Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Energy & Climate Action
STATUS: Full Time
NO. OF POSITIONS: One
UNION: CUPE, Local 387
HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week
SALARY: $61.73 – $73.15 per hour plus benefits
2023 was the hottest year in recorded human history. Human caused climate change is having a profound effect on all life on our planet. In 2019, New Westminster’s City Council declared a climate emergency, the second municipality in our region to formally acknowledge this call for action. Since that time, the City has taken bold steps to mitigate corporate and community climate impacts however there is much more work that needs to be done. The City is seeking a dedicated and passionate climate advocate to join our newly created Energy and Climate Action Department as a Senior Climate Action Planner, to lead the City’s corporate and community climate action initiatives, and to advance the City towards the climate action targets. You will oversee the work of both the Corporate and Community Energy and Emissions Specialists, participate in external working groups to support innovation and advancement in the Climate Action Division policy and program development, and provide key support for other land use policy work that has climate action components.

Reporting to the Manager of Climate Action, you will focus on the implementation of climate action priorities as outlined in Council’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and Seven Bold Steps. Guided by the Community Energy and Emissions Plan 2050 (CEEP), e-Mobility Strategy, and the Corporate Energy and Emissions Reduction Strategy (CEERS), you will plan, implement, message, and monitor and report on projects and programs that advance the City’s climate leadership goals. You will also support the team in collaborating on inter-departmental projects and programs so that climate action outcomes and inter-departmental synergies are maximized, and oversee the team providing technical design and operations advice to ensure opportunities for innovation, carbon reduction, and cost control are identified and realized throughout the organization.

A few key responsibilities of this position include:

• Prepare annual updates on the progress of City-wide climate action plans in response to the climate emergency declaration and the City’s Seven Bold Steps.
• Oversee the preparation of the corporate GHG emission report, including Local Government Climate Action Program reporting.
• Oversee and support the advancement of the division’s major projects; including implementing and updating, as necessary, the City’s Community Energy and Emissions Plan 2050 (CEEP), eMobility Strategy and Corporate Energy and Emissions Reduction Strategy (CEERS).
• Oversee the development of a public EV charging network implementation plan and schedule.
• Oversee ongoing electrification program design and lead program delivery planning and implementation through the Energy Save New West platform.
• Support incorporation of climate action components in other City land use, transportation and other relevant policy work.

If many of the following characteristics and skills describe you, we want to meet you!

• University graduation in an appropriate discipline, plus a post-graduate degree in a climate change and sustainability field such as planning, engineering, clean energy, environmental science, or related discipline plus considerable progressive related experience. A combination of education and experience as acceptable to the employer may be considered.
• Full membership or eligibility for full membership, or professional designation in areas such as RPP, P.Eng, PMP, CEM, CMVP, and LEED.
• You have substantive knowledge of policies and approaches to reducing energy and carbon emissions in the built environment and corporate operations.
• You have experience with local government, institutional processes, and relevant legislation, policy and bylaws.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and are able to demonstrate excellence in leadership, problem-solving, analysis and implementation.
• You have strong knowledge and experience in the areas of GHG emissions reductions, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and policy planning. Experience in asset management is an asset.
• You have a proven ability to conduct comprehensive research and analysis, write and present policy papers and reports regarding complex sustainability planning and policy matters.
• You have advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office, Excel, database management, and GIS.
• You have the ability to liaise effectively with City staff, elected officials, external agencies, and the public.
• You have a proven ability to effectively participate in and lead inter-departmental project teams.
• You have experience supervising staff in a unionized environment, including project support, work planning, performance reviews, and effectively achieving results.
• You have excellent interpersonal, facilitation, collaboration, conflict resolution and record keeping skills.
• Previous experience developing a municipal community energy and emissions plan and/or a corporate energy and emissions strategy is preferred.

The City has a generous benefits package, and the position is eligible for hybrid work and a compressed work week. A public transit subsidy is available to reduce the cost of your climate friendly commute, as well as access to secured bike parking and subsidized recreational facility programs city-wide. At the City Hall building, there is access to an employee fitness center and full service cafeteria.

What we offer:

• Work-life balance – 35 hour work week, vacation, an optional compressed day off program, and hybrid work schedule.
• Health and wellness – extended health, dental, life insurance benefits, paid sick leave plan, plus other wellness-focused programs and benefits.
• Retirement benefits – including municipal pension plan.
• Career development – ongoing learning, leadership development, and education development program.

Apply online with your resume and cover letter in one document at www.newwestcity.ca/employment by August 30, 2024.

To support a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community; women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversity of our workforce, are encouraged to express their interest.
New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halq’eméylem-speaking peoples.
It is acknowledged by the City that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land.
We are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.
We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

Required languages: english

Education level: • University graduation in an appropriate discipline, plus a post-graduate degree in a climate change and sustainability field such as planning, engineering, clean energy, environmental science, or related discipline plus considerable progressive related experience. A combination of education and experience as acceptable to the employer may be considered. • Full membership or eligibility for full membership, or professional designation in areas such as RPP, P.Eng, PMP, CEM, CMVP, and LEED.

Required skills: • You have substantive knowledge of policies and approaches to reducing energy and carbon emissions in the built environment and corporate operations. • You have experience with local government, institutional processes, and relevant legislation, policy and bylaws. • You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and are able to demonstrate excellence in leadership, problem-solving, analysis and implementation. • You have strong knowledge and experience in the areas of GHG emissions reductions, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and policy planning. Experience in asset management is an asset. • You have a proven ability to conduct comprehensive research and analysis, write and present policy papers and reports regarding complex sustainability planning and policy matters. • You have advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office, Excel, database management, and GIS.

Additional skills / Assets: • You have the ability to liaise effectively with City staff, elected officials, external agencies, and the public. • You have a proven ability to effectively participate in and lead inter-departmental project teams. • You have experience supervising staff in a unionized environment, including project support, work planning, performance reviews, and effectively achieving results. • You have excellent interpersonal, facilitation, collaboration, conflict resolution and record keeping skills. • Previous experience developing a municipal community energy and emissions plan and/or a corporate energy and emissions strategy is preferred.

Closest intersection: Royal Ave and 6th Street