Cook County Government
Sustainability Outreach And Engagement Specialist (dept. Of Environment And Sust
Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
SUSTAINABILITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST (DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY)
Requisition ID: 00137829
Job Posting: Oct 16, 2025, 5:32:48 PM
Closing Date: Nov 7, 2025, 5:59:00 AM
Full-time – Shift Start Time: 8:30 A.M. Shift End Time: 4:30 P.M.
Organization: Offices Under the President
Work Location: County Building, 118 N. Clark
Job Summary
Conduct community outreach and engagement efforts to support bureau/department programs and initiatives. Provide sustainability and environmental education to further the bureau's/department's energy, waste reduction, waste management, climate mitigation and adaptation, and other environmental goals. Develop strategies, systems, and processes for strategic engagement and targeted outreach efforts. Establish and manage strong strategic relationships and build the capacity of other stakeholders. Assist in the review and recommendations for program policies. Assist in the preparation of grant applications. Support and develop environmental sustainability initiatives that align with the County's sustainability programs and goals. Develop approved educational materials and presentations. Work with Communications team to share bureau/department news on website and social media. Consult other staff and leadership for more complex issues and challenges.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher
AND
Two (2) years in community outreach, education, communications, energy or environmental programs/policy or directly related experience.
OR
an equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required.
Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance is required.
This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. Candidates who are selected to fill safety-sensitive positions must pass a required drug test as part of the pre-employment background check process.
All required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, etc.) must be provided within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction initiatives, climate mitigation and adaptation and other environmental issues and programs.
Skill in communicating to and directly educating consumers regarding the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction, climate mitigation and adaptation, and other beneficial environmental programs.
Skill in evaluating program effectiveness and implementing modifications.
Skill in problem solving and data management.
Ability to work both evening and weekend hours as needed.
Ability to travel.
Ability to provide moderate-level insight, advice and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts in an assigned functional area.
Ability to operate as a team player and communicate specialized knowledge to team members, managers, and external stakeholders.
Knowledge of moderately complex principles and practices for a specialized area of focus.
Physical Requirements
Light Work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The job is rated Light Work when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree, sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling, or working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight is negligible.
Veteran’s Preference
When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must identify themselves as a veteran on their application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?” and attach a copy of their DD‑214, DD‑215, or NGB 22 at the time of application. Veterans can obtain a certified DD‑214 from the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs.
Benefits Package
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
You may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
The County has a hybrid work environment that allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.
Successful completion of post‑offer tests, including background check, drug screen and medical examination, is required.
Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s ineligible for rehire list for two or five years.
EEO Statement
Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to protected categories as defined by law.
NOTE : As an internal candidate, if offered, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.
* must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
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Job Posting: Oct 16, 2025, 5:32:48 PM
Closing Date: Nov 7, 2025, 5:59:00 AM
Full-time – Shift Start Time: 8:30 A.M. Shift End Time: 4:30 P.M.
Organization: Offices Under the President
Work Location: County Building, 118 N. Clark
Job Summary
Conduct community outreach and engagement efforts to support bureau/department programs and initiatives. Provide sustainability and environmental education to further the bureau's/department's energy, waste reduction, waste management, climate mitigation and adaptation, and other environmental goals. Develop strategies, systems, and processes for strategic engagement and targeted outreach efforts. Establish and manage strong strategic relationships and build the capacity of other stakeholders. Assist in the review and recommendations for program policies. Assist in the preparation of grant applications. Support and develop environmental sustainability initiatives that align with the County's sustainability programs and goals. Develop approved educational materials and presentations. Work with Communications team to share bureau/department news on website and social media. Consult other staff and leadership for more complex issues and challenges.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher
AND
Two (2) years in community outreach, education, communications, energy or environmental programs/policy or directly related experience.
OR
an equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required.
Valid driver's license and proof of automobile insurance is required.
This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. Candidates who are selected to fill safety-sensitive positions must pass a required drug test as part of the pre-employment background check process.
All required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, etc.) must be provided within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Knowledge of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction initiatives, climate mitigation and adaptation and other environmental issues and programs.
Skill in communicating to and directly educating consumers regarding the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction, climate mitigation and adaptation, and other beneficial environmental programs.
Skill in evaluating program effectiveness and implementing modifications.
Skill in problem solving and data management.
Ability to work both evening and weekend hours as needed.
Ability to travel.
Ability to provide moderate-level insight, advice and expertise to other professionals, management, and external contacts in an assigned functional area.
Ability to operate as a team player and communicate specialized knowledge to team members, managers, and external stakeholders.
Knowledge of moderately complex principles and practices for a specialized area of focus.
Physical Requirements
Light Work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The job is rated Light Work when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree, sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling, or working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight is negligible.
Veteran’s Preference
When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must identify themselves as a veteran on their application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?” and attach a copy of their DD‑214, DD‑215, or NGB 22 at the time of application. Veterans can obtain a certified DD‑214 from the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs.
Benefits Package
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
You may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
The County has a hybrid work environment that allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.
Successful completion of post‑offer tests, including background check, drug screen and medical examination, is required.
Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s ineligible for rehire list for two or five years.
EEO Statement
Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to protected categories as defined by law.
NOTE : As an internal candidate, if offered, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.
* must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
#J-18808-Ljbffr