Sustainability Specialist

Recruitment #21-4503-001

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Introduction

Responsibilities

The Sustainability Specialist promotes, develops, and implements sustainability programs and projects internal and external to the City of Dayton. The position requires considerable technical and legal understanding, tact, discretion, and persuasion. The position works closely with other City Departments, residents, community organizations, businesses, and elected officials to advocate and guide sustainability initiatives. The Sustainability Specialist is responsible for evaluating metrics and savings against targets. The Sustainability Specialist also develops and presents education and outreach programs for both City staff and community members. Finally, the Sustainability Specialist prepares and submits applications for third party grants and awards. The Sustainability Specialist has the following specific responsibilities:

  • Developing and evaluating City-wide programs, policies, proclamations, resolutions, ordinances and press releases
  • Update the City Manager, the Mayor, and the Commission on progress implementing the City’s Sustainability Strategy
  • Prepare an annual report on City accomplishments and activities
  • Update Lead energy-related efficiency and growth in renewable energy, including electrical aggregation for residents and small businesses, and municipal solar projects
  • Lead public awareness, education and outreach efforts, including training for City staff, working with local press entities, improvements to the City sustainability webpage, and social media activities
  • Improve relationships with community partners interested in sustainability to build sustainability capacity within neighborhoods, the City, and the region
  • Draft project requests for proposals (RFPs), grant applications, award nominations
  • Research innovative best practices
  • Oversee SOCHE intern, if retained/restored
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor degree in Climate Science, Sustainability, Earth Science, Ecology, Biology, Energy-Efficiency, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Natural Science, Public Administration, or Urban Planning AND five (5) years of experience in state and national grant applications, environmental education presentation and programming, community engagement speaking, with technical and programmatic research analysis expertise.

A Master's or Law degree in at least one of the previous mentioned fields is preferred with a minimum of two (2) years of related experience. 

Degree must be from a college or university that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education through the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities or equivalent region.

License Requirements

Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain thereafter as a term and condition of continued employment.

General Requirements

Successful candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the following:

  • Experience working with diverse stakeholders.
  • Successfully drafted State or National grant award applications.
  • Experience conducting community engagement activities.
  • Experience designing and presenting environmental education programs.
  • Experience undertaking technical and programmatic research and data analysis.
Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Preferred)

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing reports and designing PowerPoint presentations.
  • Ability to prepare and brief leadership and elected officials on Office challenges, tactics, methods, and accomplishments.
  • Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
  • Attention to detail and organizational abilities.
  • Ability to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Understanding of land-use and zoning concepts and requirements.
  • Understanding of electric aggregation programs.
  • Conducting an energy efficiency assessment.
  • Public speaking skills.
  • Knowledge on how to pursue solar energy projects.
  • Understanding of climate resilience, assessment and planning.

Notes

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled, however first consideration will be given to resumes received by Friday, July 9, 2021 at 4:30 PM.  A complete position description may be obtained from the Human Resources Office, City Hall, 101 W. Third Street, Room 335, P.O. Box 22, Dayton, Ohio 45401-0022.

Final permanent appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a job-related medical examination, background investigation, and providing documentary evidence of Employment Authorization and Identity required by the Immigration and Nationality Act.  

Applicants offered employment with the City will be required to pass a nicotine screening. Newly hired employees must remain tobacco and nicotine free as a condition of continued employment.   

The Tobacco and Nicotine Free Hiring Policy does not apply to current City employees subsequent to HR Policy 2.09. 

THE CITY OF DAYTON IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER