Environmental Sustainability Analyst

~ Malibu is a beach city in western Los Angeles County, California, situated about 30 miles (48 km) west of Downtown Los Angeles. ~

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Environmental Sustainability Analyst position, under general supervision, plans, implements and coordinates specialized programs and projects within the City and the Environmental Sustainability Department. The role performs complex analytical studies and policy analysis and participates in budget preparation and administration.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision by the Environmental Sustainability Director. May exercise functional supervision over technical and clerical staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This single-position class analyzes the activities of the functional area engaged in developing and implementing water and energy efficiency and conservation, green building, watershed management, sustainable procurement, hazardous materials management, integrated waste management, recycling, waste prevention and clean water programs. Responsibilities include overseeing several environmental programs, a variety of related environmental projects, and public education and outreach efforts related to the work. The incumbent has considerable latitude in the application of policy and follows general guidelines or professional and administrative standards in accomplishing assignments. The incumbent is expected to identify policy issues and work with other staff to develop options and recommend solutions.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

(Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Researches environmental and sustainability issues, conducts studies and prepares reports recommending appropriate courses of action and strategies in support of the goals and objectives of the Environmental Sustainability Department
• Develops, implements, coordinates and administers programs and projects in areas such as clean water, energy efficiency, green building, solar, watershed management, sustainable procurement and hazardous materials management
• Assists in the implementation of solar energy improvements to City Hall, the transition to an electric vehicle fleet, and the upgrading of City facilities for higher efficiency
• Coordinates and/or assists in the preparation and administration of the environmental program budget Researches potential outside funding sources for local programs and prepares grant applications and accompanying reports, as necessary
• Conducts complex studies, statistical analysis, needs assessments and evaluations of sustainable programs and policies. Prepares and presents written and oral reports recommending appropriate courses of action
• Performs public relations tasks that include the development of written web-based materials and providing information and assistance to the public and City staff on environmental and sustainability programs
• Researches strategies for increasing green building and incorporating recycling and waste reduction into development plans
• Identifies best practices in specific program or service areas and composes reports, summaries, analyses and recommendations
• Serves as liaison to the City’s Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee
• Disseminates information and handles complaints and requests for information
• Participates in professional organizations to promote City programs and to stay current with the latest trends and innovations in sustainability and the environment
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect the City’s regulatory obligations and environmental programs; implements policy and procedural changes as required
• Interprets and applies rules, regulations and policies to environmental and sustainability programs
• Trains and coordinates the work of support personnel in area of assignment, as assigned
• Represents the Environmental Sustainability Department and its environmental programs to other City departments, outside agencies, and the community; coordinates department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations
• Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings
• Provides technical staff support in review of environmental documents and legislation; assists in preparation of ordinances and other supporting program documents; assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures to comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of public administration with emphasis in sustainability and environmental programs and policy
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations related to the environment and sustainability
• Technical knowledge regarding energy efficiency, green building standards, and building science
• Building codes and energy efficiency standards
• Principles, practices and techniques of research and analysis
• Professional report writing
• Basic principles and practices of budget preparation
• Basic principles of program planning, monitoring, implementation and evaluation
• Basic principles of staff supervision and training
• Effective leading and coordinating techniques
•  Computer systems and applications related to the work
• Modern office practices, methods, and equipment
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the assigned areas
• Marketing, public information, and community relations concepts including negotiation techniques and presentation skills
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone
• State and Federal grant programs
• Principles and practices of effective program management and coordination, including long- and short-range planning
• Principles and practices of contract negotiation and administration

Skill in:

• Recommending comprehensive environmental planning policies and programs based upon community needs, available resources and overall City priorities and policies
• Coordinating environmental programs with other departments and agencies and preparing sound, oral and written reports and recommendations
• Identifying and analyzing complex technical, operational and administrative problems and evaluating alternative solutions, and recommending or adopting effective changes; presenting ideas persuasively in both oral and written formats
• Conducting cost analyses and administering program budgets
• Interpreting and applying the policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions
• Researching, developing and recommending cost-effective program improvements
• Conducting effective negotiations and effectively representing the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various business, professional, regulatory and legislative organizations
• Preparing and maintaining accurate and complete records
• Preparing clear and concise records and reports
• Responding to requests and inquiries from the public
• Exercising good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing
• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
• Leading, coordinating and training staff
• Reading and comprehending financial information
• Analyzing problems and recommending effective solutions
• Researching and interpreting complex technical information
• Responding effectively to changing environmental regulations
• Using a personal computer and applicable software applications
• Keeping abreast of current developments in assigned area(s) of specialty
• Interacting effectively with others
• Acting as a resource for environmental and sustainability concerns

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in environmental or earth science, urban planning, public health, biological science, chemistry, public or business administration, or a related field, and three (3) years of experience performing research, analysis, and report writing related to sustainability and environmental programs, and administering and coordinating environmental programs, preferably within a municipal environment.
• License: Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit and inspect business sites; stamina to walk on uneven terrain; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone.
• This is partly a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
• The job may involve field inspection work requiring frequent walking at inspection site areas to monitor performance and to identify problems or hazards.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Positions in this classification occasionally lift and carry equipment, objects, reports and records that typically weigh less than 40 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances, although the job involves outdoors field inspections, exposure to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, vibration, confining workspace, hazardous materials, mechanical and/or electrical hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. WORKING CONDITIONS May be required to work on evenings, weekends and holidays

EOE