| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Salary | $42.41–$53.01 Per Hour |
Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst (Limited Term)
Salary
$42.41 - $53.01 Hourly
Location
City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type
Contract Full Time
Department
Administration
Opening Date
10/15/2026
Closing Date
10/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
JOB DESCRIPTION
Help shape a more sustainable future for San Luis Obispo!
The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a limited-term Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst to support the Office of Sustainability. The term of this position is anticipated to last 6 months.
We are seeking a creative, collaborative, and motivated professional to help advance its ambitious climate action, resilience, and environmental conservation goals. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful problem-solver and strong communicator who can manage multiple projects, maintain strong partnerships, and bring a unique perspective and dedication to achieving the Citys climate goals. From implementing climate action strategies and managing grant-funded projects to engaging residents and collaborating with City staff across departments, your work will directly contribute to a more sustainable and thriving community.
JOB SUMMARY:
Provides professional analytical support to the Office of Sustainability in the areas of climate action planning and project implementation, natural resources conservation planning, land conservation projects, and community partnerships and engagement. The incumbent utilizes strong analytical, writing, and communication skills to produce a variety of reports, presentations, educational materials, online content, and grant proposals.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
The Sustainability and Natural Resources Analyst performs professional analytical work in the specialized areas of sustainability, natural resources, conservation, and other environmental issues. This class is distinguished from Administrative Analyst in that the latter performs a variety of professional administrative duties for an assigned department, typically including budget administration, program or project management, and organizational and operational analyses.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives general direction from the Sustainability and Natural Resources Program Manager or another senior management staff member within a framework of established policies and procedures. Direction may be provided to support staff on a project or program basis.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)
Participates in the development and implementation of plans, programs, and projects related to sustainability, climate action, and natural resource conservation.
Develops and produces written, verbal, and graphic communication materials, including staff reports, slide decks and presentations, and website and social media content.
Maintains and enhances internal and external stakeholder relationships and partnerships.
Collaborates with Office staff and management in designing and implementing community events, workshops, educational forums, and other public participation opportunities.
Researches grants and other funding opportunities; prepares grant applications and proposals.
Assists with real property management and acquisition, including tracking, monitoring, records, and due diligence.
Assists with established Community Partnership relationships in the topical areas of arts, culture, environment, and sustainability.
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of sustainability and climate action planning in a local government setting.
Principles and practices of conservation planning and land conservation.
Project management tools, techniques, principles, and practices.
Local government operations and public policy.
Methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation.
Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet, website, and database applications.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Principles and techniques of community relations.
Ability to:
Perform complex analytical tasks, such as developing, reporting on, and monitoring sustainability, climate action, and conservation programs and projects.
Research, analyze, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures.
Produce and provide a variety of written, verbal, and graphic communications.
Effectively communicate in writing, in person, and over the telephone.
Demonstrate excellent writing skills; use proper grammar; write, proofread, and edit simple to complex materials for a variety of purposes, formats, and audiences.
Work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment with an array of internal and external project partners.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations contacted in the course of the work.
Prioritize tasks and effectively manage deadlines.
Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
Work in both indoor and outdoor settings; be confident and competent in outdoor, open space settings.
Work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer.
Lift and carry office materials weighing up to ten pounds.
Read printed materials and a computer screen.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in planning, public administration, natural resources, environmental management, or a related field.
and
Two years of increasingly responsible experience in planning, public policy, or project management, preferably with a focus on natural resources, environmental management, or a related field.
A strong interest in climate change, land conservation and protection, and environmental issues is highly desirable.
or
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice
The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.
La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.
For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.
Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
02
Did you complete major coursework in one of the following fields?
03
Please describe in detail the major coursework you completed in the field you selected above. If you selected "Related Field" or "Other/Unrelated Field," please include additional information explaining how your coursework relates to this position.
04
How many years of progressively responsible experience do you have in planning, public policy, or project management, preferably with a focus on natural resources, environmental management, or a related field?
05
Please describe your progressively responsible experience in the fields listed above, including key duties, level of responsibility, and the types of projects or programs you supported.
06
This role supports work across climate action, natural resources, land conservation, and grants, often at the same time. How do you approach managing several unrelated projects or subject areas at once? Include an example if it helps illustrate your approach.
07
How do you approach work when the scope is unclear or direction is limited? How do you decide what you can move forward on yourself and when to check in with a supervisor?
08
Describe how you typically manage a project from start to finish. What tools, habits, or methods do you rely on to keep work on schedule and keep partners and contributors on track?
09
Stepping into a contract role requires getting up to speed quickly. Please describe how you approach learning a teams established workflows and prioritizing active tasks when onboarding time is limited.
Required Question
Employer City of San Luis Obispo
Address 990 Palm St
San Luis Obispo, California, 93401
Phone 805-781-7250
Website http://www.slocity.org