Job Opportunities

Job Code:	DEP-1601
Job Title:	Environmental Planner II
Job Type:	Full-time job
Department:	Environmental Programs
Salary:	$51,324 - $74,676
Normal Work Schedule:	Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Date Posted:	6/15/2016
Description:	The Department of Environmental Programs of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is seeking an Environmental Planner for the Climate and Energy Team.    The successful candidate will work with a small staff team and a network of stakeholders, including elected officials, local government staff, utility representatives, and non-profit organizations, to advance COG’s climate change and energy initiatives.   This will include staff support to COG’s Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee (CEEPC) and the Built Environment Energy Advisory Committee (BEEAC).   The Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee (CEEPC) is the principal policy adviser on climate change, energy, green building, alternate fuels, solid waste and recycling policy issues, and other environmental issues to the COG Board of Directors.  CEEPC is responsible for managing implementation of the COG Climate Change Report, which calls for a 20% reduction in the region’s greenhouse gas emissions over 2005 levels by 2020, and an 80% reduction by 2050.  This work is supported by interim Climate and Energy Action Plans, which recommend near-term actions for COG’s local government members to take to reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change in their communities.   The Built Environment and Energy Advisory Committee (BEEAC) serves as a technical advisory group to CEEPC. Membership includes local government energy managers, government staff supporting Green Building initiatives, as well as interested stakeholders.  The group serves as a forum for discussion and monitoring of energy and green building issues in the region.    EXAMPLES OF WORK 1)      Serve as lead staff of CEEPC’s Advocacy Subcommittee.  Identify and track legislation and regulatory proceedings at the federal and state level with relevance to CEEPC’s climate and energy goals; brief elected officials on pending issues and develop written testimony to advance key issues.  Present legislative updates to COG’s committees as needed.    2)         Collect and analyze regional energy data.  Work with utility representatives to annually collect and analyze electricity and natural gas consumption data for the region.  Maintain a database and website to share the data with COG members.  Conduct analysis to assess progress in meeting regional program targets.  Assist in the development of greenhouse gas emission inventories.   3)            Provide staff support to CEEPC and BEEAC, including assistance with developing meeting agendas, securing speakers, and preparing meeting summaries and other supporting materials.    4)         Assist in team efforts to implement CEEPC’s Regional Climate and Energy Action Plan by identifying and developing tools, resources, and metrics to assist COG members in meeting sustainability goals. Develop and host workshops and webinars, conduct outreach, and prepare written materials. Assist in preparing an annual progress report on local jurisdictions’ progress toward the Action Plan goals.   5)         Assist in implementing projects that reduce emissions and improve energy surety and community resiliency.   Identify and develop new opportunities, technologies, networks, and partnerships to encourage deployment of renewable energy and advanced energy systems.   6)         Support regional energy initiatives, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fueled vehicles.  Work with local governments and other stakeholders to assist members in implementing programs to meet regional energy goals.  Represent COG at outside organizational meetings.   SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no supervisory responsibilities.   REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The candidate should have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:  strong research, analytical, and writing skills, confidence in public speaking, strong software skills in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, grantees, elected officials and the public.  The candidate must have knowledge and experience with climate change and energy policies and program initiatives.  Experience with the electric power sector, renewable energy, and energy efficiency technology and finance a plus.   Education and Experience Minimum two years of relevant experience.  Master’s Degree in planning, environmental or natural science, or appropriate related field, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.   Computer Knowledge and Skills Statistical analysis packages; electronic spreadsheets; word processing, report generator; computer graphics and desktop publishing.   To apply, please submit your cover letter, salary requirement, & resume to: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 777 North Capitol Street, NE Suite 300 - Attention: OHRM Washington, DC 20002-4239 or email to resumes@mwcog.org Please visit our website at: www.mwcog.org Fax: 202-962-3715 An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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