Sustainability Coordinator Position Profile

This position leads, organizes, and implements the City’s sustainability initiatives in alignment with the City’s Climate Action goals. The individual in this role is responsible for developing and managing programs, policies, and projects that advance environmental sustainability across City operations and the community. This includes providing expertise in project management, data analysis, and strategic planning to support key initiatives. The position serves as the primary point of contact for citywide sustainability efforts, collaborates with internal departments and external stakeholders, monitors progress toward climate goals, and identifies opportunities for innovation and improvement.• Lead and coordinate City efforts related to the implementation of the Climate Action Plan.

• Serve as the Staff Liaison to the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC).

• Coordinate the implementation of the City’s Zero Waste Plan, including waste reduction initiatives, recycling program enhancements, and community education campaigns.

• Develop and administer programs, initiatives, policies, and procedures aligned with the City’s Climate Action goals.

• Conduct research and complete special assignments, including investigating, analyzing, and preparing reports with sound recommendations for presentation to the City Council, EQC, and other advisory bodies.

• Collaborate with internal departments to integrate sustainability and resilience strategies into City operations, capital projects, contracts, and procurement practices.

• Prepare Climate Action Plan update reports and presentations for City Council, the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC), community meetings, and other public forums.

• Coordinate with community partners to advance the City’s Climate Action goals.

• Monitor and report on B3 Energy Benchmarking data for all city buildings, including data entry, tracking, and utilization for performance improvement.

• Serve as the City’s GreenStep Cities Coordinator, developing work plans and tracking progress to maintain or improve Northfield’s recognition as a step 5 City.

• Stay informed about relevant federal, state, and local regulations as it relates to sustainability; analyze policy changes and advise staff on implications and opportunities.

• Identify, apply for, and manage grants related to environmental and sustainability initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
•Provides excellent customer service to all members of our community, inclusive of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, ages, national or ethnic origins, languages, citizenship status, socioeconomic status, and political affiliations.

•Ability to establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with city personnel and the general public; maintains professional demeanor, tone, and conversations in all public areas of the city.

•A general understanding of municipal government, community planning, climate related issues, sustainable practices and policies; and the ability to interpret other technical information

•Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, be detail-oriented, meet deadlines, retain confidentiality, and work effectively under pressure

•The ability to effectively communicate clearly and concisely, orally, geographically and in writing, to large and small groups.

•Familiarity with energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy systems, green building practices

•Ability to build and maintain cross-functional partnerships across departments, agencies, and community organizations.

•Ability to analyze policies and ordinances and recommend sustainability oriented improvements or updates

•Skilled in data analysis and visualization using tools like Excel, GIS or data dashboard platforms (e.g.,B3)

•Adept at community outreach and education, including workshop facilitation, public speaking, and engagement strategies.

•Strong understanding of climate action planning, greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, and experience with sustainability metrics, performance indicators, and tracking tools.

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field. Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in sustainability, environmental policy, climate planning, or a related area.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Professional working proficiency in English and Spanish, including reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
Master’s degree preferred. Experience with data research, analysis, and ability to effectively communicate results in large and small group settings.40 hours per week. City Hall work hours are scheduled for business purposes/project coverage, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Early morning, late day and evening meetings, as assigned. Timely reporting to work with a minimum number of absences. This position is eligible for hybrid telecommuting work.

The Environmental Quality Commission meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of every month, meeting begins at 6:00pm.

City of Northfield (MN) jobs

Sustainability Coordinator