Description
ABOUT THE POSITION: The City of Monterey currently has one (1) full-time Sustainability Assistant vacancy in the Community Development Department. The Sustainability Assistant supports the City’s sustainability efforts, including but not limited to solid waste and recycling, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and climate change mitigation under the direction of the Sustainability Manager. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with waste disposal regulations, coordinating with City departments, assisting with public outreach and education, and supporting city wide initiatives. The role also involves monitoring regulatory changes, developing marketing materials, and representing the City in community and governmental settings. The assistant helps advance sustainability programs and fosters positive community relations while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Sustainability Manager or designee, to perform specialized professional work in the areas of solid waste disposal, planning, and source reduction, household hazardous waste collection and disposal, recycling and resource recovery programs; monitor regulatory requirements for the City’s waste management activities; assist with developing and maintaining Citywide programs to comply with mandated local, state & federal regulations.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Sustainability Assistant is a single class position which receives direction from the Sustainability Manager. This position encompasses a variety of tasks that are specialized/technical aspects in regard to the Sustainability program. This position is distinguished from the higher level of Sustainability Manager in that that the Manager oversees the program and is the contact person for contract management, media interaction, compliance with State law and any enforcement actions.
ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:
Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.
WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES:
The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!
Application Process
A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.
Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Monterey provides outstanding servicesto the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Waste disposal compliance for private businesses and properties, perform regulatory monitoring and evaluation activities for solid waste and recycling, landfill, source reduction, and waste processing programs;
- Coordinate and collaborate with other City departments for solid waste and hazardous material handling and storm drain/surface water issues;
- Assist with grant management;
- Work with citizen advisory committees; attend intergovernmental meetings as City staff representative;
- Prepare written reports and correspondence; prepare and present oral presentations
- Assist in public outreach efforts, community education programs, and marketing strategies for solid waste and recycling programs including residential, commercial, tourist industry, and military installations;
- Collaboratively interface with elected officials and representatives of governmental agencies, and City department staff (such as the City’s Development Review Committee) to effectively promote recycling and organic collection programs; assist in developing, producing, and disseminating marketing, promotional, and educational materials including brochures, posters, fact sheets, etc.;
- Help produce and update powerpoint presentations, reports, newsletters, website information, advertisements, signs, exhibits, and other media communication as required to support outreach goals;
- Assist in the development and implementation of recycling workshops, tours, training events, and speaking engagements as necessary to accomplish Department, City and regulatory goals;
- Collaboratively create and conduct presentations to community organizations, business associations, etc., on City services, programs, and issues concerning rates and application process;
- Respond to public questions and complaints;
- Research and make recommendations for City source reduction and waste diversion programs and goals;
- Assist with monitoring new Federal, State and local regulations related to emission controls, fuel standards and climate change;
- Support City staff efforts to respond to climate change;
- Participate in local community organizations as a representative of the City and represent the City at public, social, and business gatherings;
- Help coordinate City participation in regional climate change initiatives with other City staff;
- Help coordinate climate action planning responsibilities including planning and program implementation with regard to energy usage and electric vehicles;
- Assist in the implementation of the Green Business Program in the City of Monterey including certifying new businesses, re-certifications, regional collaboration and public outreach and education;
- Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff;
- Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information;
- Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university in Environmental Science, Earth System Science and Policy, Public Administration, Planning, or a closely related field.
Experience: A minimum of two (2) years' experience working with sustainability or the environmental field in a similar or relevant position.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:
- Must possess a valid California Driver’s License upon time of appointment and be insurable with the City’s standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority.
Supplemental Info
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of solid waste, recycling and related environmental issues;
- Research techniques, sources and availability of information and methods of report presentation;
- Applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to local government solid waste, recycling and resource conservation operations as well as a firm understanding of contact management at the local, State, and Federal level.
Skill in:- Interpreting, explaining and making decisions and recommendations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and policies;
- Planning, organizing, coordinating and evaluating community programs and events;
- Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, one-on-one and with a group; prepare complete and accurate reports and contracts;
- Conducting site visits and work on issues surrounding appropriate solid waste disposal and recycling compliance.
Environmental ElementsEmployees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.