Sustainability Specialist

Are you passionate about advancing sustainability, including addressing climate change through   energy efficiency and decarbonization? Do you want to be at the forefront of evolving strategies and impactful programs that local governments can develop and implement for San Mateo County communities?

The San Mateo County’s Sustainability Department is looking for a Sustainability Specialist II/III (Energy) to coordinate energy efficiency and electrification programs.

We are in search of "sustainability champions" with experience working directly with a wide range of community perspectives and backgrounds. We are looking for candidates with excellent project management and communication skills to lead initiatives and empower our employees, community partners, and community members to take meaningful actions on sustainability. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workforce and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Duties

The Sustainability Specialist (Energy) 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). The specific assignment will be determined based on the experience and skills of the selected candidate. This will be a permanent position in the Sustainability Department. 
 
 Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Implement programs/projects and develop and lead new, short-term initiatives related to energy efficiency and decarbonization of buildings and transportation.
• 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 such as Peninsula Clean Energy, community-based organizations, real estate professionals, economic development directors, chambers of commerce, home contractors, and others to expand opportunities for collaboration.
• Lead collaborations to help the community access resources to forward decarbonization projects.
• Plan and facilitate informational webinars and in-person workshops for facilities managers, residents, property owners, business owners and managers, business network personnel, electrification workforce stakeholders, real estate professionals, 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, especially related to climate action plans, greenhouse gas reductions, renewable energy, and battery storage.

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 green labeling programs.
• Help host and promote BayREN regional forums on topics broadly related to the California energy code (Title 24).
• Engage building staff at the County and the 20 San Mateo County cities, providing trainings about energy codes and support for simplifying permitting.
• Support jurisdictions in adopting the next round of reach codes in coordination with the BayREN codes program and Peninsula Clean Energy. 

 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.
• Share energy efficiency and decarbonization resources with organizations and refer projects to best-fit programs.
• 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. 

 
About the Sustainability Department

Established in July 2014, the Sustainability Department is dedicated to enhancing the environmental resilience and sustainability of both the County’s operations and the wider community.

Our mission is to build innovative solutions that address today’s changing environment while solving for a sustainable future. Through our comprehensive programs, we lead efforts to combat and adapt to climate change, ensure access to clean energy, water, and air, and conserve resources through effective waste reduction strategies.

We know work isn't only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! The Sustainability Department has a fun and supportive work environment that supports a work-life balance, including:

• Flexible, hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Wellness classes and resources
• Generous benefits package
• Subsidy of up to $150 per month to cover the costs of public transit, vanpooling, carpooling, and bike and scooter share, or up to $480 per year for walking, biking, or carpooling to work
• At least 20 hours of training provided annually 

About the Work
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a collaboration of the nine Bay Area counties and is led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). BayREN offers rebates and assistance to homeowners and multi-family property owners for home energy improvements, and provides energy code trainings and resources for local government staff.  
 
 The San Mateo County Energy Watch (SMCEW) is a local government partnership between PG&E and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) and is administered by the Sustainability Department. SMCEW assists local governments, schools, non-profits, and small businesses in accessing energy efficiency programs, trade professionals, and financing opportunities.

County Status: An applicant must be a current County of San Mateo employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, Confidential and Management extra-help/limited term, or SEIU or AFSCME represented extra help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date. 

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of contract management.
• Principles, practices and trends in the assigned specialty areas of resource conservation.
• Technical information in the assigned specialty areas such as waste reduction, recycling and composting, construction and demolition, renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate action, planning and adaptation, water conservation, active transportation, affordable housing, commute alternatives, environmental education and community engagement.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, implement and evaluate assigned programs, projects and activities.
• Coordinate multiple functions and contracts.
• Supervise permanent, temporary, contract and volunteer staff on a project basis.
• Serve as subject matter expert in assigned areas.
• Work with a wide variety of people at all levels including those from government, business, private and non-profit agencies, community groups and the public.
• Identify problems and resolve them.
• Track and monitor compliance with pertinent mandates, laws, codes, rules, regulations and agreements.
• Develop and conduct outreach, public education, training and media activities.
• Research and analyze information/data to formulate findings and recommendations.
• Serve as representative on various boards, committees and community groups.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, letters and other written materials.
• Provide information in regard to planning, developing and monitoring the budget.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with others.
• Integrate race and social justice considerations into work duties.

County Promotional Only. Only current County of San Mateo or 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 may apply. 

Application Materials: The following are required to be submitted:
 1) regular online employment applications form
 2) cover letter expressing interest in the position
 3) resume