Salary: $47,174.40 Annually
Location : San Antonio, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2016-01984
Department: Construction Services
Opening Date: 07/20/2023
Closing Date: 8/3/2023 5:00 PM Central
Description
The Sustainability Specialist, under the direction of the Sustainability Program Manager, performs professional and administrative work in a variety of areas of sustainable and green programs. This includes, but is not limited to; researching funding and grant opportunities, drafting grant proposals, staff and resident training, coordinating with various agencies, and networking to form collaborative partnerships for green spaces and other sustainability initiatives of both small and large scale for Opportunity Home in its efforts to promote sustainable housing and improve the quality of life of its residents.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Research and development of funding opportunities for sustainable building and modernization.
- Work to initiate internal and external green programs.
- Examine building plans for input regarding green building measures.
- Maintain Opportunity Home’s Energy Star Portfolio for the Better Buildings Challenge, the SA2030 District, and the future San Antonio Benchmarking Policies
- Assist the Sustainability Manager with any Energy Performance Contracts, Measurement and Verification audits and reports, and five year HUD Energy Audits
- Research and write grants for potential sustainable projects, to include solar, pollinator gardens, urban farming, etc.
- Assist in maintaining, and bring new ideas into the Garcia Street Urban Farm.
- Build community gardens and find funding to maintain gardens
- Building inspections and testing for Indoor Air Quality, Home Energy Rating System (HERS) ratings, and Green Certification compliance
- General administrative tasks and other duties as assigned.
Behavioral Competencies:
This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:
Leadership: Provides direction to people and/or projects by clearly and effectively setting course of action for the department, staff, and tasks; manages the planning, execution, and achievement of department goals by providing regular communication to staff and stakeholders
Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition
Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers
Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and convey understanding of, the comments and questions of others; and listens effectively. Demonstrates the ability to develop audiovisual presentations to both internal and external audiences.
Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one’s own work; and does fair share of work
Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed; attends, supports, and participates in all team building exercises and events
Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Seeks the continuous improvement of technological business processes and services; explores out-of-the-box methods and is open to experimenting with new ideas; uses data, knowledge, and strategic decision-making to generate new and innovative solutions
Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Minimum of aBachelor’s in Sustainability, Architecture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, Environmental Studies, Public Policy and Administration, or equivalent
Preferred Education:
Certified HERS Rater, Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Knowledge using AutoCAD, Enviro-Tech, Sketch-up, or RemRate, Data entry experience preferred
License and Certifications:
- Texas Class “C” driver’s license at the time of placement and be insurable by the Housing Authority’s liability and fleet insurance carrier.
- Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks.
Technical Skills:
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting; standing; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to communicate via email and verbally via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
High level of interaction with external/internal clients
May be required to work at different properties or sites for interim periods to support business needs
Outside environment
Subject to environmental elements when conducting visits to various sites or participating in outside events.
ADA STATEMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the San Antonio Housing Authority will make reasonable accommodation to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities, if it would not impose an “undue hardship” on the operation of the employer’s business.
ETHICS
As a public agency, SAHA is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism and honesty, to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy and responsiveness.
DISCLAIMER
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
This position specification is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this position specification at any time, without notice.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
INSURANCE PLANS
HEALTH INSURANCE – BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD HEALTH PLAN
This is a voluntary benefit for the employees. Employees can choose from two PPO medical plans (750 & 1000). Opportunity Home contributes between 78-85% of the cost. This is effective on the 1st day of the month following the date of hire.
DENTAL INSURANCE – BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD DENTAL PLAN (BLUECARE DENTAL)
This is a voluntary benefit for employees. Opportunity Home contributes 50% of the cost. This is effective on the 1st day of the month following the date of hire.
VISION INSURANCE – AVESIS
This is a voluntary benefit for employees. Opportunity Home contributes one third of the cost. This is effective on the 1st day of the month following the date of hire.
LIFE INSURANCE – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)
Life insurance is furnished at no cost to the employee for the amount of one time the employee’s annual salary rounded to the next thousand. Employees have the option to purchase additional life insurance at their own cost. This benefit is effective immediately. If additional life insurance is not elected during the first 30 days of employment, enrollment will be subject to the completion of an Evidence of Insurability form.
LONG TERM DISABILITY – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)
Long term disability is furnished at no cost to the employee. The employee will be eligible to receive a weekly benefit of 66.67% of their basic weekly income. This is effective following 90 days of employment.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)
Short term disability is furnished at no cost to the employee. The employee will be eligible to receive a weekly benefit of 66.67% of their basic weekly income. This is effective following 90 days of employment.
VOLUNTARY ACCIDENT INSURANCE – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)
This is a voluntary benefit for employees. This benefit pays for treatments, services, or injuries incurred, as a result of a covered accident.
VOLUNTARY CRITICAL ILLNESS – (BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS)
This is a voluntary benefit for employees. This benefit helps cover unplanned expenses when recovering from a critical illness.
LEGAL SERVICES – METLAW LEGAL SERVICES
This is a voluntary benefit for employees. This program offers employees convenient access to affordable legal services such as preparation of Wills/Trusts; Debt Matters; Consumer Protection; Real Estate Matters; Document Preparation and Review, plus various other services.
RETIREMENT PLANS
OPPORTUNITY HOME PENSION PLAN
This is a mandatory benefit. All employees are required to participate in the pension plan following one year of employment. Opportunity Home contributes 11% and the employee contributes 5% of the gross wages each payroll. This is effective the quarter (January, April, July, or October) following the employee’s one year anniversary.
457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN – (MISSION SQUARE)
This is a voluntary benefit. This is effective immediately upon receipt of an enrollment application. Minimum contribution is $10 per pay period. Maximum contribution is subject to IRS laws.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS – MCGRIFF INSURANCE SERVICES
This is a voluntary benefit. Medical reimbursement and Dependent Care reimbursement accounts allow the employee to save money from their paycheck on a pre-tax basis. The amount that the employee elects to contribute is not subject to federal income tax, social security or medicare.
FMLA / ADA ADMINISTRATION – ABSENCE MANAGEMENT (COMPSYCH)
This program provides employee leave administration services. Provides direct online tools and resources to employees. Employees/Supervisors deal directly with Intake Specialists who can answer questions, provide consultation, eligibility and guidance.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Opportunity Home contributes 100% for six weeks of paid parental leave.
PTO DONATION
This is a voluntary program. All eligible employees will be allowed to donate PTO from their unused balance to their co-workers in need of PTO who have a major family medical emergency or a major disaster. Employees who would like to receive donated personal time from their co-workers must generally have a situation that meets the guidelines. Employees must be employed with Opportunity Home for a minimum of one year to be eligible to donate and/or receive donated personal time.
LIVONGO DIABETES MANAGEMENT (BCBS)
Opportunity Home contributes 100% for this program. Employees and dependents covered under BCBS Medical insurance are eligible for this program. The program provides escalated treatment options to minimize and delay the ongoing progression of this disease. Features include real time messaging on a connected blood glucose meter; certified diabetes educators; interventions when readings are out of range; test strips and lancets at no extra cost, delivery at your door.
SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM (BCBS)
Opportunity Home contributes 100% for this program. Employees and dependents covered under BCBS Medical insurance are eligible for this program. The program provides assistance with methods to learn how to quit smoking. Features include telephonic coaching via secure messaging; digital self-management with weekly online lessons; qualified staff, i.e. registered and licensed nurses, dietitians, exercise specialists, health educators and mental health counselors.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – LOGICAL MANAGEMENT
Opportunity Home contributes 100% for six counseling sessions per year and is available to both employees and their family members. This is effective immediately upon employment.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
This benefit is effective after six months of employment.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Opportunity Home sells discounted tickets to Santikos Theaters and Fiesta Texas(during the summer months).
GYM REIMBURSEMENT/WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Opportunity Home will reimburse up to $50 per month for an employee’s membership in a gym or nationally recognized weight loss program.
HOLIDAYS
Opportunity Home furnishes employees with 13 paid holidays annually.
Martin Luther King Day – January
President’s Day – February
Battle of Flowers Day – April
Memorial Day – May
Juneteenth – June
4th of July – July
Labor Day – September
Indigenous People’s Day – October
Veteran’s Day – November
Thanksgiving – November
Friday after Thanksgiving – November
Christmas Eve Day – December
Christmas Day – December
PAID TIME OFF (PTO)
Years of service Time earned
0-3 years* 3 weeks, 4.62 hours accrued per pay period
Over 3 years 4 weeks, 6.15 hours accrued per pay period
Over 9 years 5 weeks, 7.69 hours accrued per pay period
Maximum of 440 hours of PTO can be held at any time. Once the maximum amount is reached, PTO will stop accruing until some PTO has been used.
01
Do you at least have a Bachelor’s in Sustainability, Architecture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development, Environmental Studies, Public Policy and Administration, or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
Required Question