Project Coordinator (Climate and Sustainability)

Project Coordinator (Climate and Sustainability)

Job Number: 2886
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: 150 Frederick St - Regional Admin Headquarters
Job Category: Administration
Number of Positions: 1
Department: Sustainability and Climate Services
Division: Planning, Development and Legislative Services
Hours of Work: 35
Union: CUPE 1883
Grade: CUPE 1883 Grade 017
Salary Range: $51.76 - $58.67 per hour
About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051 Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community The Role Leads complex multi-stakeholder, public-facing regional sustainability programs, initiatives, and projects (e.g. climate change, natural heritage) to establish, plan, and achieve an inclusive, thriving and sustainable Region, and advance both the corporate climate action plan and community climate action plan, Transform Waterloo Region Ensures the Region’s interests in ecology, natural heritage, and climate change are communicated and implemented across a broad range of studies, initiatives, and projects Leads complex and high-risk programs that require expertise in community engagement, project coordination, and oversees the work of external consultants for a range of sustainability initiatives.
Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads the preparation of special projects on a wide range of sustainability matters. Provides sustainability expertise to support the management of municipal infrastructure, renewable energy projects, climate change initiatives, natural heritage planning and active transportation.
• Leads the delivery of multi-stakeholder corporate and community-facing climate and sustainability projects, preparing project work plans, policy documents, background reports, terms of reference, and RFPs for consideration by management. Assists in the evaluation and selection of consultants/contractors, and acts as a liaison between consultants and regional staff on specific projects, including updates to council.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of municipal climate change mitigation or adaptation priorities, including operational, institutional, and community planning policy changes that will lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduced vulnerability to climate change impacts.
• Contributes to strategies, technical studies, policies, management and master plans, capital projects, monitoring and implementation of projects that support sustainable regional growth, ensuring impacts to natural heritage features and functions are avoided or minimized.
• Prepares briefings to advise senior management and elected officials on high profile climate change and natural heritage matters. Prepares reports for committee and council and attends committee and council meetings, making presentations as required.
• Prepares for and conducts stakeholder consultation (e.g., public meetings, open houses, workshops) representing the Region. Incorporates key findings into ongoing work and future communications with council and the public.
• Builds, maintains, and strengthens relationships with area municipal staff, the public, development community, and other stakeholders. Contributes as a regional liaison for area municipalities on initiatives, studies, and projects.
• Represents the Division on committees, working groups, and advisory bodies to provide and receive feedback on interdepartmental and intermunicipal initiatives. Occasionally represents management at internal and external meetings. Provides staff support to advisory committees.
• Develops and recommends policies and procedures for new programs, initiatives, and ongoing collaboration, and participates in the formulation and evaluation of planning policy, including providing input on recommendations to committee and council.
• Administers budgets for projects and programs and writes grant proposals.
• Assigns, coordinates, and reviews the quality of work of students and staff supporting projects, and provides technical guidance, mentorship, and training. Participates in administering and coordinating the hiring process for students. Oversees the work of external consultants for a range of sustainability initiatives.
• Leads project teams, advisory committees, and working groups by chairing meetings, preparing related materials and activities, providing technical guidance, and coordinating the work of project team members.
• Schedules and prioritizes work according to the divisional strategic/work plan and rigid deadlines set by legislation and political schedules/agendas. Assists management in setting divisional work plan objectives and goals. Meets with management regularly to discuss progress, update priorities, and address key issues and questions.
• Makes day-to-day decisions under the general supervision of management on development applications, regional and provincial policy, regulations and guidelines, program delivery, and projects. Consults with management, other staff, and external experts for decisions on unique, high profile, and controversial issues.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental policy development and natural heritage planning acquired through a 4-year bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental studies, ecology, planning, or related discipline, plus 5 years of directly related experience.
• Advanced project management skills with proven experience in defining project scopes, planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Ability to write concise, audience-appropriate correspondence; convey issues and concepts effectively; and make presentations and explain ecology and sustainability issues, information, and procedures in a manner appropriate for various audiences, and in council and committee settings.
• Critical thinking, problem solving, research and analytical skills, using a balance of technical skill, creativity, and reasonability.
• Ability to exercise political sensitivity and judgment consistent with professional standards.
• Ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects to successful completion, and plan and prioritize work in response to conflicting demands.
• Communication, human relations, facilitation, negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills to work effectively with stakeholders with competing interests (e.g., engineers, lawyers, area municipalities, members of the public); deal with angry, emotional, and frustrated stakeholders on controversial decisions, and resolve actual and perceived issues; communicate effectively with all levels of staff, councillors, and the public; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, interpret, synthesize, and apply complex technical policy and legal information (e.g., reports, documents, records, file information, maps, plans, drawings).
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as MS Office, databases, GIS, and data management programs.
• May be occasionally required to alter schedule to attend evening meetings.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email [email protected] Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular)