Climate Action Specialist

Climate Action Specialist

Department of Facilities and Environmental Services

Full-Time, 12 months

Exempt, Pay Grade 35

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

We are looking for a dynamic Climate Action Specialist to join our Climate Action Program team. You’ll be responsible for managing a variety of projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community, to build resilience to the local impacts of climate change, and to help Albemarle County local government lead by example. Because you’ll play a vital role in the success of local climate action initiatives that depend on coordination with multiple stakeholders, candidates should have excellent project management, communication, and facilitation skills, working knowledge of best practices in local climate action, and a collaborative demeanor that will support teamwork on complex projects. To ensure success as a Specialist with our Climate Action Program, you’ll be detail-oriented, collaborative, excellent at multi-tasking, skilled in workload planning, and able to take a task from concept to implementation with minimal supervision. Albemarle County is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply in that spirit.

Climate Action Specialist

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for managing a variety of projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community and build resilience to the local impacts of climate change.

The Expectations

Essential functions and responsibilities of the Climate Action Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Engage County staff throughout all departments and levels to integrate climate action principles in all departments, policies, programs, and projects. Elements for consideration include the root causes of the climate crisis; systemic shifts in consumption, transportation, land use, energy infrastructure, agriculture, and waste; and supporting community member capacity-building for change.
• Conduct research on best practices and new opportunities for projects and programs, including community-level behavior change.
• Manage high-priority initiatives and projects, including implementation of the County’s Climate Action Plan and the forthcoming Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan as appropriate.
• Lead and support climate action-focused community engagement events.
• Establishes and maintains methodologies and systems to collect, track, and disseminate information pertinent to the climate program. Examples include inventories of greenhouse gas emissions, regular reporting to leaders and community members, and dashboards reflecting progress in implementing climate actions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or Policy, Data Analytics, Sustainable Finance, Renewable Energy Engineering, or course work, and a minimum of two years of professional work in climate action programs or related field.

Master’s degree in environmental policy, and experience in climate action program implementation for a local, state, or federal agency, nonprofit, or other organization is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the basic principles of climate science and of the best practices of climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
• Adaptable problem-solving and decision-making, including change management.
• Policy knowledge, including local regulatory frameworks and socio-economic drivers.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including systems analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to express complex ideas clearly and concisely to both individuals and groups, as well as in public.
• Professional-level writing skills appropriate for correspondence, reports, action plans, and responses to various County sources, outside agencies, and the public.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with people using a high level of emotional intelligence to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County leaders and staff at all levels, elected officials, and the public, and to guide and strongly facilitate the efforts of teams and workgroups.
• Technical skills, including office software packages, including word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to work independently and establish priorities with minimal guidance.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $84,917- $93,855 per year. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Deadline for Applications: Position open until September 19, 2025.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

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• Albemarle County

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