Climate Adaptation Analyst (Administrative Analyst Ii)

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here.

The mission of the Sustainability & Resilience Department is to support a sustainable, healthy, and safe Santa Barbara through reducing the City's carbon footprint, managing energy and materials use, protecting and restoring creeks and water quality, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and building local climate resilience. Read more about the Sustainability & Resilience Department here.

Oversees projects and plans for the City's Climate Adaptation and resilience program that holistically addresses the impacts of climate change and increases the community's resilience to hazards such as sea level rise, increased flooding frequency from changes in rainfall patterns, rising groundwater levels, longer drought durations, wildfires, debris flows, extreme heat, and energy outages. Oversees adaptation studies for City infrastructure including modifications to the sewer collection system, alterations to the Harbor breakwater and groins, and changes to recreational assets and infrastructure at the Waterfront, among others. Scopes projects, administers project budgets, manages consultant preparation of technical studies, consults with environmental agencies, engages with stakeholders and community, and coordinates interdepartmental staff teams set up for specific projects. Assists with obtaining state and federal funding for adaptation and resilience projects and manages grants. Coordinates with state, federal, and regional agencies and tracks legislative efforts on hazard mitigation, adaptation, and resilience issues. Conducts research on technical, policy, and legal topics related to climate change, climate hazards, flood and hazard mitigation policies, and adaptation strategies. Assists other departments with studies and permitting requirements related to analysis and mitigation of climate hazards. Works to incorporate analysis of climate hazards and resilience measures into City regulations, policies, and procedures across all departments. Meets with program stakeholders and participates in groups such as Santa Barbara Climate Collaborative Sea Level Rise Subcommittee, League of Coastal Cities Sea Level Rise Working Group, and BEACON. Assists with efforts to update the City of Santa Barbara Annex of the Santa Barbara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and communicates with CalOES/FEMA on funding for City hazard mitigation projects proposed in the plan. Assists in implementation of resilience, energy, and greenhouse reduction measures identified in the City's most recent Climate Action Plan update (expected Council adoption in Spring 2024). Prepares RFP's, creates scopes of work, selects consultants, prepares agreements, and administers contracts. Prepares staff reports and makes presentations. Assists with development of outreach materials, website content, and community events.

Knowledge Of: Climate change vulnerabilities, hazard modeling outputs, adaptation approaches, and adaptation policy frameworks. State and federal laws and policies pertaining to adaptation and flooding (Coastal Act, FEMA flood regulations, State of California Sea Level Rise Guidance, etc.). Environmental permitting and associated agency protocols (CCC, ACOE, RWCB, etc.). Grant funding and application processes. California planning principles. Methods of research, program analysis, and report preparation. Local government administration, policies, and procedures. Basic principles and practices of project management. Public relations techniques. Basic math. Modern office procedures, including computer hardware, Microsoft Office Suite, Excel and Powerpoint.

Ability To: Oversee controversial, complex infrastructure projects and studies, including management of contracts, budgets, scopes of work, and allocation of resources. Build relationships to gain trust and buy in of City departments, the community, and regional, state, and federal partners. Convey difficult and complex technical concepts clearly to the public and message necessary changes to invoke action as opposed to fear of change. Write clear and concise reports, policy recommendations, and strategic planning documents. Oversee grants. Keep informed of best practices and innovations in adaptation and resilience practices and programs and apply them locally. Ensure the prompt completion of deliverables. Quickly learn the City's organizational structure and administrative processes. Be self-motivated, effectively prioritize tasks, and manage competing deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced setting. Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures. Work independently and as part of a diverse team.

Experience And Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental studies, engineering, public administration, law, or a related field. Two to three years of progressively responsible experience in environmental analysis, environmental permitting, project management, climate-related programs, sustainability programs, or planning. Experience working in or for a public agency preferred.

License Requirements: Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment.

It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Sustainability and Resilience Department.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY MARCH 22, 2024.