Job Description
Full job description
Requisition ID: 42133
Organization
Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.
Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
Main Purpose and Function
The Senior Sustainability Specialist is responsible for leading complex projects that support implementation of the City’s Climate Adaptation Strategy and Climate Emergency Action Plan. They also are responsible for managing and mentoring junior professional staff. The Specialist is a senior member of the Sustainability team and reports to the Manager of Climate Adaptation and Equity.
Specific Duties/Responsibilities
Plays a lead role in the development and implementation of the City’s Climate Adaptation Strategy.
Facilitates inter-departmental cooperation, builds strategic external partnerships, and mobilizes support to ensure the implementation of components of the City’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Climate Emergency Action Plan.
Leads complex projects to develop new policies, regulations, programs, or other new initiatives to advance the Sustainability Group’s mission, and on behalf of other internal departments.
Develops business cases and in-depth policies
Conducts best practice research and analysis
Designs and implements stakeholder and public engagement processes,
Advances decolonization and equity,
Fosters strategic relationships
Manages consultant teams and contracts
Performs other duties/responsibilities as required
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Education and Experience:
University graduation, preferably with a post-graduate degree in planning, environmental science, engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of two years professional experience in the sustainability field, preferably supplemented by supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.
Considerable sustainability-related professional experience in project management, developing and implementing complex and innovative public engagement initiatives, and leading high-level multi-stakeholder processes is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of climate change adaptation, particularly with knowledge of local climate projections and adaptation priorities
Considerable knowledge of government structure and the authority/regulatory tools available to different levels of government
Knowledge of coastal adaptation best practices would be asset, as well as practices to mitigate extreme heat and poor air quality. Good knowledge of sources of information and external resources.
Experience with communications, stakeholder engagement, and public engagement
Good knowledge of decolonization and operationalizing equity
Ability to manage or coaching other staff
Ability to communicate ideas and make recommendations to governmental officials.
Ability to organize and co-ordinate projects
Public speaking experience is considered an asset
Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.
Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: October 2026
Position End Date: November 15, 2026
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $56.27 to $66.55 per hour
Application Close: September 11, 2026
At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Apply now
Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.
In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
Requisition ID: 42133
Organization
Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.
Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
Main Purpose and Function
The Senior Sustainability Specialist is responsible for leading complex projects that support implementation of the City’s Climate Adaptation Strategy and Climate Emergency Action Plan. They also are responsible for managing and mentoring junior professional staff. The Specialist is a senior member of the Sustainability team and reports to the Manager of Climate Adaptation and Equity.
Specific Duties/Responsibilities
Plays a lead role in the development and implementation of the City’s Climate Adaptation Strategy.
Facilitates inter-departmental cooperation, builds strategic external partnerships, and mobilizes support to ensure the implementation of components of the City’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Climate Emergency Action Plan.
Leads complex projects to develop new policies, regulations, programs, or other new initiatives to advance the Sustainability Group’s mission, and on behalf of other internal departments.
Develops business cases and in-depth policies
Conducts best practice research and analysis
Designs and implements stakeholder and public engagement processes,
Advances decolonization and equity,
Fosters strategic relationships
Manages consultant teams and contracts
Performs other duties/responsibilities as required
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Education and Experience:
University graduation, preferably with a post-graduate degree in planning, environmental science, engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of two years professional experience in the sustainability field, preferably supplemented by supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.
Considerable sustainability-related professional experience in project management, developing and implementing complex and innovative public engagement initiatives, and leading high-level multi-stakeholder processes is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of climate change adaptation, particularly with knowledge of local climate projections and adaptation priorities
Considerable knowledge of government structure and the authority/regulatory tools available to different levels of government
Knowledge of coastal adaptation best practices would be asset, as well as practices to mitigate extreme heat and poor air quality. Good knowledge of sources of information and external resources.
Experience with communications, stakeholder engagement, and public engagement
Good knowledge of decolonization and operationalizing equity
Ability to manage or coaching other staff
Ability to communicate ideas and make recommendations to governmental officials.
Ability to organize and co-ordinate projects
Public speaking experience is considered an asset
Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.
Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: October 2026
Position End Date: November 15, 2026
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $56.27 to $66.55 per hour
Application Close: September 11, 2026
At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Apply now
Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.
In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Planner position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Vancouver offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
