Green Jobs Specialist

The City of Cambridge is hiring a Green Jobs Specialist for the Department of Human Service Programs. This role involves supporting residents in accessing employment in green sectors, developing partnerships with businesses and education providers, and providing career counseling. The Specialist will work closely with various city departments to implement the Green Jobs Ordinance and promote awareness of green career opportunities among residents.
The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates
services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents.
Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP's extensive services and
programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior
citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from
non-profit organizations to local employers. ABOUT THE ROLE: The Office
of Workforce Development (OWD) supports Cambridge youth and adults in
achieving their employment and career goals by offering a variety of
programs to increase residents employability. As the city and state work
to address the impacts of climate change on infrastructure,
transportation, buildings and communities, new industries and
occupations are emerging. To ensure that residents are aware of and have
access to these opportunities, OWD is looking for a skilled communicator
and connector who brings passion to both critical aspects of the role -
employer outreach/partnership development and direct service to
residents. The Specialist will work with residents interested in
accessing employment in these sectors and connect them with businesses
or education and training providers if they need additional skills. The
Specialist will develop partnerships with industry leaders, utility
companies and others to create pathways for residents to achieve gainful
employment in clean energy and other sectors expected to grow in the
coming years. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential
functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of
the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of
specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if
the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Work with colleagues from the Office of Sustainability, the Community
Development Department, the Department of Public Works and other City
departments to implement the elements of the Green Jobs Ordinance.
Provide career counseling to residents looking for employment assistance
who have an interest in Green careers or additional training, and
support their successful entrance into related jobs or skills training.
Provide ongoing support to residents enrolled in training to ensure
successful completion. Develop strategies to increase awareness and
excitement for green pathways among teens, young adults and adults to
build a stronger pipeline for jobs in the Green Economy. Identify local
and regional employers in related sectors and cultivate relationships
that benefit Cambridge residents. Establish partnerships with education
and training providers to facilitate pathways for Cambridge youth and
adults. Collect and organize information about employers, career
pathways, and education programs to inform residents and program staff.
Participate in the creation of an annual report to the City Council on
the state of the sector and efforts to connect residents. Educate school
and community-based program staff to help them better support the
residents they work with to access these opportunities. Actively engage
in and support the Department's Race and Equity Initiative. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform essential functions. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education and
Experience: Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in workforce development
in the areas of career counseling, case management, employer outreach,
or skills training Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of
emerging occupations and industries considered to be within the Green
Economy: HVAC, energy efficiency, green forestry, etc. Demonstrated
skill engaging employers in workforce development efforts. Demonstrated
skill in effectively engaging residents who are low income, immigrant,
Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) who may be disconnected
from workforce develo