What are the responsibilities and job description for the Climate Program Specialist position at City of Olympia, WA?
SALARY: $87,192 - $105,982.00
About the Position
Responsible for developing, planning and implementing assigned climate programs and initiatives for the City of Olympia (City). Work involves data and policy analysis, community outreach and engagement and general program support. Prepares and submits grant proposals and administers grant awards. Supports short- and long-term strategic planning to achieve the City’s climate mitigation, resilience, and adaptation goals.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Knowledge of climate change trends, impacts and solutions, including strategies for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and preparedness.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to write succinctly and clearly for professional and public audiences. Ability to create and deliver effective and polished public presentations.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations with tact and sensitivity.
- Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative information and prepare and present results orally and in writing.
- Ability to independently prioritize assignments, manage multiple simultaneous projects, ask for assistance when needed, and provide regular progress updates to collaborators, supervisors, and colleagues.
To Apply
- Submit a cover letter and resume by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and must include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile (listed below) for this position.
- Open Continuous. Apply by midnight on September 1, 2025 to be considered in the first review of applications.
- Only Electronic Applications are accepted.
The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Black, Indigenous, people of color, non-binary, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Pamela Braff, Director of Climate Programs at (360) 753-8249 or via email at
pbraff@ci.olympia.wa.us
.
Essential Functions
The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1. Develops, plans, organizes, and implements climate programs, policies and strategies as assigned.
2. Assists in developing overall program strategy related to climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience programs and initiatives.
3. Develops informational materials, content and messaging including public presentations, climate action newsletters, and progress reports; maintains internal and public-facing climate division webpages.
4. Plans and coordinates program activities, community events and initiatives; represents the City and Climate divisions at community and public events.
5. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships to facilitate, expand, and support community-wide climate mitigation, adaptation, and preparedness.
6. Reviews strategic plans and major projects to ensure alignment with the City’s climate action goals, priorities, and strategies.
7. Measures and tracks metrics for success; conducts and analyzes greenhouse gas emissions inventories; evaluates progress on the implementation of climate mitigation, adaptation and preparedness strategies.
8. Conducts research, analyzes information and data, and synthesizes research findings into informative summaries, fact sheets, presentations and reports.
9. Researches available funding sources; prepares and submits grant proposals; creates and maintains all necessary grant reporting data, reports, and other deliverables.
10. Oversees contract development and administration associated with grant awards; monitors compliance with contract requirements and program regulations; addresses grievances and performance concerns.
11. Tracks program or contract budgets as assigned and monitors expenditures.
12. Responds to inquiries, questions and comments from the public per established standards and protocols; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries, issues and complaints.
13. Attends and participates in professional and community group meetings; stays current on new trends and best practices.
14. Monitors scientific and policy developments related to climate change, emissions reduction, resilience and adaptation, and related fields.
15. May supervise interns and others as appropriate.
16. May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and requirements.
17. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Thorough knowledge of climate change trends, impacts and solutions including strategies for climate change mitigation, adaptation and preparedness.
2. Thorough knowledge of climate justice principles and practices.
3. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.
4. Skill in understanding cultural differences.
5. Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions and approaches to problems.
6. Ability to present and explain complex issues and technical data to residents, businesses, City Council, staff, boards and commissions.
7. Ability to develop and apply public policy tools and public education and outreach programs related to climate mitigation, adaptation, and preparedness.
8. Ability to seek potential grants, develop successful grant proposals, and manage grant awards.
9. Ability to use research methodology to collect, analyze and report on data.
10. Ability to design effective informational materials to serve various program needs.
11. Ability to prepare accurate, persuasive and concise written material for various audiences.
12. Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, orally and in writing.
13. Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met.
14. Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.
15. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Experience/Education:
1. High school diploma or GED and five (5) years of increasingly responsible climate program development and implementation experience;
2. OR associate degree in climate/sustainability, social science, public policy or a related field and three (3) years of experience as listed above;
3. OR bachelor’s degree in climate/sustainability, social science, public policy or a related field and one (1) year of experience as listed above;
4. OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.
Special Requirement:
1. A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required.
Union:
Independents
Compensation (minimum-maximum):
$87,192.00 - $105,982.00
Exempt:
NoFor general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.
The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.
Join the City of Olympia team!
Olympia is a vibrant, healthy and beautiful Capital City and a great place to work, live and play.
The City of Olympia provides competitive pay, great benefits, and supports work-life balance. We are an equal opportunity employer strongly committed to honoring diversity, equity and belonging within our workforce and community. Please consider bringing your talents to the City of Olympia, where we value compassion, integrity and effectiveness in our work to make a difference every day.
Salary : $87,192 - $105,982
