Air Quality Planner (Energy Transition)

Position Status: Full-Time Temporary (This position to last not later than December 31, 2026)
Department: Parks & Environment
Employee Group: Teamsters Local 31
Location: 4515 Central Boulevard, Burnaby
Salary Range/ Wage Rate: PG T30 $3,946.90 - $4,674.08 bi-weekly
 
Our Parks & Environment Department is seeking an Air Quality Planner to support the organization in navigating rapidly evolving energy issues central to priority Big Moves in the Climate 2050 roadmaps and Clean Air Plan. Working closely with program managers and team members, this position will work collaboratively across departments and with external agencies, including other governments, utilities and member jurisdictions. They will develop policies, carry out spatial planning, and support advocacy efforts to accelerate the transition to clean and renewable energy in the region, including through energy demand reduction, addressing electrification challenges, and expanding the use of locally produced renewable energy (e.g., thermal energy, solar, renewable natural gas). 
 
You are: A planner experienced in climate policy and clean and renewable energy planning and a track record of building support for transformative climate action. You apply an innovative and collaborative mindset to drive change while building positive relationships internally and externally. With excellent communication skills, you engage stakeholders and convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences. Ideally, you have experience working with energy utilities and regulators, in-depth knowledge of renewable energy, familiarity with local government processes, and expertise in one or more Climate 2050 priorities such as transportation, buildings, industry, land use, and climate resilience. Initiative, strong organizational skills, and ability to deliver on time-sensitive assignments are essential.
 
This role:

• Develops, prepares, implements, and provides input on energy transition policy proposals and information documents on air quality, greenhouse gases, climate change impacts and energy planning, including opportunities for energy demand reduction, efficiency, electrification, and incorporation of local renewable energy sources such as thermal energy, solar, and renewable natural gas.
• Writes comprehensive reports; follows-up and processes the results of decisions from technical and political committees regarding policy proposals; reviews regional and municipal plans for compliance with policy objectives and provides input on strategic direction; reviews and comments on energy and climate policy documents from other levels of government and regulated entities.
• Develops strategies, plans and programs related to regional air quality, climate action, and energy to prevent or reduce emissions and, in conjunction with other staff, implements related projects; develops project scope, resources, timelines, milestones, deliverables and anticipated outcomes; acts in a liaison capacity between Metro Vancouver and other external parties to facilitate effective integration of projects; assesses and monitors program and project impact and makes recommendations for changes.
• Conducts and/or directs consultants engaged in technical research and analyses of policy proposals and programs specifically related to regional and local air quality, emission control, greenhouse gas reductions and climate change impacts and energy issues; prepares detailed reports and recommendations resulting from such studies.
• Liaises with various internal and external contacts such as utilities, government agencies, concerned with air quality, climate, and energy planning, issues and trends; designs and coordinates multi-stakeholder consultations; attends related internal and external meetings and participates in and/or chairs committees, task forces or working groups involving general public or other stakeholders; supports outreach and communication initiatives to build awareness; represents the department to provide technical and professional advice on policy, goals and objectives, and regulations as they relate to air quality, climate, and energy planning and related issues.
• Prepares requests for proposal, evaluates bids, recommends consultants; monitors contracts and ensures contractor compliance with project specifications.
• Coordinates, undertakes, or participates in the development, maintenance and operation of computer models; gathers air quality, emissions, and energy information including maps and spatial information on energy generation opportunities including waste heat and energy, prepares scenarios for use in energy and emission analysis and modeling and interprets results of same; develops and evaluates project specific computerized applications and programs for departmental use.
• Prepares and delivers presentations related to the work performed.
• Directs the work of consultants; may assign, check and coordinate the work of one or more technical and professional staff engaged in projects.
• Performs related work as required.

 
To be successful, you have:

• A Master’s degree in Resource or Environmental Management, Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related discipline and sound related experience OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Planning Institute of the Province of British Columbia.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to air quality, climate change, and energy planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the by-laws and legislation related to air quality, climate, and energy planning and applicable organizational and departmental objectives and regional policies, rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of air emissions control program design and administration related to the work performed.
• Considerable knowledge of modeling principles, practices, techniques and current technological developments in computer software related to the work performed.
• Considerable knowledge of current literature, trends and developments in fields related to the work.
• Ability to develop and prepare policy proposals, plans and programs to reduce or control air emissions and enhance air quality.
• Ability to perform research studies and analyses, to develop regional and local air quality and emission scenarios and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts and to represent the District on a variety of committees, tasks forces and working groups.
• Ability to perform professional planning work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to assign and supervise the work of one or more subordinates engaged in technical and professional project work and to direct the work of consultants.
• Driver's Licence for the Province of British Columbia.

 
Our Vision: 
Metro Vancouver embraces collaboration and innovation in providing sustainable regional services that contribute to a livable and resilient region and a healthy natural environment for current and future generations.
 
At Metro Vancouver, we are committed to cultivating a diverse, safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is reflective of the region we serve. If an accommodation is required during the recruitment and selection process, please contact [email protected] for support. Learn more about our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.
 
Please follow this link https://metrovancouver.org/about-us/careers to our Careers page where you can submit your application by July 9, 2024.

Organization: Metro Vancouver

Region: Lower Mainland

Posted: June 25, 2024, 8:41 am

Expires: July 9, 2024, 4:30 pm

Employment Type: Full Time
Employment Length: Temporary
Education Requirement: Master’s degree
Job Experience: Experience an asset
Rate: $3,946.90 to $4,674.08 Bi-Weekly