Sustainability & Behavior Change Manager

Description

Job Title: Sustainability and Behavior Change manager

Department: Learning & Impact

Exemption: Exempt

Reports to: Vice President of Learning and Impact

DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Sustainability and Behavior Change Manager plays a critical role in advancing our mission by transforming how our organization, and our guests, care for desert ecosystems. This is a unique opportunity to shape both operational sustainability and human behavior in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. This role offers opportunities to innovate, lead cross-functional initiatives, and contribute to a growing body of work in conservation behavior change within the zoo and aquarium field.

The Sustainability and Behavior Change manager oversees sustainability operations of the zoo and designing and evaluating evidence-based behavior change strategies that inspire sustainable actions among staff, volunteers, and guests. Reporting to the Vice President of Learning and Impact and working closely with the Learning & Community Engagement Curator and other department managers to ensure The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens mission, vision and messaging are professionally delivered to the public. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy in alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
• Develop and implement behavior change interventions grounded in theoretical frameworks (e.g., Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, Community Based Social Marketing).
• Identify and assess opportunities for sustainable practices, resource conservation, and waste reduction within the zoo’s operations.
• Manages the Sustainability and Behavior Change department team members
• Collaborate and empower staff across departments to integrate sustainable practices and initiatives into their operations and programs.
• Conduct regular environmental audits and assessments to measure the zoo's ecological impact and translate findings into actionable improvements with clear performance targets.
• Research and implement sustainable technologies, systems, and practices to minimize our carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship.
• Engage with staff, volunteers, and guests to raise awareness about sustainability initiatives and encourage participation.
• Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees and stakeholders on sustainable practices and their importance.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, regulations, and best practices in sustainability, and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Establish partnerships and collaborations with local organizations, government agencies, and industry experts to further our sustainability objectives.
• Prepare and present reports to senior management, demonstrating measurable progress toward waste reduction, energy efficiency, and guest behavior change outcomes.
• Effectively lead team in use of evaluative tools to ensure effectiveness of sustainability efforts.
• Manages budget for the Sustainability Department and related grant funded projects.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water and energy use, and inspiring guests and team members to take conservation actions.

SPECIFIC SKILLS 

• Proven experience in sustainability management, including strategy development and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of environmental principles, practices, and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and execute innovative solutions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in evaluation methods, data analysis and reporting, with the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability, with a genuine commitment to making a positive impact.
• Familiarity with effective strategies for behavior change.
• Strong communication skills to convey information to staff, other departments, volunteers, guest and program participants with enthusiasm.
• Ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere. Experience managing direct reports a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Outstanding time management and organizational skills.
• Desire to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the world’s desert areas, its inhabitants and ecosystems.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Conservation, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

Valid California driver’s license or the eligibility to attain one.

Working knowledge in Window programs and data base input; Knowledge in budgeting programs i.e. Adaptive Insight and Sage Intacct 

CONDITIONS OF WORK

Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time

Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs

Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office, classrooms, and informal learning environment

Offsite areas monitoring conducting programs as needed

Outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, and temperature fluctuations typical of desert environments

We recognize that candidates may bring a wide range of experiences to this role. If you are passionate about sustainability and behavior change and meet many—but not all—of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

ABOUT THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS:

The Living Desert is an AZA-accredited zoo and gardens that is dedicated to desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. It is a family-friendly place to explore nature and create meaningful experiences for guests that are remembered for a lifetime. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Salary : $70,304