable transportation, or other related area.
• Principles, practices and techniques of project management and program development and administration.
• Organizational practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and various software.
• Principles and practices of budget, contract, and grant development and administration

Ability to:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs and/or projects
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, proposals, and other written materials of a technical nature.
• Collect, analyze, and compile technical and statistical information.
• Interpret, explain, and apply complex regulations policies and procedures.
• Manage the administration of contracts.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communicate and negotiate in a persuasive and productive manner with groups and individuals.
• Establish and maintain various data collection, record keeping, tracking and reporting systems.
• Direct the work of others on a project.

• Attend night and weekend meetings/events.

 

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

VS:cla 6/97
Newspecs: 0176.doc
co:updated 4/18/00
VH:pf Revised:11/20/00
Csc date: 12/20/00
JC:pf 9/23/02
CSC Date: 10/23/02
SG:po Revised/Retitled 11/9/06
{Old title: Recycle Program Coord.}
CSC Date: 1/3/2007
DRH: cs Revised 4/19/10
CSC Date: 5/19/10
CH:cs 08/26/11
CSC Date: 9/21/11
CH:cs Revised 8/22/13
CSC Date: 9/4/13

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.