County of Alameda

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is a part of a two-level flexibly-staffed class series of the Sustainability Project Manager classification. Sustainability Specialists are assigned to the General Services Agency or the Community Development Agency and are supervised by and receive direction from a Program Manager, Assistant Deputy Director, or Deputy Director. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the development, implementation, and administration of county-wide sustainability programs and/or projects.  The Sustainability Specialist class is distinguished from the Sustainability Project Manager, in that the Specialist is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of programs and/or projects, whereas the Project Manager 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.

Sustainability Specialists are expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency with a satisfactory job performance which qualifies them to promote to the higher-level class after the equivalent of one (1) year of full-time service.

1. Assists in the management of sustainability programs and/or projects by supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental programs and/or projects within specialty areas; and assists in the development and timely implementation of departmental goals, policies, and strategic plans. Specialty area(s) may include, but not be 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.
2. Assists in the development of budget(s) for programs and/or projects; performs financial analyses; reviews operational viability of projects and recommendations; monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget(s); and contributes to the department's financial long-term planning.
3. Monitors and interprets policies, laws, and regulations related to sustainability programs and/or projects within the specialty area(s) and assists in the development of internal programs and policies to enable the County to comply with mandates, requirements, and goals.
4. Develops or assists with the development and implementation of waste reduction and diversion strategies at County facilities. Actively supports County agencies in increasing participation in sustainability programs and related projects.
5. Researches and analyzes markets for availability, cost, and performance of environmentally preferable products and materials; assists with the development of technical product and material specifications; supports the Purchasing and Construction Departments with assigned aspects of the procurement process; and monitors the actual purchasing of products once contracts are awarded.
6. Researches and determines operational and financial viability of greener operating practices; assists in the development of 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. Assists with design and implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency projects 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, and assists in the development of internal programs and policies to enable the County to comply with mandates, requirements, and goals.  Provides direct customer service with, but not limited to, staffing program helpline, resolving issues, answering questions, conducting workshops, and supporting technical staff as assigned.
8. Plans and conducts program outreach and promotional activities for assigned programs; develops information, outreach, and education materials; makes presentations to customer agencies, professional peers, and the public; develops internal and external relationships for information sharing, networking, and benchmarking; and writes letters, reports, web pages, and publications to communicate information on programs.
9. Works directly with Agency Directors and other County departments to develop and implement sustainability programs and/or projects at County facilities and in the community.  Advances regional sustainability by building partnerships with other governments, businesses, and the community.
10. Maintains and reports on program activities and assists in the development and implementation of financial and program performance measures to ensure program effectiveness and compliance with mandates and program goals. Includes development and maintenance of data acquisition methodologies and tracking databases.
11. Researches and assists in the development of grant proposals necessary to support program development and assists in the management of compliance with grant conditions and grant disbursement processes.
12. Assists in the preparation of proposals and quotes, helps analyze contractors’ proposals for contractor selection, assists in ensuring the quality of products and services delivered are acceptable, and tracks expenditures against approved budget.
13. Provides support to county departments by serving as a technical resource, conducting research into sustainability matters, and funding opportunities as assigned.
14. Performs a wide variety of administrative duties in support of program activities.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental science or engineering, planning, social sciences, public or business administration, and/or a related field. 

AND 

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the field of environmentally preferable procurement, sustainability, resources conservation, waste reduction, recycling, climate change, green building, or other related areas, 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, planning, social sciences public or business administration or a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. 

License:

All candidates must be willing and able to travel within Alameda County. A valid California Class “C” Driver’s license will be required if a County vehicle is used for transportation.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

• Laws and ordinances affecting one or more of the following areas:  environmentally preferable procurement, sustainability, recycling, waste reduction, climate change, green building, or other related areas.
• Research methods and practices.
• Basic principles of finance and project management.
• Laws and regulations pertaining to grant funding development.
• Program evaluation and methodologies.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and various office software.

Ability to:

• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and/or projects.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, proposals, and written materials of a technical nature.
• Interpret, explain, and apply policies, laws, and regulations.
• Assist in the development and management of budgets and expenditures.
• Perform basic financial analyses.
• Develop and implement program performance measures.
• Identify grant opportunities and prepare grant applications.
• Conduct outreach to county departments, professional peers, and the public.
• Collect, analyze, and compile technical and statistical information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and businesses in the community.
• Communicate and negotiate in a persuasive and productive manner with groups and individuals.
• Develop and maintain various data collection, record keeping, and databases.
• Attend night and weekend meetings/events.