Environmental Initiatives Coordinator

• Classification: Permanent, Full-Time Non-Union
• Weekly Hours: 35 hours per week
• Number of Existing Vacancies: 1
• Closing Date: November 5, 2026

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Engineering or designate, the Environmental Initiatives Coordinator is responsible for the research, development, planning and implementation of the Town’s Climate Emergency Declaration and Action Plan. The Environmental Initiatives Coordinator focuses on mitigating the environmental impacts on the Town, its residents, visitors and businesses and oversees the completion of priorities while continuously engaging with the community and various stakeholders to ensure change.

The position researches and monitors funding opportunities and various environmental regulations, and coordinates the completion of grant applications, including reporting and monitoring, on climate change initiatives.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Works closely with various municipal departments to integrate climate change and environmental stewardship considerations into departmental operations and decision-making processes, including providing training and resources and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration on climate change initiatives.

Engages with community members, local businesses, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about climate change and promote participation in the municipality’s climate change initiatives, including organizing public consultations, workshops, and other outreach activities.

Monitors progress towards objectives set out in the climate change action plans and supports action implementation, including tracking greenhouse gas emissions, assessing the effectiveness of implemented actions, and identifying areas of improvement.

Monitors progress towards objectives set out in urban forest management, salt management and other environment-related plans and supports action implementation.

Assists in the development of policies, procedures and by-laws that support the Town’s climate change and environmental stewardship goals, including researching best practices, drafting policy proposals, contributing to the development of sustainable purchasing procedures, and providing advice to municipal leadership.

Conducts research and analysis (e.g., jurisdictional scans, GHG inventories, waste audits, vulnerability assessments) for the purpose of implementing municipal climate action initiatives.

Monitors changes in legislation, governmental policies, procedures, standards and industry best practices and provides recommendations regarding changes to internal practices that may be required.

Provides support on Department’s infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with various environmental regulations, such as Species at Risk Act, Excess Soils Regulations, and the Environmental Compliance Approval for the Municipal Stormwater Management System

Collaborates with the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) and in accordance with the Town’s Emergency Plan and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA), identifies areas to educate the public on climate change risks, adaptation and mitigation practices and carries out community emergency preparedness initiatives.

Tracks extreme weather events, related damage and costs across all Departments. Researches and applies for grants related to climate change adaption and mitigation initiatives.

Coordinates, designs, and maintains accurate and reliable applications for GIS, Asset Management (AM) and other databases.

Performs manipulation to spatial attribute data for the purpose of map generation. Prepares, prints, and distributes maps and plans for internal and external use.

Liaises/coordinates with other departments and local municipalities on GIS, AM, and other asset database management.

Works directly with the Town’s inventory of assets and GIS databases including confidential information and material.

Interprets information from external sources, so that it will be represented appropriately in the Town’s GIS databases.

Assists in regularly reviewing, assessing, and reporting on Branch objectives and performance and devises and recommends strategies for performance enhancement.

Attends and participates in Committees, Council, and other meetings as necessary, assists in the preparation and presentation of reports and recommendations, formal presentations, and responds to questions and inquiries as required.

Collaborates with other Departments, liaises, and communicates with external stakeholders, including other governments, agencies, residents, and elected officials, and responds to inquiries to advance the business of the Town.

Implements, supports, and promotes a collaborative internal and external customer service focused environment.

Demonstrates a commitment to professional development and maintains relevant professional association memberships.

Follows all Town policies and procedures and ensures all health and safety regulations are upheld.

Provides backup assistance to other staff in the Department, as required.

Maintains files in accordance with the Town’s Records Management By-law, Policies and Procedures and the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).

Works in a respectful, friendly, and courteous manner and communicates effectively with co-workers, supervisors, elected officials, and the general public.

Maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous learning, modeling inclusive behaviours, and proactively managing bias.

Undertakes special projects and perform other duties as assigned in accordance with departmental or corporate objectives.

Qualifications Required

Post secondary degree or diploma from an accredited university or college in Environmental Science/Studies, Engineering, Energy Management, Climate Change, Civil Construction or equivalent.

Minimum five (5) years of progressive, related experience in environmental studies and/or community-based climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Certified member in good standing with PEO or OACETT. Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP), Project Management Professional (PMP), an asset.

Demonstrated experience in full cycle project management process and climate change issues and sustainable development within the context of municipal government.

Strong working knowledge of renewable energy systems such as wind, solar, hydro electric, biogas, biomass, and heat pump technologies and of sustainable, efficient and adaptive building construction techniques and materials.

Knowledge of sustainable fleet technology and industry best practices.

Experience assisting or developing and implementing procedures, policies, standards, or by-laws.

Knowledge and working experience with the Green Energy Act, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Federal and Provincial climate change policies and legislation, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and WHMIS 2015.

Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with the public, department officials and other members of staff. Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements at all times.

Excellent written and verbal communication, administrative, customer service, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, research and report writing, and time and project management skills.

Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle competing priorities, and to complete assignments within timelines, working either independently or within a team.

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint. Experience with databases, GeoHub, MapInfo, AutoCad, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping Software such as Esri Suite, is an asset.

Knowledge of database and application management including GIS principles in an Enterprise GeoDatabase environment for use with municipal engineering and public works infrastructure, is an asset.

Ability to provide a current and acceptable criminal record check.

Possess the physical ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

A valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s License in good standing with a current acceptable Driver’s Abstract and a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business. Ability to travel throughout the Muskoka Region, and possibly broader, for work related matters.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Extended periods of sitting, computer usage, driving, walking, climbing, including in rough terrain, bending, lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Conditions vary from an indoor office environment to exposure to inclement weather conditions, both hot and cold, rain, wind, dust, near open bodies of water, and public criticism.
• Ability to work schedule and shifts as stated. Work outside normal working hours may be required occasionally.