Sustainability Coordinator

Lower Merion Township is seeking a Sustainability Coordinator to support sustainability programs. Responsibilities include project planning, research on policies, grant management, community engagement, and social media content creation. The role requires a high school diploma or relevant degree and experience in environmental sustainability. The position is based in Ardmore, PA, and may require attendance at evening or weekend events.
Summary

The Sustainability Coordinator will work to support and enhance the implementation of sustainability programs and initiatives. Assists in the creation and implementation of various sustainability projects and programs including conducting research on policy practices and initiatives, coordinating volunteers to implement sustainability outreach initiatives, manage and execute community engagement activities, develop sustainability content for wide in-person and online distribution, and identify, apply for, and manage sustainability grants.

Works under the general supervision of the Sustainability Manager.

Duties

Supports the development, planning and implementation of sustainability projects, including logistical coordination, participant communication, and contractor management.

Conducts research on policy practices and initiatives from peer communities as assigned by the Sustainability Manager, explores feasibility of new projects and initiatives.

Researches and maintains a catalog of grants and incentives to fund sustainability projects.

Writes grant applications and ensures compliance with grant writing requirements.

Prepares the annual sustainability report, issue briefings, memos and other documents and presentations.

Develops social media posts, information documents, and other promotional materials for Township sustainability programs and events.

Assists in managing Lower Merion Township Sustainability social media accounts and other engagement channels including email bulletins, sustainability webpages, etc.

Coordinates community engagement and public outreach, such as attending community events, presenting to civic associations and other stakeholders, and presenting the Township Sustainability initiatives to the public.

Supports sustainability volunteers to further sustainability messaging throughout the Township, including facilitating and coordinating logistics for meetings and events.

Assists in the management of the Township’s third-party sustainability certifications.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current on new trends and best practices in industry and peer communities.

May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and requirements.

May be assigned to other departments or divisions to perform required duties, as needed.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of increasingly responsible environmental sustainability experience;

OR associate degree in environmental studies, environmental engineering, sustainability management, sustainable engineering, climate science or a related field and two (2) years of experience as listed above;

OR bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental engineering, sustainability management, sustainable engineering, climate science or a related field;

OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas
Must successfully pass all conditions of employment which may include a pre-employment physical.

Required to pass and maintain Child Protective Service Law (CPSL) clearances.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) or Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) credentials preferred.

Knowledge of climate change issues and energy, transportation, industrial and sustainability trends.

Knowledge of governmental processes and relationships impacting and affected by climate change program activities.

Knowledge of department policies and procedures for the preparation, production and maintenance of reports, documentation and records.

Skill in the use of Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and its tools for communication and collaboration, such as Teams and OneDrive, applicable department tools, and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of specialized software as required.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions and approaches to problems.

Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.

Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.

Ability to understand and explain climate change science and management trends, processes, and procedures.

Ability to clearly communicate and understand information, orally and in writing.

Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures.

Ability to use reasoning skills that minimize duplication of efforts, including comparing, classifying, analyzing and coordinating.

Ability to analyze and prepare complex reports and contract documents

Ability to follow Township and public safety guidelines and protocols and perform job functions in a safe manner.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Ability to maintain regular attendance to ensure efficient and effective performance of job duties.
Physical Requirements

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 30 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

Tasks are regularly performed inside and outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.