Sustainability Officer

The City of Savannah is seeking a Sustainability Officer to lead its Sustainability Office, developing and implementing sustainability programs within city operations and the community. Responsibilities include supervising staff, coordinating projects on waste management, energy conservation, and green building, and collaborating with city officials and residents. A Bachelor's degree and five years of experience in sustainability are required. This position is based in Savannah, GA.
The City of Savannah, Georgia is a charming Southern escape with historic architecture set under a veil of Spanish moss. Savannah's Historic District, one of the largest historic landmarks in the country, is designated a National Historic Landmark. Savannah's beauty is rivaled only by the city's reputation for hospitality. Savannah is one of the country's most popular vacation spots. In 2019, Forbes named the City of Savannah as the top local government and the best employers in the State of Georgia.

Are you looking for a career with purpose? The City of Savannah seeks a highly qualified Environmental Services and Sustainability Director who is passionate, collaborative, inclusive, and engaging.

If you are ready to take the next step, envision your career with us! This position leads the City’s Sustainability Office, developing and implementing innovative sustainability and resilience programs and practices within city operations, among residents, and throughout the broader community.
• Supervises directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors the status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops and implements specific sustainability and climate resilience programs and projects.
• Initiates implements, and/or supports specific programs on topics including waste management, energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and watershed management, green building guidelines/standards, alternative transportation, and green purchasing.
• Analyzes City processes and operations based on sustainability criteria.
• Works with City staff elected officials, and the community to set goals for sustainability; establishes and maintains tracking methods for sustainability goals; analyzes and measures success and cost-effectiveness of programs; assists departments in the development of sustainability metrics specific to their work areas; prepares reports on sustainability goals.
• Provides training and support for City staff.
• Assesses the need for new policies and ordinances.
• Identifies potential funding sources and financial incentives for implementing projects.
• Develops and presents educational information to the public, including messaging campaigns on various aspects of sustainability such as energy and water conservation; acts as a liaison to businesses, schools, and community groups to create policies and promote sustainability.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Social Science, or a related field with five years of experience in sustainability with additional certification in energy management, green building; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Additional Requirements
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post-offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Certification in energy management, green building, or other sustainable or resilience topic
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
Knowledge of sustainability principles.
Knowledge of community and climate resilience.
Knowledge of research methodology and resources.
Knowledge of funding and grant opportunities.
Knowledge of project management
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of computers and other modern office equipment.
Skill in performing technical research and technical writing.
Skill in writing grants and reports.
Skill in developing partnerships and providing support to multiple entities.
Skill in the operation of computers and other modern office equipment.
Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
Skill in quantitative analysis.
Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Assistant City Manager, Development and Environment Services assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include City, state, and federal policies and regulations, department guidelines, energy and building codes, and housing standards. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied managerial and supervisory duties. The multitude and complexity of laws and regulations to be followed contribute to the complexity of the work.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to direct sustainable policies and programs. Successful performance in this position results in an improved, more sustainable, quality of life for City residents.
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other City employees, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and other entities involved in sustainability.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, resolve problems, justify decisions, and negotiate and settle matters.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table, or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light objects.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position provides direct supervision over Senior Program Analyst, Sanitation Education Coordinator, Environmental Administrator, Environmental Affairs Administrator, and Environmental Services Planner