Sustainability & Climate Change Specialist

**Division**:
Corporate Strategy and Community Sustainability

**Important Notices & Amendments**:
**Approximate Duration: 12 months**

**This position**currently falls within our hybrid model**, allowing the employee to**typically**work**a minimum of**50% of**your** time**at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.**

**Job Summary**:

- Salary under Review_

Reporting to the Manager of Sustainable Communities, the Sustainability and Climate Change Specialist manages and leads internal and external climate change projects, programs, and engagement, driving Niagara Region’s climate action forward. Responsibilities encompass managing cross-departmental efforts to implement climate projects and policies aligned with the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan, as well as researching, proposing, and implementing strategies, measures, and initiatives to mitigate climate change. This position collaborates with diverse interested parties to foster transparent communication, advocacy, strategic partnerships, funding collaboration, and regulatory compliance. This role also manages and leads external groups to advance climate change projects and initiatives within the region, playing an integral role in advancing Niagara Region’s strategic priorities, environmental engagement, and investment approach.

Education
- Post-secondary degree in Environmental Science or Studies, Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, or an equivalent field of study.
- A master’s degree or a specialized certificate in a related field is an asset.

**Knowledge**:

- 5-7 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a municipal setting.
- Knowledge of Federal, Provincial, and Municipal environmental legislation, programs, policies, and initiatives (e.g., climate change commitments, environmental and planning frameworks).
- Understanding of municipal environmental activities (e.g., water efficiency, waste management, energy efficiency, transportation, land conservation, community development) to identify and propose improvements.
- Expertise in environmental sustainability analysis and research techniques, especially in climate change adaptation and mitigation, and technical skills in executing related projects.
- Ability to identify emerging trends and strategies for climate change mitigation.
- Knowledge of principles and standards: low carbon actions, green building design, renewable energy systems, LEED, and Net-Zero programs.
- Proficiency in facilitation, engagement, and communication techniques, including leading workshops, fostering collaboration, guiding discussions, connecting with diverse audiences, and fostering positive relationships.

**Responsibilities**:

- Leads Internal and External Climate Change Plans, Strategy and Policy (40% of time)_
- Leads the development and implementation of the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), including climate mitigation and/or adaptation programs, practices, and policies to achieve the Council-approved Corporate Net-Zero emissions target by 2050.
- Manages and coordinates the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, as well as the corporate and community energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction plans.
- Supports the development and implementation of energy/GHG reduction initiatives.
- Maintains and analyzes information/data required to report on policy and program activities.
- Works collaboratively within a team environment to lead the organization in identifying, measuring, and accurately reporting risks in response to evolving stakeholder expectations and environmental, climate, and GHG regulations.
- Prepares and issues Request for Proposal (RFPs) and completes the appropriate competitive process for retention of consulting services, providing information and direction to consultants during the process of submission, and life cycle of project.
- Manages projects by planning tasks, assigning responsibilities, monitoring progress, setting work priorities, identifying necessary tools and resources, and offering guidance to the project team.
- Manages and tracks budgets for which authority is delegated, ensuring support of Council’s objectives, financial transparency, and accountability.
- Oversees the work of staff from the team assigned by the manager to support climate project tasks, ensuring alignment with project goals, clear guidance, progress tracking, and high-quality outcomes.
- Leads the Management and Engagement with Internal and External Interested and Affected Parties (30% of time)_
- Leads, plans, and implements the corporate and community climate change events.
- Leads the internal Corporate Climate Change Working Group (CCWG), consisting of representatives from all Region Departments, to accelerate and coordinate climate change work across the Region.
- Leads the external Niagara Climate Change Municipal Community of Practice (NCCMCP), while coordinating and facilitating relationships and partner