The Sustainability Manager is responsible for leading the City of Roanoke’s sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate action initiatives. This position develops, coordinates, and implements policies and programs that advance the City’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals. The Sustainability Manager serves as the City’s technical expert and liaison on sustainability and climate initiatives, working collaboratively across departments, with community stakeholders, and regional partners to promote a resilient, environmentally responsible, and livable Roanoke.The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
This is an exempt position.- Develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive Sustainability and Climate Action Plan for the City of Roanoke, focusing on greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy use, and sustainable operations.
· Identifies opportunities for energy conservation, renewable energy implementation, and resource efficiency in City operations, facilities, fleet, and infrastructure.
· Collaborates with City departments to integrate sustainability practices into capital projects, procurement, land use, and policy development.
· Oversee the collection and analysis of sustainability metrics, including greenhouse gas inventories, energy consumption, and waste diversion data, and prepare regular progress reports for leadership and City Council.
· Pursues and manages grants, partnerships, and funding opportunities that advance the City’s sustainability objectives.
· Serves as a liaison to external partners, community organizations, businesses, and residents to promote sustainability education, outreach, and engagement.
· Coordinates staff training and internal communications to encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors and best practices across the organization.
· Advises City leadership on emerging sustainability issues, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
· Represents the City at local, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and working groups related to climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainability policy.
· Provides technical expertise and guidance for sustainability-related initiatives, including transportation electrification, waste reduction, water conservation, and environmental equity.
· Supervises consultants, contractors, interns, and/or other assigned staff involved in sustainability-related projects.
· Project management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects on time and within budget
· Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
· Strategy and policy: Develop and execute comprehensive sustainability strategies, policies, and action plans, aligning them with the Council’s vision.
· Experience in sourcing sustainable materials and products,
· Knowledge of Zero waste management programs.
· Flexible schedule to off hours, weekends, nights and holidays.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Public Administration, Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field.
· Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sustainability, environmental management, climate planning, or related work.
· Experience in program development, public engagement, and interdepartmental coordination.
· Supervisory experience 3-5.
· OSHA 10 certificate.
· Knowledgeable in regulations (both state and federal)
· Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher)
· Budgeting experience
Preferred Qualifications
· Master’s degree in a related field.
· Professional certifications such as LEED AP, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP). ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional
· Experience working in local government.
· Demonstrated success in securing and managing grant-funded sustainability projects.
· Demonstrated ability to integrate Sustainability into a municipal government.
· Experience in implementing Performance Contracting.
· Knowledgeable in construction, facilities and Architecture
· Project Management Certification or PMP.
· OSHA 30 certification
· Preparing and presenting training materials
· Experience in developing a divisional budget
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Strong knowledge of principles and practices of sustainability management, climate adaptation and mitigation, renewable energy systems, and environmental policy.
· Understanding of municipal operations, urban planning, infrastructure systems, and environmental compliance.
· Excellent project management, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate complex programs across multiple departments.
· Ability to develop and manage budgets, grants, and contracts.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with City departments, elected officials, community groups, and the public.
· Commitment to the City’s vision of environmental stewardship, community health, and equity.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to lift to 25 lbs. without assistance. Ability to input, access, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to operate a vehicle. Ability to perform repetitive hand, arm, wrist and shoulder movements. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, stretch, walk, climb, sit, kneel, crouch, reach, and crawl. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures. Manual strength and dexterity are needed to lift and handle heavy materials. Work requires performing tasks in an environment in which raw waste is present. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodation
· Valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints orally and in writing. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on controversial or complex topics to city council, management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts. Ability to organize, direct and coordinate a complete range of administrative activities obtaining maximum efficiency.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of problems. Ability to deal with complex problems or issues. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical information and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to formulate a vision and develop practical courses of action to accomplish goals. Ability to identify key stakeholders and create teams to solve complex issues. Ability to think strategically.
