Job Description
Climate Action Plan Administrator at City of Los Altos, CA summary:
The Climate Action Plan Administrator leads the development, coordination, and implementation of the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), focusing on sustainability, resiliency, and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives. Acting as a liaison among city departments, external agencies, and community partners, the role manages program operations, staff supervision, and budget administration to achieve strategic climate goals. The position provides expert guidance to executive management and represents the City in sustainability-related forums and collaborations.
Salary : $152,247.69 - $185,058.02 Annually
Location : Los Altos City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 09/29/2025
Closing Date: 10/27/ :59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: UNREPRESENTED
Description ABOUT THE POSITION This position leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), resiliency, and sustainability programs. Serving as a key liaison between City departments, community partners, and outside agencies, the role oversees day-to-day program operations, provides expert guidance to executive management, and represents the City on sustainability initiatives. Under the direction of the Engineering Manager, it carries significant responsibility for program strategy, decision-making, and direct supervision of professional staff to advance the City's climate and resiliency goals.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The Development Services Department is responsible for all development within the City of Los Altos. The department includes Building & Safety, Business Licensing, Code Enforcement, Engineering, Housing, Planning & Zoning, and Sustainability. The Engineering Division encompasses land development, transportation, sewers, stormwater, and sustainability.
ABOUT THE RECRUITMENT This recruitment may be used to fill this or future positions in other divisions or departments. The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and answers to job-specific questions. Candidates whose applications best meet the position requirements will be invited to participate in a virtual interview panel.
Examples of Duties Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Coordinates sustainability activities among departments, external agencies, and community organizations citywide, guided by the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP); actively collaborates in the implementation of the CAAP to achieve desired objectives and timelines; provides guidance for the incorporation of CAAP implementation into City work and projects; develops, implements, and enforces comprehensive strategies, policies, and procedures for sustainability initiatives; develops timetables and work plans to achieve program goals and objectives.
- Develops and manages comprehensive and strategic community outreach and engagement initiatives to support CAAP and sustainability programs and priorities.
- Oversees the development and administration of the program budget; determines funding needed for staffing, consultants, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding from a variety of sources.
- Serves as the principal contact for sustainability programs, projects, and activities; conducts analysis and research; serves as a City representative at internal and external meetings on committees, task forces, and citizen and community work groups; works collaboratively with all stakeholders and provides support as assigned.
- Develops various programs, policies, and other activities to reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental studies, public administration/policy, community development, planning, engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in resiliency, sustainability, environmental programs, or environmental compliance and program administration work including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of a valid California Driver's License or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.
Supplemental Information PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
City employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the City's needs, as assigned.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person's race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
01
How many years of full-time professional experience do you have in resiliency, sustainability, environmental programs, or environmental compliance and program administration?
- Less than 3 years
- 3-4 years
- 5-7 years
- 7 or more years
02
Describe a resiliency, sustainability, or environmental program or project you have managed from start to finish. What was your role, and what were the outcomes?
03
How many years of supervisory or lead experience do you have?
- None
- Less than 2 years
- 2-3 years
- 4 or more years
04
Please describe your experience supervising staff. Include the number of employees you have directly supervised at one time and a brief description of your supervisory responsibilities.
05
Which best describes your highest level of education completed?
- High school diploma or GED
- Some college coursework but no degree
- Associate degree (AA/AS)
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in environmental studies, public administration/policy, community development, planning, engineering, or a related field
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in another field
- Master's degree or higher in environmental studies, public administration/policy, community development, planning, engineering, or a related field
06
Do you possess a valid California Driver's License or evidence of equivalent mobility at the time of appointment?
Required Question
Keywords:
climate action plan, sustainability programs, environmental resiliency, greenhouse gas reduction, program management, community engagement, policy development, budget administration, stakeholder collaboration, environmental compliance
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Afternoon shift,