Climate Action Analyst

Responsible for the development and implementation of Pitkin County’s climate action plan; reviews applications for land use development and building permits for Community Development.  This includes identifying best practices in long range planning, building and land use code, climate planning and resiliency planning, working cross-departmentally, and coordinating with regional stakeholders to develop policies and programs that position Pitkin County to thrive in the face of climate change.

• Coordinates, administers, and supports climate action projects and project management across county departments; supports the county’s work in climate and resiliency projects, planning and policy with external and internal partners. 

• Responsible for development and regular monitoring of County climate action plan, policies and implementation strategies; drafts and presents policy recommendations and plan proposals to County leadership, policy makers and the general public; tracks the implementation of plans once completed.

• Coordinates with Community Development to research, propose and implement land use and building code amendments that meet the County’s climate action goals. Works closely with planning, zoning and building in review of permit applications or development plans to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

• Researches and analyzes data for key local, regional and national trends in the space of climate and resiliency planning to make recommendations for County leadership and elected officials; Participate in regional collaboration efforts on diverse climate action and resiliency topics; Recommends goals and objectives and assists in the development of policies and procedures.

• Ensures climate action initiatives are consistent with the County comprehensive long-range plan. An understanding of sustainable building design and renewable energy for review of land use and building applications.

• Write, and apply for state, federal, and non-profit grants and manage them to meet financial requirements and deadlines. 

• Identifies data and information sources for long-range, climate and resiliency planning programs.

• Provides consultation to the Board of County Commissioners, County Leadership and Community Development department.

• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications (Experience, Education, Licenses, Certifications):

• Three years of progressively responsible experience with planning, local government or  or climate action programs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Earth Sciences, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Knowledge Of:

• Principles and practices of public administration.

• Principles and practices of project management.

• Research methods and techniques to include data collection, storage, analysis, reporting and presentation. 

• Environmentally responsible and resource-efficient community development standards.

• Standard and specialized computer software applications, including spreadsheets, databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.

• Organizational and community planning.

• Public policy processes.

Skill In:

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

• Handling multiple, competing tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.

• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.

• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment; site inspections may occur in variable weather and terrain.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.