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Sustainability Coordinator

City of Penticton • Canada • Added on Aug 7, 2026
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This role involves executing the day-to-day tactical work required to advance Penticton’s climate goals. You will track greenhouse gas emissions, monitor program budgets, and coordinate with various city departments to ensure carbon-reduction projects stay on schedule. Much of the work focuses on transforming high-level strategies into operational realities through data management and reporting.

Joining this team means directly influencing a mid-sized city’s path toward net-zero emissions. By implementing the Community Climate Action Plan, you help protect the natural beauty of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, ensuring that local infrastructure and services remain resilient against environmental shifts. It is a rare chance to see the immediate local impact of sustainability policies on a community’s quality of life.

This suits someone who enjoys a mix of technical data analysis and public-facing advocacy. You should be comfortable translating complex climate legislation into actionable steps for stakeholders and possess the organizational skills to manage multiple municipal projects simultaneously.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The Sustainability Coordinator is tasked with the practical execution of the Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan. This includes the technical tracking of fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across city assets, ensuring that data is accurate for official reporting cycles. You will be the primary engine behind the 'Big Move' actions, moving strategic climate goals from paper to practice. Beyond data, you will manage budgets for environmental programs and seek out external funding opportunities through grants and partnerships. A significant portion of the role involves stakeholder engagement, where you will facilitate workshops and attend community events to raise awareness and gather input on sustainability policies.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep exposure to municipal governance and the legislative frameworks that govern climate action in British Columbia. This role offers a front-row seat to the complexities of the Climate Action Charter, providing valuable experience in how local governments navigate provincial and federal environmental mandates. Technical skills in GHG accounting and energy management software will be sharpened through hands-on tracking and reporting. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the role provides opportunities to learn about sustainable urban planning, waste management, and green infrastructure from seasoned specialists across various city departments.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, or Energy Management, paired with at least two years of relevant field experience. You should be analytically minded with a knack for data, yet possess the soft skills required to lead public consultations and present to diverse audiences. Familiarity with local government policy development is a distinct advantage. We are looking for a profile that combines project management discipline with behavioral change expertise. Since the role involves navigating conflicting priorities and tight timelines, resilience and independent judgment are key attributes for success in this municipal environment.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, highlight specific examples where you have successfully navigated stakeholder resistance or facilitated community engagement on environmental topics. The city values 'service excellence,' so demonstrating a resident-centric approach in your past projects will resonate well with the hiring team. Tailor your resume to show your technical proficiency in energy reporting and budget monitoring. If you have experience securing government grants or managing utility partnerships, ensure these achievements are front and center, as they directly address the city's need for funding sustainability initiatives.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is primarily centered on climate change mitigation through energy efficiency and emission reductions. You will focus on the 'Big Move' actions, which likely target building retrofits, sustainable transportation, and corporate fleet management. There is also a strong emphasis on community-wide resilience, ensuring the local economy and infrastructure can withstand environmental shifts. Social sustainability is also a factor, as the role involves making climate action accessible and engaging for all residents. By improving community well-being and maintaining the city’s natural assets, the role supports Penticton’s reputation as one of Canada’s most livable cities.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary hurdles will be managing conflicting priorities within a municipal framework where budgets are public and timelines are often rigid. You may encounter resistance to new sustainability policies from industry stakeholders or the public, requiring high levels of patience and persuasive communication. Additionally, the temporary nature of the 12-month contract means you must hit the ground running to make a measurable impact on the Climate Action Plan. Balancing technical data entry with the need for high-visibility community engagement can also be a demanding aspect of the daily workflow.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical morning might involve analyzing energy consumption data from city facilities to prepare a progress report for the Sustainability Supervisor. Midday could be spent in a cross-departmental meeting with planners or public works staff to coordinate the implementation of a new waste reduction strategy or electric vehicle charging project. Afternoons are often dedicated to external engagement, such as preparing a funding application for a provincial grant or designing materials for an upcoming community workshop. The day might conclude with responding to inquiries from residents or industry partners regarding local climate policies and bylaws.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

While this is a temporary 12-month position, it offers the possibility of extension and serves as an excellent stepping stone into permanent municipal leadership. Success in this role demonstrates a candidate's ability to handle the complexities of public sector sustainability, which is highly valued across all levels of government. You will build a professional network that includes provincial agencies, utility providers, and environmental consultants. Taking ownership of 'Big Move' actions provides high visibility, potentially leading to specialized roles in energy management or climate policy planning in the future.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include the Sustainability Supervisor, who provides direct oversight, and colleagues in Planning, Public Works, and Finance who collaborate on infrastructure projects. You will also interact with city leadership to provide updates on Climate Action Charter commitments. External stakeholders range from utility companies and government agencies to local residents and business owners. Building strong relationships with industry partners and community volunteers is essential for the successful delivery of workshops and the implementation of city-wide sustainability programs.

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