Energy and Climate Change Specialist

Overview

Position Overview
The Energy and Climate Change Specialist supports the Senior Manager, Policy Planning and Special Programs in leading the planning and implementation of municipal energy and climate change priorities related to Green Directions Vaughan 2019, the Municipal Energy Plan and community energy planning. Responsible for advising, tracking, updating and/or leading initiatives for City-related climate adaptation, mitigation, community greenhouse gas reductions and energy projects; providing expertise and guidance to staff, City Council, stakeholders and the community, conducting related research, and assisting with program and policy development in the areas of energy and climate change; and preparing reports on complex energy and climate change issues, including the integration of climate change with land use planning studies eg. community energy plans. Establishing and fostering partnerships with other levels of government, community, business associations, and non-government organizations is critical to advancing climate action in City operations and in the community.

Qualifications and Experience
• University degree in a discipline related to environmental sustainability or climate change such as Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Planning or Engineering.
• Minimum of five (5) years demonstrated experience in the field of sustainability, climate change, the environment, energy management and related issues. Strategic climate change action planning, attracting, and developing partnerships in a municipal setting is an asset.
• Familiarity with energy management principles and methods, building automation systems, benchmarking initiatives and best practices, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Ontario Building Code, Plumbing Code, Municipal Act, Technical Standards and Safety Act and other applicable energy and safety-related legislation/regulations/guidelines is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Provincial and Federal climate change policies and legislation (i.e., Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016, and Ontario Climate Change Action Plan) and other relevant legislation, policies and plans (i.e. Growth Plans, Municipal Act, etc.) and grant and incentive opportunities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of community energy planning, climate change issues and action areas and local green building initiatives, including: greenhouse gas emissions inventories, climate change mitigation policies and concepts, public policy focused on climate change, energy efficiency and high performance buildings (e.g. LEED, Passive House), clean energy systems and renewable energy technology (e.g. solar PV and storage, district energy, microgrids), waste management, and water reuse, green development standards, electric vehicles, Ontario’s bulk energy system, energy efficient neighbourhood design principles, and sustainable development. Knowledge of these within the context of municipal government, municipal asset management and risk assessment is an asset.
• Proven project management, research and analysis skills (e.g., ability to conduct rigorous research, summarize findings, and present recommendations).
• Demonstrated experience leading or participating in community engagement and developing community education tools.
• Ability to independently research and learn emerging sustainable energy and climate change concepts and trends, and synthesize, relay, translate and communicate complex issues and best practices to non-technical audiences.
• Resourcefulness, creativity and strategic thinking to anticipate and identify issues and generate buy-in through innovative and sustainable solutions to barriers.
• Leadership skills to provide direction to staff and stakeholders and serve as the lead on program and project initiatives.
• Understanding of action planning and program development process and how to implement new initiatives, including planning, costing, team building, implementation strategies, and building in feedback and evaluation techniques.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills, with ability to multi-task.
• Good knowledge of computer tools, experience with GHG software and conducting GHG inventories considered an asset.
• Demonstrates the City’s corporate values of respect, accountability, and dedication.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build relationships and liaise effectively at all levels and with a variety of internal and external stakeholders (public, elected officials, outside agencies and stakeholders).
• Computer proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office Suite software, and internet applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in research, data management, policy analysis, policy development and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal, time management, organizational, presentation, facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, the City’s core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
• Possesses a valid Ontario ‘G’ Driver’s License in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.

The following designations are considered an asset:
• A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation, Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), Professional Engineer (P.Eng) or Greenhouse Gas Inventory Quantifier, or be working toward one of these designations.
• Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and designation as a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) is an asset.
• Accreditation through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (e.g. LEED Green Associate, LEED AP).