Sustainability Specialist II/III

The County of San Mateo seeks a Sustainability Specialist II/III to coordinate sustainability initiatives focused on greenhouse gas reduction, waste management, and climate resilience. Responsibilities include collaborating with local governments on energy efficiency programs and engaging the community through education and outreach. The position is part of the Climate Protection team and aims to promote a fossil fuel-free future and zero waste in the county.
The County of San Mateo's Sustainability Department seeks well-qualified applicants for the position of Sustainability Specialist II/III on the Climate Protection team.

Join us for an engaging LinkedIn Live informational session to explore this exciting opportunity. We’ll provide an overview of the department, position, and what the hiring managers are looking for. Don’t miss out—join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PST . Click here to register.

The Opportunity

The San Mateo County Sustainability Department hires Sustainability Specialists II/III to coordinate and lead sustainability initiatives in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, waste diversion and management, and climate readiness. The Department includes the following program areas:

Climate Protection – The program accelerates the County’s and countywide transition to a fossil fuel-free future with high-impact initiatives in clean energy, zero emission buildings and transportation, and climate beneficial agricultural practices.

Waste Reduction and Management – The program advances the County’s commitment to zero waste through innovative source reduction, diversion and sustainable materials management programs across County operations and the broader San Mateo County community. The program provides essential integrated solid waste management and community services for residents and businesses in the County’s unincorporated areas and manages the Pescadero Transfer Station.

Climate Resilience – The program builds a climate-ready San Mateo County by improving watershed water quality, reducing emissions and climate risks in County operations, and championing regional and community-led solutions to protect residents and ecosystems from escalating impacts of extreme heat, drought, sea level rise, and wildfires.

Communications and Engagement – The program empowers youth leadership by leading climate science education for San Mateo County youth in grades 7-12 in partnership with local public and environmental organizations and facilitates action by community partners and the public through outreach and other engagement initiatives.

CURRENT OPENING: There is currently one (1) Sustainability Specialist vacancy on the Climate Protection program team. This position will coordinate the implementation of several sub-programs for the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and/or the San Mateo County Energy Watch (SMCEW) programs.

Example of duties supporting the BayREN program:



Collaborate with local government staff to bring BayREN and other energy-efficiency and electrification programs to communities in San Mateo County. Participate on regional committees to develop and execute strategies for implementing BayREN’s single-family, multi-family, commercial, codes & standards, public agency, and/or green labeling programs. Engage building staff at the County and the 20 San Mateo County cities, providing trainings about energy codes and support for simplifying permitting.

Example of duties supporting the SMCEW program:

Help K-12 public school districts, local governments, special districts, and small businesses identify opportunities to save energy and access energy efficiency, electrification, and energy management programs and financing. Host a quarterly Public Facilities Working Group for facilities staff with technical support from consultants. Catalog methane gas equipment and update energy benchmarking information on the EPA Portfolio Manager online platform.

The specific assignment will be determined based on the experience and skills of the selected candidate.

All Interested Candidates are Encouraged to Apply: The eligible (hiring) list generated from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in the other program areas mentioned above. Individuals interested in the Sustainability Specialist positions with the Waste Reduction and Management, Climate Resilience, and Communications and Engagement teams are also encouraged to apply for this recruitment.

The ideal candidate will have the skills necessary to:

Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate comprehensive outreach activities, including website content, surveys, public education, training, demonstrations, and media activities. Design outreach strategies and implement community engagement activities, including coordinating with San Mateo County jurisdictions to host virtual and in-person workshops. Develop relationships with community partners to expand opportunities for collaboration. Plan and facilitate informational webinars and in-person workshops for community members, local government staff, and/or other stakeholders. Serve as subject matter expert for County departments, Board of Supervisors, external stakeholders, community groups, and the public. Develop and manage contracts for consultant support services related to marketing, community outreach, and technical support. Develop, prepare, negotiate, and monitor grants. Ensure compliance with grant stipulations and funding agency reporting requirements. Develop written reports and invoices for funders. Develop content for a wide range of communication platforms including reports, social media, websites, videos, business letters, brochures, fliers, and other outreach tools. Analyze and interpret reports, information, and data related to program implementation. Handle administrative processes for programs, including monthly invoicing and reporting, tracking performance metrics, and monitoring and updating the budget. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

II Level: One year of experience in the field of resource conservation which has included program analysis and coordination.

III Level: Two or more years of journey level program coordination experience, including coordination of resource conservation or sustainability program(s) that comprise broad range of areas.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of project management, implementation and evaluation. Principles and practices of contract management. Principles, practices, trends, and technical information related to sustainability. Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skill/Ability to:

Plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate assigned programs, projects, and activities. Serve as subject matter expert in resource conservation. Speak effectively and make public presentations, conduct outreach, and provide training and/or public education as necessary. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals at all levels including those from government, business, private and non-profit agencies, community groups, and the public. Serve as representative for various committees and community groups. Integrate equity and create the conditions that allow all people in the county to reach their full potential into work duties. Supervise permanent, temporary, contract and volunteer staff on a project basis. Identify problems and work to resolve them. Prepare comprehensive reports, letters, and other written materials. Provide information regarding planning, developing, and monitoring a project's scope, timeline, and budget. Translate technical topics for professionals and elected officials and communicate across multiple disciplines. Research and develop grant applications and other project funding solutions. Research and analyze information/data to formulate findings and recommendations. Interpret laws, regulations, and data. Track and monitor compliance with pertinent mandates, laws, codes, rules, regulations, and agreements. Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary & Benefits

The annual salary range for Sustainability Specialist II is $102,336.00- $127,920.00 and Sustainability Specialist III is $110,510.40- $138,153.60.

This is a permanent and fully benefited position in the Sustainability Department.

Health & Wellness

3 medical / 2 dental plansVision care paid by the County of San MateoLong Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance paid by the County of San Mateo Employee Wellness ProgramVoluntary Benefits

Paid Leave

13 vacation days/year, more with years of service12 paid holidays and 962 hours sick leave per year

Work/Life Programs

Commute Alternatives and Travel SubsidiesEmployee Assistance ProgramFSA and Dependent Care Assistance

Retirement

Pension Benefits through the County of San MateoHealth Benefits for RetireesDeferred Compensation PlanRetirement Reciprocity

Click to learn more

Application/Examination

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Application Materials

The following are required to be submitted:

Regular online employment application formResponses to the supplemental questionnaireCover letter expressing interest in the positionResume

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application materials. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE:

Application Deadline: Monday, May 11, 2026

Application Screening: Wednesday, May 13, 2025 - Monday, May 18, 2026

Combined Panel Interviews (virtual): Thursday, May 28 - Friday, May 29, 2026

About The County