Climate Action & Sustainability Specialist

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum.

Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters.

With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported.

To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index website.

This position is a member of The Sustainability Department and performs research and prepares studies, conducts surveys, compiles and analyzes data, and formulates program policies and procedures; performs outreach and education on sustainability topics; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and outcome. Assists Director, Office of Sustainability, in preparing staff reports and presenting information to City Council and Commissions. Coordinates with other departments to facilitate program implementation.

Supports environmental and sustainability program audit and enforcement efforts by conducting field audits, actively investigates violations, and works with code enforcement to issue citations.

• Work with other departments to review the environmental features of significant projects including review of Environmental Impact Reports and Construction Waste Management Plans for reasonableness and for conformance to sustainability codes, goals, and standards.
• Perform research and prepare studies as required; conduct surveys, compile and analyze data, and formulate program policies and procedures; monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and outcome; prepare periodic or specialized reports of program activities.
• Assist in the development, coordination, and administration of programs and projects in areas such as water and energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, green building, watershed management, sustainable procurement, and hazardous materials management.
• Coordinate and manage complex programs; assist with the development of sustainability action plans and environmental, social, and economic strategies to integrate sustainability to overall operations.
• Support environmental and sustainability program audit and enforcement efforts by conducting field audits, actively investigating violations, and working with code enforcement to issue citations when necessary.
• Conduct program outreach efforts and develop outreach and education materials on a variety of environmental topics for both internal and community-wide use; attend public meetings, and present information to community groups and other stakeholders.
• Perform public relations tasks that include the development of written or web-based materials and provide information and assistance to the public and City staff on programs and policies related to sustainability.
• Gather, compile, and analyze information for preparation of grants, contracts, and agreements; assist in negotiating terms; implement, monitor, and prepare reports, statistical data, and graphs.
• Serves as liaison or primary point of contact…