Job Summary
The City of Markham is a leader in sustainability and has received multiple environmental awards, and recognition for innovative environmental and urban planning initiatives and fiscal accountability. The Sustainability and Asset Management Department is actively working on innovative projects leading towards a more sustainable community with the objective of net zero emissions by 2050. The Community Sustainability Assistant will work closely with members of the Sustainability team to support the design and implementation of projects associated with City’s strategic objectives with a focus on residential energy, community engagement, and sustainability.
The successful candidate will assist in the delivery of programs that inform Markham’s sustainability programming and engage community in the calls to action contained within the Greenprint, Markham’s Community Sustainability Plan and Markham’s Municipal Energy Plan – Getting to Zero. Specifically, the Community Sustainability Assistant will support the implementation of ongoing and new projects focused on residential energy education, youth engagement, electric vehicles, and sustainability communications. The successful candidate will also work with external stakeholders to obtain wider community support for these initiatives, gather useful ideas, and data to enhance public sector leadership and incorporate more sustainable decision-making in future programing.
This position is for a 4-month contract
Scope
- Support the Sustainability team and other departments (i.e., Planning and Urban Design, Corporate Communications, Economic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship, and Markham Public Library) to support the implementation of projects to increase community engagement on energy and sustainability.
- Assist in planning and executing the citywide Earth Month campaign, and youth engagement events in collaboration with local and international NGOs, Markham’s Environmental Advisory Committee, and local community groups.
- Assist in the designing, planning, and delivering new and recurring virtual and in-person educational programs for residents to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at home.
- Collect and analyze data and undertake research to assist in developing new energy literacy programs and resource materials for the community.
- Assist the sustainability team with setting up booths and interacting with residents when participating in external events.
- Liaise with external stakeholders, partners, and community members for hosting meetings, and planning events (i.e., developing agendas, Power Point presentations and taking minute taking)
- Support the Sustainability team with developing and scheduling engagement and awareness messages for social media.
- Identify and connect with community leaders and champions of sustainability to recognize their efforts in making Markham more sustainable.
- Provide progress updates during weekly team and department meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Hybrid work arrangement
Attend in-person and virtual community events with the Sustainability team to represent the City of Markham
May be required to work some extended hours periodically (weekends & evenings) to support programs and projects
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in environment, sustainability, energy, communications, or related field
1-2 years of experience in sustainability, energy, community, and stakeholder engagement, and/or event planning
Demonstrated interest in promoting and delivering programming on sustainability, energy, and other related topics to a local audience
Familiarity with Markham’s sustainability objectives as outlined in the Greenprint, Markham’s Community Sustainability Plan and Municipal Energy Plan – Getting to Zero
Proactive, self-starter with the ability to work well independently and with others
Multi-tasking and organization of multiple projects to deliver on outcomes in a timely manner with minimal supervision
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint), video conferencing platforms (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and event planning platforms (i.e., Eventbrite)
Excellent English oral and written communication skills
Familiarity with design programs such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premier Pro considered an asset
Ability to communicate in a second language considered an asset
Requirements
Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional, and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self management, professionalism, and engagement; leads by example.