The County of San Mateo's Sustainability Department seeks well-qualified applicants for the position of Sustainability Specialist II/III on the Climate Protection team.
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The Opportunity
The San Mateo County Sustainability Department hires Sustainability Specialists II/III to coordinate and lead sustainability initiatives in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, waste diversion and management, and climate readiness. The Department includes the following program areas:
Climate Protection – The program accelerates the County’s and countywide transition to a fossil fuel-free future with high-impact initiatives in clean energy, zero emission buildings and transportation, and climate beneficial agricultural practices.
Waste Reduction and Management – The program advances the County’s commitment to zero waste through innovative source reduction, diversion and sustainable materials management programs across County operations and the broader San Mateo County community. The program provides essential integrated solid waste management and community services for residents and businesses in the County’s unincorporated areas and manages the Pescadero Transfer Station.
Climate Resilience – The program builds a climate-ready San Mateo County by improving watershed water quality, reducing emissions and climate risks in County operations, and championing regional and community-led solutions to protect residents and ecosystems from escalating impacts of extreme heat, drought, sea level rise, and wildfires.
Communications and Engagement – The program empowers youth leadership by leading climate science education for San Mateo County youth in grades 7-12 in partnership with local public and environmental organizations and facilitates action by community partners and the public through outreach and other engagement initiatives.
CURRENT OPENING: There is currently one (1) Sustainability Specialist vacancy on the Climate Protection program team. This position will coordinate the implementation of several sub-programs for the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and/or the San Mateo County Energy Watch (SMCEW) programs.
Example of duties supporting the BayREN program:
- Collaborate with local government staff to bring BayREN and other energy-efficiency and electrification programs to communities in San Mateo County.
- Participate on regional committees to develop and execute strategies for implementing BayREN’s single-family, multi-family, commercial, codes & standards, public agency, and/or green labeling programs.
- Engage building staff at the County and the 20 San Mateo County cities, providing trainings about energy codes and support for simplifying permitting.
Example of duties supporting the SMCEW program:
- Help K-12 public school districts, local governments, special districts, and small businesses identify opportunities to save energy and access energy efficiency, electrification, and energy management programs and financing.
- Host a quarterly Public Facilities Working Group for facilities staff with technical support from consultants.
- Catalog methane gas equipment and update energy benchmarking information on the EPA Portfolio Manager online platform.
The specific assignment will be determined based on the experience and skills of the selected candidate.
All Interested Candidates are Encouraged to Apply: The eligible (hiring) list generated from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the other program areas mentioned above. Individuals interested in the Sustainability Specialist positions with the Waste Reduction and Management, Climate Resilience, and Communications and Engagement teams are also encouraged to apply for this recruitment.
The ideal candidate will have the skills necessary to:
- Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate comprehensive outreach activities, including website content, surveys, public education, training, demonstrations, and media activities.
- Design outreach strategies and implement community engagement activities, including coordinating with San Mateo County jurisdictions to host virtual and in-person workshops.
- Develop relationships with community partners to expand opportunities for collaboration.
- Plan and facilitate informational webinars and in-person workshops for community members, local government staff, and/or other stakeholders.
- Serve as subject matter expert for County departments, Board of Supervisors, external stakeholders, community groups, and the public.
- Develop and manage contracts for consultant support services related to marketing, community outreach, and technical support.
- Develop, prepare, negotiate, and monitor grants. Ensure compliance with grant stipulations and funding agency reporting requirements. Develop written reports and invoices for funders.
- Develop content for a wide range of communication platforms including reports, social media, websites, videos, business letters, brochures, fliers, and other outreach tools.
- Analyze and interpret reports, information, and data related to program implementation.
- Handle administrative processes for programs, including monthly invoicing and reporting, tracking performance metrics, and monitoring and updating the budget.
- Perform other duties as assigned.