Sustainability Specialist

Job Postings Closing Dates: A job posting may close before the listed deadline if the number of applications reaches the limit for that position. If the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected, the posting may remain open longer.

Application: The application must be filled out completely; stating "see resume" anywhere in the application, is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

*Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus May Be Available*

Enjoy Industry Leading Benefits:

• Generous paid vacation and extended sick leave, holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
• Free and discounted transportation options to get around Aspen and the Valley.
• Professional development and learning opportunities, including a tuition reimbursement program.
• Health and wellbeing options that include Medical, Dental, Vision, robust and accessible employee assistance program, and nationally recognized wellbeing platform.
• Monetary bonuses for healthy lifestyle choices and to use towards other personal needs.
• Plan for your future with competitive employer contributions to a 401a retirement plans and Social Security, in addition to an individual 457b retirement plan and Roth IRA option. Have peace of mind with life and disability insurance.

The City of Aspen is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Title: Sustainability Specialist

Department: Environmental Health and Sustainability

Classification: Non-Exempt

Hiring Range: $30.24/hour - $34.02/hour

[Salary Range: $30.24/hour - $45.36/hour]

Position Summary: This position supports and advances the City of Aspen's sustainability, waste reduction, and diversion goals consistent with the organization's values and mission. Responsibilities include implementing waste diversion programs, engaging with the community to promote recycling and sustainable practices, and maintaining operations and best practices at the Rio Grande Recycle Center. The position may also assist with department-wide sustainability initiatives and projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving environmental health. Candidates with bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Supervision Exercised and Received: This position works under the direct supervision of the Sustainability Program Administrator and receives regular guidance and direction on assignments and priorities. May assist in supervising interns or volunteers on a limited basis during events or outreach activities.

Essential Job Functions:

General Responsibilities

* Performs entry-level to early-career duties in support of the department's mission and sustainability goals. Focuses on implementing sustainability programs, conducting community outreach, and supporting data collection, analysis, and reporting

* Assists with special events, community engagement, compliance, enforcement, and education efforts.

* Work is performed under direct supervision, with increasing independence as experience and knowledge are gained.

Program Management

* Facilitates collaboration among various City departments to implement waste reduction and diversion initiatives through training, project development, and program management.

* Leads and supports programs such as sustainable move-out, plastic bag recycling, seasonal recycling events at the Rio Grande Recycle Center, electronic recycling day, Earth Day celebrations, bike drop-off events, and other new programs that address sustainability, waste generation, and community interests.

* Assists in evaluating existing programs and identifying opportunities for new initiatives based on sustainability objectives and community needs.

* Supports the implementation of sustainability programs as part of broader departmental goals, ensuring alignment with City objectives.

Customer Service and Compliance

* Manages special event permitting to enforce zero-waste requirements, including reviewing permit applications, coordinating with internal departments such as Special Events, and educating vendors and applicants on zero-waste practices.

* Conducts on-site inspections, trains event organizers and volunteers, manages the City's waste container lending system, and oversees event materials and logistics.

* Collaborates with the Code Enforcement and Compliance Specialist to investigate and enforce City codes related to environmental protection and public health, particularly those involving waste reduction and recycling.

* Coordinates site visits with businesses and community members to assess issues, propose solutions, and provide educational resources.

* Provides educational and outreach support to promote compliance and awareness of sustainability regulations.

Department and Program Support

* Works with the Sustainability Program Administrator to develop and implement enforcement and compliance strategies for waste reduction codes, including organics waste diversion, single-use bag policies, and recycling requirements.

* Conducts community outreach and business site visits to assess compliance, provide technical assistance, and promote best practices.

* Supports City-wide outreach campaigns and events related to recycling, composting, sustainability, and environmental awareness.

* Collaborates with other City departments and external partners to plan, design, and execute community events, develop educational materials, and promote participation.

* Assists in data collection and reporting to track program performance and support departmental reporting requirements.

General Departmental Support

* Contributes to department-wide efforts to advance community sustainability and climate goals.

* Provides administrative and logistical support for sustainability initiatives, meetings, and public engagement activities.

City Organizational Values

* Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation. Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values while performing daily work functions.

Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies: Displays the following key competencies in the overall job performance to include knowledge, skills and abilities:

* Service: Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments.

* Partnership: Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together.

* Stewardship: Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all.

* Innovation: Develops technical expertise to pursue new ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen's unique culture, opportunities and challenges.

* Communication: Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication.

* Interpersonal: Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization.

* Technology: Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in field related to essential job functions listed above.

Experience: At least one year of relevant work experience.

Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient in the following areas: Microsoft Outlook Email, Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and basic understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web-based platforms.

Licenses & Certifications: Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of start date.

Preferred Candidate: Candidates with bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English) are strongly encouraged to apply.

NOTE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above.

NOTE: This position requires a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.

Position Type and Work Hours:

* Regular Full-time, hours may vary with workload

* Evenings/Weekends may be required depending on department needs and special projects.

Work Environment:

* Indoors: Office environment.

* Outdoors/Off-Site: Frequent outdoor work including meetings, special events, trainings.

Physical Demands:

* Bending: Bending or position oneself to move an object from one level to another.

* Carrying: transporting or moving an object.

* Climbing: Ascending or descending stationary objects.

* Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

* Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more body parts or other devices.

* Gripping/Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with fingers and palm.

* Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, through use of hands, fingers, or other means.

* Hearing: Perceiving and comprehending the nature and direction of sounds.

* Lifting: Moving objects weighing no more than 30 pounds from one level to another.

* Reaching: Extending the hands and arms or other device in any direction.

* Repetitive motions: Making frequent or continuous movements.

* Sitting: Remaining in a stationary position.

* Standing: Ability to sustain position for a period of time.

* Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

* Talking: Communicating ideas or exchanging information.

* Visual Acuity: Ability to bring objects into focus.

* Mobility: Ability to move to traverse from one location to another.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.