Green Jobs Specialist

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) supports Cambridge youth and adults in achieving their employment and career goals by offering a variety of programs to increase residents’ employability. As the city and state work to address the impacts of climate change on infrastructure, transportation, buildings and communities, new industries and occupations are emerging. To ensure that residents are aware of and have access to these opportunities, OWD is looking for a skilled communicator and connector who brings passion to both critical aspects of the role - employer outreach/partnership development and direct service to residents. The Specialist will work with residents interested in accessing employment in these sectors and connect them with businesses or education and training providers if they need additional skills. The Specialist will develop partnerships with industry leaders, utility companies and others to create pathways for residents to achieve gainful employment in clean energy and other sectors expected to grow in the coming years.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Work with colleagues from the Office of Sustainability, the Community Development Department, the Department of Public Works and other City departments to implement the elements of the Green Jobs Ordinance.
• Provide career counseling to residents looking for employment assistance who have an interest in Green careers or additional training, and support their successful entrance into related jobs or skills training.
• Provide ongoing support to residents enrolled in training to ensure successful completion.
• Develop strategies to increase awareness and excitement for green pathways among teens, young adults and adults to build a stronger pipeline for jobs in the Green Economy.
• Identify local and regional employers in related sectors and cultivate relationships that benefit Cambridge residents.
• Establish partnerships with education and training providers to facilitate pathways for Cambridge youth and adults.
• Collect and organize information about employers, career pathways, and education programs to inform residents and program staff.
• Participate in the creation of an annual report to the City Council on the state of the sector and efforts to connect residents.
• Educate school and community-based program staff to help them better support the residents they work with to access these opportunities.
• Actively engage in and support the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in workforce development in the areas of career counseling, case management, employer outreach, or skills training

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of emerging occupations and industries considered to be within the Green Economy: HVAC, energy efficiency, green forestry, etc.
• Demonstrated skill engaging employers in workforce development efforts.
• Demonstrated skill in effectively engaging residents who are low income, immigrant, Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) who may be disconnected from workforce development services
• Ability to work collaboratively with business, higher education, city, public school, and community partners.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint; and Calendly.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must have sufficient mobility to travel between sites and to local meetings. Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer, answer telephones and maintain multiple files. May require minimal lifting of up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Standard office environment with fluorescent lighting, carpeted floors and air conditioning.
• This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs. ‘