Sustainability Coordinator

The Orange County Government is seeking a full-time Sustainability Coordinator for the Convention Center in Orlando, FL. This role involves coordinating sustainability initiatives, obtaining LEED certification, and maintaining environmental standards. Responsibilities include researching best practices for energy use, waste management, and collaborating with clients on 'Green Meeting' plans. The position emphasizes community engagement and partnerships to promote sustainability within the region.
Job ID
36592

Location

Convention Ctr Facility Oper

Full/Part Time
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary
Regular

Overview

At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.

Celebrating nearly 42 years of success, the award-winning Orange County Convention Center https://www.occc.net (OCCC) is one of the largest convention facilities in the United States and is owned and operated by Orange County Government. Located in the heart of the tourism district, the Center serves as the perfect event destination - attracting more than 200 events to the Central Florida region annually. By hosting regional, national and international conventions, meetings and trade shows, the convention center infuses the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities. As a result, roughly 1.5 million attendees contribute approximately $3 billion to the area's annual economy. The OCCC is a leader in the events, trade shows and conventions industry and is known as The Center of Hospitality (CoH).

Job Description

General Functions

This position will coordinate and implement sustainability initiatives for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) that will benefit the OCCC, clients, exhibitors, attendees, employees and the environment. Responsibilities will include obtaining and maintaining Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification and maintaining and expanding the environmental standards as defined by the Environmental Management System ISO 14001 (EMS). This position reports directly to the Utilities and Sustainability Manager.

Representative Duties/Assignments
• Research recommends and implements best practices for sustainability in areas such as energy use, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management/recycling, transportation choices, green cleaning, reusable donations and green meetings. Leads the cross functional sustainability team that will evaluate, develop, maintain and continuously improve sustainability initiatives for the OCCC and clients. Maintain sustainability databases identifying projects and processes.
• Research and initiates grant applications supporting sustainability improvements funded through state or federal programs.
• Assists in the creation of sustainability information materials that explain and encourage best environmental practices. Collaborates with clients and meeting planners to design “Green Meeting” plans related to their specific events. Provides support for the sales and event management teams to sell the Green Meetings concept.
• Develops relationships with outside parties including the national and local Green Building Council, Visit Orlando and community partners within the International Drive district to promote the area as a “green” destination. Partners with the Convene Green Alliance, EPA Wastewise, Energy Star and other sustainability alliances.
• Manages and coordinates LEED certification efforts for the OCCC. Assists in defining goals and performance metrics, in developing the long-range plan for sustainability, and in monitoring and evaluating the program. Prepares reports and implement tracking functions for LEED. Promotes LEED standards and provides staff support for LEED certified projects.
• Ensure EMS requirements are maintained in accordance with ISO 14001. Facilitates the implementation of the EMS system throughout the OCCC.
• Assists in educating OCCC staff and service partners in best sustainable practices. Ensures sustainability policies are created and updated and are understood and followed by staff, clients and the public.
• Assists in maintaining compliance with existing environmental rules and regulations.
• Provides on-going conservation audits of the OCCC from a sustainability perspective. Identifies needs, makes recommendations and initiates corrective action when appropriate.
• Provides energy usage, waste, composting, recycling, and sustainability reports directly to the Convention Center’s Event Manager and the OCCC Client.
• Meets the Center of Hospitality standards (CoH).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited institution with a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Biology or other closely related field and three years of environmental/sustainability work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.

Possess LEED certification such as LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional (Operations & Maintenance) or obtain certification within six months of hire.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation and public speaking.

Ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Ability to effectively collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.

Possess and maintain a valid Florida Drivers license.

Ability to work occasional nights, weekends and holidays as required.

Preferences

Knowledge of Environmental Management System ISO 14001.

Knowledge of Energy Star Portfolio Manager.

Demonstrated commitment to environmental and sustainability issues.

Convention Center experience supporting events

Application Deadline

Open Date: 02/11/2025

Close Date: 02/24/2025

This posting is subject to close without prior notice.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: 016 - From $26.16 to $34.01

FLSA Status: Exempt

Placement based on Education and Experience

Benefits
• 10 paid holidays and up to 2 floating holidays annually.
• 18 days paid time off per year.
• Longevity bonus based on years of service.
• 6 days of paid TERM (sick) time annually.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, additional life insurance.
• Free basic life, long term disability, and employee assistance for all the family members effective on day one.
• Participation in the Florida Retirement System.
• Employee assistance program includes multiple free one on one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
• Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.
• Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Earn service time to forgive student loans.

Disclaimer: Benefits may vary for employees under collective bargaining agreements.

For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx

Veterans Preference

If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.

Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.

Educational Requirements

If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.

Address

Orange County Convention Center

9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Notes

1. Please fill out the application in its entirety.

2. Applications that show no employment history, no employment dates, leave number of hours worked per week blank, show duties left blank, or state "see attached resume" will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

3. Applicants selected for hire in Orange County must successfully complete a background check, physical and drug screening prior to start of employment.

4. Please read the entire posting and print a copy for your future reference, as you will need it during the process.

5. Please ensure that the phone number and email address on your application is accurate, and that it is an email account that you check on a daily basis as we will be using this to contact you for various steps in the hiring process.

Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the pre-employment drug, physical and background check.