CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position is located in the City Manager's Office and will work closely with departments, boards and committees, and other external and internal stakeholders to establish the mechanisms necessary to accomplish the City's sustainability goals and initiatives. This position will plan, direct, manage and oversee both external and internal sustainability programs. Develop and implement other sustainability projects, policies and processes in collaboration with City staff. This position is expected to have a high community engagement component as the City works to foster a sustainable culture for the organization, residents and volunteers. Position will aid in the identification of outside funding sources, coordinate completion of associated applications and reporting requirements. Acts as staff liaison for the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC).

Participates in Governing Body and administrative policy updates integrating the goals and practices of sustainability. Makes policy recommendations based on research, analysis, and experience and acts as project lead for development and/or updates to sustainability related ordinances, plans and policies.

Manage project and program timelines, monitor and maintain information, and prepare reports on progress of sustainability initiatives.

Form and lead cross-divisional teams to manage projects that affect multiple divisions and departments to include convening and leading the Sustainability Leadership Team (SLT) and Sustainability Task Force (STF). The SLT and STF are multi-departmental leadership teams that exist to integrate sustainability and resilience efforts throughout City operations.

Direct development and implementation of policies and programs. Administer applications to track and monitor City energy and emissions goals.

Promote teamwork, information-sharing, and citywide understanding of sustainability procedures, programs, policies, and goals. Engage appropriate stakeholders in key strategies and goals, establish partnerships and build relationships to support the development and implementation of sustainability efforts.

Identifies potential funding sources, prepares grant applications and completes required reporting documentation related to sustainability projects.

Communicate goals, activities, and achievements of designated programs to City leadership, Governing Body, boards and commissions, community partners, businesses, the public, and other audiences through presentations, written reports and analyses, workshops, training sessions, and other methods as needed or requested.

Develop and implement communication methodologies for updating the City Manager's Office, City Departments, the Governing Body, and residents on sustainability issues. This includes the creation of an annual report highlighting key programs and projects, major successes and progress, and identifying future goals and initiatives.

Serve as staff liaison for Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Responsibilities include: develop meeting agendas and ensure timely publication, prepare and/or coordinate presentations, updates and other activities in support of the EAC.

Analyze complex issues, present findings and recommendations. Provide information and assistance to City officials and management, other governmental agencies, and the general public.

Conducts research to stay abreast of advancements within environmental and sustainability sectors and maintain awareness of regional initiatives, policies and programs.

Develop and oversee implementation of an organizational sustainability plan; create, track and report related performance measures on an annual basis.

Monitor and support progression of sustainability elements and initiatives included in the City's various Strategic Plans, Comprehensive Plan and other City, local and regional climate plans.

Keeps informed of City events, services and issues by reading various agendas, memos, reports, and other sources to enhance knowledge of potential issues and opportunities.

The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

Must report to duty to assist in emergency operations and incident management activities, as required.

The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Urban Affairs/Planning, Sustainability Studies, Architecture or Architectural Studies, Public Administration/Policy, Engineering, Physical Science, Natural Science, Biological Science, Business Administration or closely related field. Master's degree preferred.

Preferred Certifications: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credential, or Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P), or ISSP Sustainability Professional

EXPERIENCE:

Must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in one or more of the following areas: sustainability, environmental protection, climate protection, energy regulation, transportation, waste reduction, policy development, project management, strategy planning, economics, or government environmental regulations. Preferred: Experience in coordinating sustainability and resiliency related projects, community engagement, and significant public speaking. Experience in municipal work preferred.

SKILLS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Leadership skills/ability to train and guide others.

Basic mathematical and accounting skills.

Analytical skills.

Public speaking/presentation skills.

Project management skills.

Time management skills.

Facilitation skills.

Interpersonal and good listening skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and comprehend City, state and federal regulations.

Ability to analyze complex/technical problems and recommend possible solutions.

Ability to work on several projects at once.

Diplomacy and judgment.

Organizational skills.

Mechanical aptitude.

Ability to comprehend confidential information.

Ability to appropriately analyze and act (if necessary) on situations related to safety.

Ability to work under potentially distracting conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Hand and eye coordination adequate to input a computer.

Ability to operate a City Vehicle/equipment and travel locally or outside of state.

Ability to sit and be attentive for extended periods of time.

Ability to travel and tour City projects in adverse conditions to include, but not limited to: accident sites, construction sites, outdoor sites, remote sites, interior and exterior building inspections, etc.

Ability to speak to an individual or group for an extended period of time.

Ability to climb, kneel or crawl.

Ability to lift 20 pounds and transport 10 feet.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

Sustainability Programs Coordinator, direct

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.