Sustainability Program Manager

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM MANAGER

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a skilled project manager and passionate changemaker ready to accelerate the City’s climate action and resilience efforts. The ideal candidate is purpose-driven, strategic, creative, and thrives on collaboration. They will bring bold ideas, strong technical expertise, and a collaborative spirit to embed sustainability into all facets of City operations, from capital projects to community partnerships. The Sustainability Program Manager will work across departments, break down silos, and champion innovative solutions that make Elk Grove greener and more future-ready.

The Sustainability Program Manager will:

• Lead citywide sustainability and climate adaptation initiatives with energy and purpose.
• Collaborate with regional partners like Sacramento County, SMUD, and the City of Sacramento to amplify impact.
• Collaborate across City departments to integrate sustainability into public infrastructure and private development projects for a more resilient built environment, including through implementation of the Climate Action Plan and streamlining under State CEQA Guidelines 15183.5.
• Drive policy, secure grants, and track progress to ensure the City isn’t just meeting goals—it’s exceeding them.

This role offers the opportunity to transform vision into reality. Elk Grove has already laid a strong foundation: a Climate Action Plan, a cutting-edge Community Mobility Resilience Plan, LEED-certified capital projects, and a bold fleet electrification strategy. The next Sustainability Program Manager will advance this work and take it to the next level by leading with purpose, innovating with passion, and building a legacy of sustainability in the City.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Filing Deadline: September 8, 2025, by 11:59pm
Oral Board Interviews: September 23, 2025 (virtual)
Selection Interviews: October 7, 2025 (in person)

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more.

Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Proud Heritage. Bright Future.

Community Profile
Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 182,842 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

DEFINITION
Under direction, plans, designs, coordinates, implements, and manages various projects related to sustainability and community resiliency; coordinates project activities with a variety of internal and external stakeholders including City staff, local, regional, and partner agencies, and the community; develops and administers project budgets and grant funds; directs the work of project staff and consultants, and ensures project activities comply with all regulatory requirements, quality standards, and support the City’s mission; serves as a technical leader subject matter expert providing recommendations, complex support, and training to City staff and management in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Civic Innovation & Sustainability Manager. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to interns, as appropriate.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing professional duties in support of sustainability/resiliency projects and activities with Citywide impact. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
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.

• Plans, designs, coordinates, implements, and manages various sustainability projects, programs, initiatives, and activities with organization and community-wide impact that supports a vibrant, inclusive, attractive, and sustainable and resilient community.
• Serves as a liaison and collaborates with City staff, local, regional, and partner agencies, regulatory agencies, and the community concerning project activities, goals, and objectives; facilities communication, problem resolution, and collaboration between various agencies/stakeholders to ensure projects are supported and positively impact the City and community.
• Conducts research and performs highly complex and analytical work of a specialized nature in support of assigned project, activities, and functions; surveys external agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of current practices and influence project design, implementation, administration, and/or evaluation components, methodology, and tools.
• Participates in the development and administration of project budgets; administers and monitors project budgets, grant funds, and related contracts; monitors project expenditures and determines the need for amendments or the reallocation of funds; reviews and approves project related invoices; and ensures project expenditures comply with funder requirements and budget allocations.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates and administers contracts; ensures all contractual obligations are met.
• Manages and provides technical support in all phases of assigned projects including planning, design, implementation, and close-out; directs and monitors the work of contractors, consultants, and project staff.
• Monitors grants and funding opportunities and participates in grant writing activities to secure funding for sustainability and resiliency projects and activities.
• Serves as a staff resource and internal technical expert by providing consultation and guidance to City staff and management with respect to projects, service delivery, and operational effectiveness within their area of practice.
• Coordinates the City's sustainability and resiliency activities with other public and private agencies.
• Prepares, implements, collaborates, and coordinates with other departments as necessary, the City's sustainability and resiliency efforts and projects.
• Prepares reports for City Council; provides technical input and prepares final reports.
• Collects, researches, compiles, analyzes, and evaluates information and data from a variety of sources related to assigned area of responsibility/expertise.
• Schedules, coordinates, attends, and participates in a variety of meetings with City staff, outside and partner agencies, regulatory agencies, and community groups to further project activities, engage in partner relations, and develop related project work.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to sustainability and resiliency.
• Tracks and monitors project activities and milestones; prepares and presents staff, agenda, financial, and technical reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, boards, partner agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational sustainability and resiliency studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned projects, programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Participates in sustainability and resiliency-related projects, collaborative programs, initiatives, and/or outreach, events, and activities with other City staff, outside and partner agencies, funders, regulatory agencies, and the community.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to assigned projects, programs, and activities; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of project management including project planning and development.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Grant funding sources, grant requirements, grant administration, and grant writing techniques.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances, as well as industry standards and best practices relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Sources of information related to a broad range of municipal programs, services, and administration.
• Principles and concepts of sustainability, resilience, and environmental impact as they relate to urban planning projects and programs.
• Principles and techniques of conducting analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Financial, statistical, and comparative analysis techniques and formulas.
• Current social, political, and economic trends and challenges of municipal government.
• Technical, legal, financial, and public relations issues associated with the development, implementation, and management of City programs.
• Principles and practices of community outreach and engagement.
• Strategic planning principles and practices.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget.
• Leverage knowledge of the City’s business needs and community needs to enhance operations, programs, and services.
• Solicit, generate, and implement innovative ideas and solutions to advance the City’s long-term sustainability and resiliency goals and mission.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.
• Prepare and administer project budgets, contracts, and grant funds.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
• Cultivate and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders on emerging sustainability and resiliency projects.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate assigned projects, programs, and activities.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, environmental studies, or a directly related field and three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience managing and administering complex projects.

Licenses and Certifications:

• None.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently 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 frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as 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 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

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 departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Employees may be expected to work extended hours, weekends, and evenings as required.

FLSA Status: Exempt

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230.

CITY OF ELK GROVE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY - NON REPRESENTED

Annual Leave (vacation/sick)
Upon Hire 176 hours 6.77 hours per pay period
5 Year Anniversary 216 hours 8.31 hours per pay period
10 Year Anniversary 232 hours 8.92 per pay period
15 Year Anniversary 256 hours 9.85 hours per pay period
20 Year anniversary 272 hours 10.46 per pay period

Deferred Compensation

Employee may participate in a 457 deferred compensation plan up to maximum allowed by law.

Deferred Compensation - City Match

The City will match up to 4% of employee's salary to a deferred compensation plan. There is a 1 year vesting period.

Employee Assistance Program

Available to employee and immediate family.

Flexible Spending Account

Covers IRS approved medical and/or approved dependent care expenses to be paid on a pre-tax basis.

• Medical spending up to $3,300.00 annually.
• Dependent care up to $5,000 annually.
• Adoption Assistance FSA up to $16,810 annually.

Health (Medical) Insurance
The City participates in the CalPERS Health Plan (PEMHCA) and offers a "cafeteria plan," which includes a monthly City contribution that an employee may apply toward premiums for medical insurance.

The City's Contribution rates for the 2025 plan year are as follows:

Single: up to $1,001.61 per month
2-Party: up to $2,003.22 per month
Family: up to $2,604.19 per month

Employees who show evidence of other group health insurance coverage and waive enrollment in a CalPERS health plan shall receive a taxable in lieu cash fringe allowance of $300 per month.

Dental Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Vision Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Pet Insurance
City employees are eligible to purchase pet insurance at a discounted premium rate through MetLife.

Supplemental Health Insurance
The City provides supplemental health insurance up to $15,000 per year for eligible participants.

Retirement Health savings Account

City provided defined contribution program for IRS-eligible medical expenses upon retirement.

Holidays

Twelve (12) paid holidays per year and sixteen (16) floating holiday hours per fiscal year. Employees who are assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts receive a 5% Holiday Pay Differential in lieu of paid holidays and eight (8) floating holiday hours per fiscal year.

Alternative Work Schedules
Available depending on Department

Life Insurance

City provides Life insurance at 1X base salary with a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $300,000. Additional life insurance may be purchased by employee up to a maximum of $500,000.

Military Leave

The City will pay qualified employees any difference between his/her base salary and the amount received in military reserve pay for regularly scheduled annual training that requires the employee to take military leave from his/her regular work week.

Retirement -PERS
Your CalPERS Pension formula will be dependent upon your hire date with the City of Elk Grove and/or your status with any Public Retirement System.

• 2.7% at 55 if hired before 8/12/12.
• 2% at 55 if hired after 8/12/12 and a current Classic member of CalPERS.
• 2% at 62 if hired after 1/1/13 and not a Classic member of CalPERS.

Internal applicants will remain in their current retirement formula unless they are moving from a safety to miscellaneous classification.

Short Term/Long Term Disability

• The City provides Short-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $2,300 per week and Long-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month.
• The City also provides Paid Family Leave coverage @ 60-70% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $,1623 per week.

City employees DO NOT contribute to the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.

Social Security

City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan, therefore, employees do not currently participate in the Social Security program.

Tuition Reimbursement

80% up to $2,000/year for City related Certification programss.
80% up to 3,500/year for Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree

Wellness Program

Amazing on-site Wellness Coordinator and multiple fitness and wellness classes such as yoga and pilates available throughout the week!

Closing Date/Time: 9/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Elk Grove

• (916) 478-2208

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