CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates the effectiveness of citywide sustainability programs, resident outreach, and events on environmental topics including, but not limited to; climate protection, recycling and waste diversion, litter abatement, native plantings, natural resource conservation; both independently and through collaboration with other departments. Acts as staff liaison for the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Keeps abreast of legislative actions concerning sustainability issues. Develops and implements other sustainability projects as assigned in collaboration with the EAC and other city staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinates, supervises, promotes, and evaluates existing citywide environmental programs including the recycling extravaganza, bulky-item dropoff, electronics recycling, and mattress recycling, and advises on drop-off recycling center initiatives and programs. Develops programs goals and objectives, specifies contract details per city specifications, audits program for participation and compliance with city contracts, and attends to day-to-day operation and administration of programs. This includes review of proposals, negotiation of contracts, event planning, volunteer recruitment and actively supervising the event. Ensures program compliance with the Governing Body's objectives.

Develop and manage a comprehensive volunteer program for residents and groups across a wide range of sustainability interests. Work with elected and appointed officials, businesses, city staff, non-governmental organizations, and resident groups to evaluate opportunities for additional outreach and education programs and events that promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and collaboration throughout the metro area.

Acts as a staff liaison to the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Prepares agenda and arranges for speakers. Attends monthly meetings, assures meeting notices are published and staff minutes are taken and transcribed in a timely manner, prepares and delivers oral and written reports. Conducts research and provides data driven answers to EAC questions.

Assists the Sustainability Manager with preparation and presentation of written and oral reports to Governing Body and City Council Committees to inform them of current sustainability issues and status of citywide programs. Follow up on questions, issues, and concerns.

Acts as a resource for residents seeking information on environmental topics. Assists residents in resolving environmental issues including, but not limited to, solid waste and recycling concerns by email, phone, or in person. Responds to requests for information regarding environmental records requests. Attends public meetings and provides educational and informational presentations as requested.

Coordinates initiatives to educate the public on sustainability issues, especially measures individuals can take to help protect the environment such as mulching, composting, recycling, etc.

Assists the Grants Program staff to perform environmental reviews, as required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program grants.

Carries out and/or performs other duties as assigned.

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 which 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, Communications, Social Sciences, Public Administration/Policy, Engineering, Physical Science, Natural Science, Biological Science, Business Administration or closely related field. Within 12 months of hire, must successfully complete acceptable National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) training to perform environmental reviews (40 CFR 1500) in general and HUD's (24 CFR 58).

EXPERIENCE:

Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in one or more of the following areas: environmental program/project management, environmental education, climate protection, community engagement, volunteer management, or equivalent level of experience.

SKILLS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Leadership skills/ability to train and guide others

Time management skills

Facilitation skills

Interpersonal and good listening skills

Basic mathematical and accounting skills

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and comprehend city, state and federal regulations affecting environmental issues

Ability to analyze complex problems and recommend possible solutions

Ability to exercise diplomacy and judgment when dealing with the public, city officials and co-workers

Ability to compose information handouts, speeches, and written reports

Ability to work on several projects at once

Organizational skills

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

Ability to make oral presentations to an individual or group

Ability to travel locally and out of state

Ability to sit and be attentive for extended periods of time during meetings, hearings and other informational sessions

Ability to lift 20 pounds and transport 10 feet.

Hand and eye coordination adequate to input computer

Ability to distinguish colors

Ability to work outdoors

Ability to operate city vehicles

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

None

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.