Job Details

City of Portland - Sustainability Associate

Position Number: 7076414
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

City of Portland - Sustainability Associate

About the City of Portland Sustainability Office:

The Sustainability Office has a mandate to develop and implement policies and programs to make Portland a vibrant, environmentally friendly community, now and in the future. Our office implements projects and programs that advance the goals outlined in the One Climate Future climate action plan and collaborates with other City departments to help them achieve the City's decarbonization and resilience goals.

Job Summary:

We seek a dynamic individual to join our team; someone with excellent communication skills and who wants to help the City of Portland achieve carbon neutrality and thrive in a clean energy future.

The Sustainability Associate supports the Sustainability Office's mandate to collaborate with all City departments to increase the efficiency of City operations, seek innovative approaches to improve municipal services, and conserve natural and financial resources. This role will develop and implement sustainability programs, ensure compliance with City ordinances, and promote sustainable practices.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Assists with the development, implementation, and management of sustainability programs and policies for City staff and the public.
Identifies grants, assists in writing and developing applications, and helps administer grant funding to support sustainability programs and initiatives.
Completes future municipal and community-wide greenhouse gas inventories.
Assists with the development of outreach materials including talking points, press releases, and other digital and written materials for communicating sustainability programs to City staff and the public.
Assists with reporting on City sustainability practices, policies, and ordinances, end-of-year reporting, and annual commercial pesticide applicator reporting.
Represents the City at relevant events, meetings, speaking engagements, and other outreach opportunities regarding sustainability issues.
Coordinates community engagement and outreach including: several major annual events, volunteer opportunities, a monthly webinar series, and presentations to local students/schools, professional groups, and community members.
Maintains the City of Portland website sections, the One Climate Future website, and the Sustainability Office social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Serves as the primary point of contact for utility management.
Administers elements of the Sustainable Neighborhoods program by facilitating the lending and return of block party and clean-up kits, recruiting volunteers for community resilience projects, creating and distributing educational materials, and administering the neighborhood microgrant program.
Provides administrative support to the Sustainability & Transportation Council Committee and the Landcare Management Advisory Committee and other boards and committees as required.

Required Skills & Experience: The ideal candidate will be a flexible thinker and have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Management, English, Journalism, or a related field.

Ability to research, analyze and synthesize complex information, develop and present grant proposals, and design compelling outreach.
Knowledge of sustainability principles, climate change, and general energy issues.
Experience with or knowledge of Windows/Microsoft Office platform and software pertaining to the development of outreach and educational materials.
Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to respond courteously, tactfully and effectively to public concerns and complaints, and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders and employees at all levels.
Results-oriented, proven performer with the ability to apply contemporary tools and outreach solutions to attain desired results.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to assume responsibility for completion of work.
Ability to research, prepare and present reports.
An understanding of the principles of effective outreach & engagement.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Experience with public engagement and familiarity with social media is desirable.
The ability to learn about and work on a wide range of issues – from energy efficiency to organic land care – is essential.
Able to work productively and cooperatively with supervisors, co-workers, assigned committees, and the general public.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Must possess a valid Class C Driver's License
Must have and maintain a good driving record

Expected Hours/Schedule:

This is a full-time position, typically working a standard 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm. Availability to work on weekends and outside of standard working hours for meetings, events, or other operational demands is required.

Applications accepted until April 29, 2026.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

The selected candidate will start work after July 1, 2026

Salary & Benefits:

This is a Non-union position, Band B25, with a salary range starting at $57,681 annually.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:

Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
Thirteen paid holidays
Sick, vacation, and personal leave
Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
Use of City recreation facilities
Fitness Reimbursement
Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=301&sreq=6&form=1000&desc=SUSTAINABILITY%20ASSOCIATE