Here is the job description for my position as Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Lakewood Colorado:

This position is responsible for establishing and administering a program that focuses on environmental, economic and social sustainability. The Sustainability Coordinator will work with internal and external contacts to develop policies and oversee projects that benefit the long-term health of the Lakewood community. Develops and administers a City-wide sustainability program to meet the Core Community Values identified by the City Council for a sustainable and flourishing community that focuses on environmental, economic and social sustainability. Ensures coordination of efforts with all departments in the implementation of projects and programs. Develops measurement standards to identify the return on investment to the community of any projects and/or programs undertaken. Coordinates and manages the activities of a multi-departmental employee sustainability committee. Examines and makes recommendations to departments on organizational efficiencies that lead to the reduction of waste. Provides technical knowledge and advice in the area of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency and conservation issues. This position reports to the Director of the Office of the Mayor and City Council.
The Candidate
The City seeks a candidate with a minimum of two years experience working in a related field. A Bachelor’s degree in any field is preferred. Continuing education in the areas of environmental sustainability practices and/or land use planning is preferred. The candidate must be current in their thinking and knowledge of the major planning and public policy issues affecting communities today. Ability to make complicated and technical issues interesting and understandable to a wide audience. Ability to communicate effectively with the public, even in an emotionally charged atmosphere. Strong meeting facilitation skills and ability to work well with people from all sectors of a very diverse community, as well as the organization. Excellent writing skills. Ability to handle upset and/or irate citizens in a diplomatic, tactful way that builds credibility, understanding and cools anger. Ability to demonstrate leadership and management skills. Knowledge of and ability to use software, such as MS Word, Excel, etc. Ability to attend meetings after regular business hours. A valid driver’s license and good motor vehicle record as well as a background check are required.
Hours of work are generally 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday with some evening and/or weekend hours.
NOTE: * “Provisional Employee” means an employee, either full-time or part-time, hired for a period of time not to exceed three (3) years, who receives benefits (except pension contributions), but who is not entitled to all rights and privileges afforded a regular employee.

Erich Harris | October 8. 2010 11:11

Sustainability Intern

The Sustainability Intern is responsible for supporting education and outreach efforts related to Boulder County’s sustainability program both internally and externally and researching sustainability related topics. The position will work with and report to the Sustainability Coordinator to achieve the goal of making Boulder County a model for sustainable practices. The Intern will research and develop educational and promotional materials on issues including energy efficiency, renewable energy supply, zero waste, land use, green building, transportation, climate change, and other county sustainability programs. More formal research on specified topics will also be required.

Responsibilities:
1.  Work with the County’s Sustainability Coordinator and the Sustainability Outreach Specialist to develop and implement innovative education and outreach campaigns related to the County’s sustainability programs.
2.  Represent the County at relevant meetings, conferences, fairs, concerts, farmers’ markets, etc.
3.  Develop outreach and education tools to engage employees, the public, business sector, schools, and other groups.
4.  Research opportunities and apply for awards programs, grants or other recognition of the County’s sustainability efforts.
5.  Research placement opportunities in local, regional and national media for information regarding the County’s sustainability efforts.
6.  Research and draft memoranda on specified sustainability related topics.
7.  Perform related work, as assigned.

Requirements:
•  Working toward a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in Environmental Sciences and/or renewable resources, Environmental Policy or Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related degree. Graduate students preferred.
•  Knowledge and experience in environmental management, climate change, energy efficiency, renewables, and sustainability principles is strongly preferred.

Desired Abilities and Qualities:
•  Demonstrated project management experience.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
•  Ability to research, analyze and synthesize complex information.
•  Ability to take initiative and work independently.
•  Strong interpersonal skills.
•  Dedication to creating a sustainable Boulder County by providing the best in public service.
Susie Strife | October 8. 2010 16:09

ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION – Grand Forks, ND
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION
Administer programs of the City’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program and Green3 Action Plan. Develop and manage innovative and effective programs to improve the energy sustainability of the city’s organization and commercial and residential sectors.  This position will actively seek energy efficiency and conservation grants, incentives, and partnerships from the Department of Energy, State Energy Office as well as other potential partners and opportunities.  The position will be responsible to monitor, measure and report EECBG program performance.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Serves as staff to the Mayor’s Office Steering Committee -comprised of representation of  the Mayor’s Office, Urban Development, County of Grand Forks as well as the Public Works Department. Coordinates with and recommends to all City Departments. Reports to Urban Development’s Community Development Manager for administrative purposes.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1.       Manage the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
·         Administer the EECBG funds and programs.
·         Works interdepartmentally for long-term program and strategic planning efforts for EECBG and other energy programs.
·         Actively seeks energy efficiency and conservation grants, incentives, and partnerships from the State Energy Office and the Department of Energy as well as other potential funding sources.
·         Develops and manages various contracts through the EECBG program to implement city projects and programs.

2.       Administers the City of Grand Forks/Grand Forks County Weatherization Program which includes:
·         Manage the Energy Alliance – a technical advisory board that has been developed to set up and oversee the weatherization program.
·         Coordinate Energy Alliance participants and potential partners of the Energy Alliance.
·         Implement the Energy Alliance work items including coordination of auditing residential homes, coordinating with contractors, as well as overseeing the financing for weatherization projects through Revolving Energy Fund (REF).
·         Oversee the Revolving Energy Fund (REF); collecting and tracking the application process, monitoring the REF funds, advertising the REF application periods as well as conducting required reports for the REF fund.  
·         Oversees the Public Building Fund.
·         Develops and maintains partnerships with residential groups, business organizations, energy efficiency and conservation contractors, and local, state, and federal government agencies involved in energy efficiency and conservation.

3.       Coordinates Green3 Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction programs to achieve the city’s goal to reduce GHG emissions from the City of Grand Forks as well as the residential and commercial sectors. This includes research, program planning and evaluation of projects and programs. Specific duties include:
·         Coordinates programs to improve energy efficiency and conservation in the residential and commercial sectors.
·         Develops project or program budgets and work plans, evaluates program performance, and determines areas for program expansion.
·         Performs policy analysis and drafts energy policies.
·         Manages GHG program tracking: GHG inventory, and program participation.
·         Researches, analyzes and reports technical information on programs implemented elsewhere to improve program offerings.
·         Works with interdepartmental staff and teams (Green Team) to reduce GHG emissions from city operations.

4.       Research and write grants to support the EECBG program and Green3 Action Plan.
·         Administer grants to support the EECBG program and Green3 Action Plan.
·         Develops project and program budget and work plans.
·         Evaluate program or project performance and compile and report grant requirements.

5.       Coordinates education and outreach efforts related to GHG emissions reduction (Green3 Action Plan) and energy efficiency and conservation programs. This includes the following:
·         Writes and edits materials including technical fact sheets, educational materials, news releases, correspondence, and presentation materials.
·         Coordinates development and maintenance of the Green3 and City of Grand Forks/Grand Forks County Weatherization program web site.
·         Coordinates technical workshops and training seminars for the GHG program.
·         Represents the city at regional meetings, conferences and workshops.
·         Responds to requests for information, complaints, and suggestions.
·         Communicates EECBG/Green3 program information to city staff, businesses and community.


Marginal Functions:
1.       Contributes to other Environmental Projects as needed.
2.       Optimizes the use of resources, adheres to department and city policies and procedures.
3.       Maintain awareness of new developments in Energy Office programs, grants, and incentives; provide recommendations on new developments as appropriate for programs.
4.       Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of energy efficiency and conservation.
5.       Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
6.       Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment.


QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)
Knowledge: Knowledge and experience in environmental management, climate change, energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental sustainability principles. Ability to research, analyze and synthesize complex information, develop and present recommendations and prepare concise written reports, correspondence and recommendations. Experience in research, policy development, and report writing
Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including industries, businesses, City Staff and the general public; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to assume responsibility, to
prioritize and resolve problems, to work under pressure, and to coordinate and manage complex projects Basic
mathematical principles; Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation; Principles and practices of
municipal budget preparation and administration; Principles and procedures of record keeping; Pertinent Federal,
State, and local laws, codes and regulations; Supervise, organize and review the work of lower level staff, including
interns; Prepare clear and concise reports; Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of
proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; Interpret, explain and enforce department
policies and procedures; Interpret and explain City policies and procedures; Assist with the preparation of
environmental program budgets; Use spreadsheet, database and word processing software on computer; Allocate
limited resources in a cost effective manner. Ability and willingness to attend evening meetings.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three to five years of increasingly responsible experience in an energy office or related environmental/sustainability program, including development and implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
Training:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in environmental management, policy, science, energy efficiency, or a related field. Master’s degree in environmental management, policy, science, or related field may substitute up to 3 years of experience.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental and Physical Conditions:
Primarily office environment, with occasional travel throughout the state and to other parts of the country. Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking, and sitting for prolonged periods of time; and operating typical office equipment such as computers and phones.

Debra Pflughoeft-Hassett | October 12. 2010 09:29

The Washington State University Extension Energy Program is supporting the creation of 8 new Resource Conservation Manager positions in Washington. These are shared RCMs at public secto agencies. The programs are partially funded with EECBG grants. We have job descriptions for RCMs.
Our website for our RCM support is here - including the RCM Guidebook which we call RCMx - RCM Exchange.
www.energy.wsu.edu/.../...servationManagement.aspx


Karen Messmer | October 22. 2010 18:28

Great post.
Richard | October 29. 2010 00:52