Climate Change Specialist

Job Summary

As part of a collaborative team, you will work to empower, influence, and lead the integration of climate change into the city’s business practices. We are looking for a team player who is not afraid to take initiative and truly own their work and solve complex problems. Under the direction of the City of Mississauga’s Climate Change Programs Supervisor, the Climate Change Specialist will be responsible for leading aspects of the City’s climate resilience work, including implementing the City’s Urban Agriculture Strategy and developing and implementing climate resilience programs for the community and corporation.

Duties and Responsibilities

•    Lead the implementation of the City’s Urban Agriculture Strategy.
•    Lead the design and delivery of new projects and programs to advance the City’s work on climate change resilience as part of the City’s Climate Change Action Plan 
•    Support the update of the City’s resilience strategy for the community and corporation, including the completion of a social vulnerability assessment for the community.
•    Work with the institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) sector to ensure they are incorporating resilience strategies in their operations. 
•    Provide analytical skills and specialized knowledge to cross-divisional working groups, the City’s Leadership Team, and the Mayor and Members of Council in furthering climate action corporately and in the community.
•    Serve as a key liaison with interested internal and external groups, municipal partners, and other levels of government.
•    Develop funding strategies to support the implementation of the resilience work, including leveraging external capital and applying for grants.
•    Work with the Environment section and corporate communications team to support media releases and engagement efforts, including community events, panels, and engagement activities. 
•    Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

•    Post-secondary education in climate change, urban planning, engineering, environmental studies, science, or related field or equivalent of work-related experience
•    Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in environment and/or climate change sector. Note that, in the absence of a post-secondary education in a relevant field, total years of experience should be ten (10) years or more
•    In-depth knowledge of climate change, including strategies and solutions for increased climate resilience, risk and vulnerability assessments, and climate data and science. 
•    Experience in running climate change programs and projects, preferably with a focus on increasing climate resilience. Experience in running urban agriculture programs and projects is an asset. 
•    Solid understanding of federal, provincial, and municipal policies & regulations, climate change trends, and technological solutions.
•    Demonstrated ability to effectively lead complex interdepartmental projects and to influence outcomes in a positive manner.
•    Ability to negotiate and build consensus.
•    Openness and willingness to learn new skills and a personal commitment to continuous development.
•    Exceptional communication skills with proven experience developing and delivering formal and informal presentations and providing clear and concise written communication. 
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to embrace diverse perspectives and build and foster relationships.
•    Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills supported by leadership competencies including agility, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking. 
•    Ability to self-manage in a timely and organized fashion and successfully engage in multiple initiatives simultaneously.
•    Skills in Microsoft 365, including Outlook, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, are essential.