Sustainability Programs Specialist

The City of Coquitlam is seeking a Sustainability Programs Specialist to manage environmental sustainability initiatives. The role involves researching, developing, and implementing programs to enhance community climate action and resilience. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in a related field and at least three years of experience. Key responsibilities include project management, data analysis, and collaboration with stakeholders. This position is based in Coquitlam, BC, Canada.
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

One of BC’s Top Employers, the City of Coquitlam offers meaningful career opportunities to make a difference within the local community. As the sixth largest city in BC, we are home to more than 150,000 residents. Our diverse municipality is a great place to work as it continues to grow through innovative urban design, inspiring arts, culture and recreation programs, and state-of-the-art transportation systems.

Our brand is built on managing our resources in a responsible and sustainable manner, while supporting a vibrant, growing regional urban centre. We envision a bright future in Coquitlam that we hope includes you!

Reporting to the Environmental Sustainability Manager, the Sustainability Programs Specialist is responsible for the research, development, implementation and reporting of programs, policies and initiatives in support of the City’s environmental sustainability plans and strategies.

You are passionate about advancing community and corporate climate action and making a significant impact on adaptation and community resilience, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, resource consumption and community waste. You understand the power of data and get excited when given the opportunity to develop, track, analyze and report on sustainability indicators. You are adept in leading the development and delivery of creative and innovative sustainability and climate action projects.

You are masterful at building strong relationships with City staff and stakeholders to identify and implement initiatives that advance sustainability progress, and seek opportunities to collaborate on the development and implementation of education and engagement campaigns. You will support and supervise staff and direct consultants, contractors and volunteers, as well as positively represent the Engineering and Public Works department on programs and committees while cultivating internal and external partnerships.

The ideal candidate will have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in sustainability, environmental science, engineering, planning or related discipline and 3 or more years of related experience that includes:
• Demonstrated proficiency with project management, contract administration, business case development, and budgeting processes
• Sound knowledge of the principles, best practices, strategies, technologies, objectives and systems related to environmental sustainability and climate action (mitigation and adaptation), and energy efficiency, including their application in policy, regulation, and federal and provincial legislation in a local government setting
• Demonstrated ability to collect, interpret, and effectively present complex technical data to internal and external audiences
• Supervising the work of junior staff, and directing and overseeing the work of consultants, contractors and volunteers.
• Excellent verbal communications skills, interpersonal skills, and presentation and facilitation skills appropriate for a variety of audiences

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. A valid BC Driver’s license is required.

The City offers a CUPE hourly rate of $40.29 to $47.57 (2022 rates) plus a comprehensive benefits package and an earned day off program. This position is based in Coquitlam with some flexible, remote work options available.