Climate Specialist

The Climate Specialist at the Oregon Department of Transportation leads the implementation of climate change mitigation strategies in public transportation. Responsibilities include developing policies, interpreting regulations, strategizing investments for greenhouse gas reduction, and collaborating with ODOT's Climate Office. Candidates should have 7 years of relevant experience and a related bachelor's degree. The position offers benefits like commuter assistance, paid holidays, and a flexible schedule.
About the position

The Climate Specialist at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for leading the implementation of public transportation components of ODOT's Climate Action Plan. This role focuses on climate change mitigation strategies, particularly in reducing emissions from the transportation sector through electrification of public transit and promoting biking and walking. The specialist will collaborate with ODOT's Climate Office to transition public transit to zero emissions and integrate climate considerations into policies and projects.

Responsibilities
• Develop Public Transportation Division's approach to climate change mitigation efforts as they relate to public transportation policy and investments.
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• Interpret and apply state and federal rules and programs aimed at increasing alternative fuel opportunities and tracking carbon emissions from public transportation.
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• Assist with rulemaking as necessary to implement state climate mitigation programs and requirements.
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• Act as the main point of contact with ODOT Climate Office.
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• Strategize investment priorities to increase funding of projects that support greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation.
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• Analyze data to determine greenhouse gas reduction opportunities and key areas for improvement.
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• Incorporate equity considerations into investment prioritizing.
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• Support improvements to community engagement.
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• Create, amend, and enhance current public transportation policies to align with new and existing legislative directives.
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• Provide technical assistance to agency and public transportation partners to assess needs, gaps and barriers to low and no emission vehicle adoption.

Requirements
• 7 years of experience related to transportation, climate science, climate planning, environmental science and management, environmental policy analysis and planning, or environmental project management.
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• A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, behavioral or social sciences, finance, political science, or any degree related to transportation, climate science, climate planning, environmental science and management, environmental policy analysis and planning, or environmental project management; AND four years of professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work related to the aforementioned fields.
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• Valid driver license and an acceptable driving record.

Nice-to-haves
• Demonstrated experience or education in transportation related climate mitigation efforts and policies.
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• Demonstrated experience leading complex efforts involving key partners with differing opinions.
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• Demonstrated experience working with diverse groups of people and gaining consensus on difficult issues.
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• Demonstrated project management skills working with communities and programs to build strong working relationships with key partners.
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• Demonstrated experience interpreting and implementing state or federal statutes, rules or policies.

Benefits
• Commuter assistance
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• Paid holidays
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• Loan forgiveness
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• Flexible schedule