Manager, Sustainability & Climate Action

Position Summary:

As a member of the management team for Utilities Engineering, the Manager, Sustainability & Climate Action is responsible for developing, planning, measuring, monitoring, and reporting on Utilities Kingston’s climate action leadership strategic goals.  The incumbent will lead strategic activities to ensure that environmental sustainability and climate action is embedded into operations and numerous initiatives within the various utility sectors in the organization. 

They will develop a framework for managing Utilities Kingston’s environmental responsibilities and engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on sustainability and climate action.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Develop and manage Utilities Kingston’s climate action leadership goals, including Utilities Kingston’s climate change response, long-term planning strategies and corporate frameworks to support the utilities and ensure objectives are communicated throughout the organization.
2. With support from the senior leadership team, research, develop, recommend, lead, manage, monitor, measure and report on Climate Action Leadership Plan(s), and programs for the various utility sectors in the organization, for the achievement of carbon neutral operations by 2040.
3. Develop internal policies, procedures, and key performance indicators to ensure organizational adherence to provincial and federal policies and related legislations.
4. Coordinate and collaborate Distributed Energy Resources and net-metering applications between internal stakeholders and the customer.
5. Track sustainability and climate action trends applicable to Utilities Kingston including benchmarks, emerging technologies, programs in other jurisdictions, participation in industry associations and attending conferences to stay on the forefront of emerging technologies, policies, regulations, etc.
6. Identify, support and act as a resource for the organization’s projects and programs to maximize opportunities for innovation, inter-departmental synergies, and for post project validation of sustainability and climate action goals.
7. Oversee and manage projects, contracts, and consultant services related to concepts, studies and planning on sustainability and climate action.
8. Provide professional advice to the senior leadership team with regards to new or innovative technologies and funding opportunities, for the organization to reach its strategic climate action goals. Prepare grant applications, where applicable.
9. Provide leadership and technical assistance to staff in relation to developing, planning, measuring, monitoring, and reporting on the organization’s climate action strategic goals.
10. Recruit staff, establish objectives, provide regular performance feedback, foster engagement and a positive work environment, and ensure transparency and consistency in dealing with staff.
11. Organize, direct, and supervise staff’s work activities to ensure timely and efficient completion, including leading and supporting the personnel/team responsible for

• Utilities Kingston’s Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plan and Energy Management Plan.
• updating the corporate greenhouse gas emission inventories and assisting other internal departments in assessing performance related to carbon reduction goals.
• administering public education and outreach programs to promote utility conservation and other related climate change and sustainability initiatives.
• continuously collect and monitor electrical conservation data that will influence and impact electrical load growth estimates in support of Electric Rate Applications.

1. Develop and maintain the framework for managing the corporation’s environmental responsibilities using ISO standards.
2. Engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on sustainability and climate action. Including supporting the City of Kingston’s sustainability and climate action developments and strategies.
3. Contribute to the development of the departmental capital and operating budgets and monitor/manage variances to approved budgets.

Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively write reports and deliver presentations to stakeholders
• Advanced research and analytical skills around the concepts and principles of environmental sustainability and climate action
• Intermediate change management skills
• Intermediate people management and project management skills with the ability to lead a team towards a common goal.
• Basic ability to analyze and use environmental design processes to make recommendations
• Basic understanding and application of various software tools including MS Office, Adobe, and project management software

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of environmental sustainability and climate change issues and their impact on utility sectors
• Advanced knowledge of strategies or technologies used by utility sectors to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Intermediate knowledge of governmental regulations and policies relating to energy reporting, conservation, climate plans, sustainability, climate change mitigations and other current and developing climate related policies and disclosures including utility adaption and mitigation plans
• Intermediate knowledge of environmental science, environmental sustainability and best practices for environmental protection and performance measurement
• Intermediate knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety requirements as it relates to individuals, the organization, and operational requirements
• Basic knowledge of ISO 14000 standards or experience with the application of other international organizational series of standards (e.g., ISO 9000, ISO 55000)

Experience:

• Post-secondary education in Environmental Science, Planning, Engineering, Sustainability or Environmental Management or a combination of relevant knowledge and experience
• A minimum of five years’ experience leading programs, initiatives, research, or projects focused on the implementation, research and/or measuring performance related to environmental sustainability, energy, and/or climate action
• Experienced in managing, coaching, supervising, leading, providing guidance, and mentoring people or teams.
• Previous experience developing environmental sustainability programs is preferred
• One or more of the following, or related, professional qualifications/certifications/designations is preferred:
  • Environmental Professional
  • Professional Engineer
  • Professional Planner
  • Sustainability Excellence Associate/Professional
  • Certified Sustainability Professional
• Class G drivers’ license
• The candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions under the Human Rights Code will be considered.

Positions Supervised:

Conservation Officer

Energy Analyst 

Note: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties which may be assigned from time to time. 

To apply, please visit https://utilitieskingston.com/Corporate/Careers